The new enlarged format puts net zero carbon construction and work for local SMEs at the heart of delivery of an estimated £4bn pipeline over four years.

Following a period of extensive market engagement, involving more than 170 contractors, firms will have until 25 March to answer the PQQ.

Running for a period of four years from 2023, with an option to be extended for a further two years until 2029, the new generation follows the success of the existing frameworks which have commissioned more than 250 projects to date for public sector clients across the UK.

Scape’s existing two frameworks were both secured by Balfour Beatty.

The fully-managed frameworks include a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland.

SMEs will sit at the heart of the new frameworks, with the single successful principal contractor for each expected to engage with an extensive supply chain of local businesses.

The framework has been designed to facilitate better access for small companies to major public sector contracts they might otherwise not have been able to bid for, while also allowing public organisations to procure local specialists.

John Simons, group procurement director at SCAPE, said: “Ultimately, the expansion of our civil engineering frameworks has been designed to offer greater certainty for contractors and to drive better outcomes for communities across the UK.

“This includes our termed service agreement option, which places a stronger emphasis on the long-term relationship between clients and supply chain partners allowing them to forge successful partnerships that will see them shine in years to come.”

The new civil engineering frameworks have been developed following engagement with local authorities and industry body the Civil Engineering Contractors Association.