It is one of seven new-build frameworks under DIO’s next generation estate contracts programme and will be used for the design and build of MOD construction projects individually valued up to £12m.

The firms will now be invited to submit tenders ahead of appointing four or five contractors by summer 2014.

Successful firms will share a spend of £100m-£250m over the next four years, with the potential to extend for up to three years.

Jon Wooden, the frameworks project manager, said: “The competition was strong and the bidders faced a rigorous evaluation process to be able to go forward to the tender stage.

“The shortlisted bidders will now have one final opportunity to compete for the right to be included on our Scotland capital works framework, and the chance to deliver future design and build projects across the defence estate in Scotland.”

As part of this process tenderers will be evaluated on a range of commercial and technical matters, ranging from supply chain management to issues relating to the Government Construction Strategy.

They will also be provided with an example of a construction project the MOD may require to be delivered through the Framework, and tenderers will also be evaluated on their approach to its delivery.

The tenderers have been invited to attend a conference in Glasgow on 17 December in order for delegates to be briefed on the tendering process as well as on a range of MoD and other statutory requirements associated with capital works projects.

Projects valued up to £50m will be procured through the national capital works framework, which will operate alongside the regional panels.

The Next Generation Estate Contracts Framework procurement process offers an opportunity for small and medium sized to identify potential supply chain and subcontracting opportunities through the “Bidders Directory” which will soon be published on the NGEC website.

Wooden added: “We positively encourage smaller suppliers and subcontractors to approach shortlisted bidders about their products and services by accessing the bidders’ directory online.”