ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV

The search for contractors to put on a new Â£30bn mega framework has begun.

The Cabinet Office, through its buying arm the Crown Commercial Service, is looking for firms to fill 38 lots in 11 lot groups for the provision of construction, maintenance and demolition work across all government departments and public bodies.

The bodies will include local authorities, NHS trusts, schools, emergency services, housing associations, charities, nuclear organisations and devolved administrations.

The first six lot groups are for general construction works between five different price ranges.

Five further lot groups are for residential, high-rise residential, maritime, airfields, demolition and construction management.

The framework includes provisions on prompt payment and project bank accounts and will last four years with the option of extending it for another three. 

Companies have until 15 March to , with almost 500 firms set to be asked to bid for a spot.

Bids will be marked solely on quality and price, with a weighting of 3:1 respectively.

ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV understands the government initially planned to invite around 430 bidders but increased numbers under pressure from clients to broaden the range of suppliers.

The government is also understood to be looking to get SMEs on the framework.