Major players in the construction industry are gearing up for the first big regional prime contracts to be let by Defence Estates.
Skanska, Amec and Balfour Beatty–Babcock International are expected to bid for the one-stop shop prime contract in Scotland, worth about £400m. Serco and Amey are believed to be preparing to throw their hats into the ring.

But Laing said it would not bid for the deal. A spokesperson said it would be interested in other one-stop shop contracts but the company felt that it lacked sufficient facilities management resources for this one. The spokesperson added that the decision had nothing to do with plans to sell the construction arm.

The Scottish contract, which is due to be advertised in the European Journal this week, comprises the management of 400 sites for seven years, with an option to increase the lease to 10 years.

It is the first of the regional one-stop shop deals to manage the repair and maintenance facilities and small capital works of Defence Estates' £14bn portfolio.

The second of the one-stop shops is likely to be advertised in the next nine months, with Defence Estates expected to split the country into six or seven regional contracts. Final details of the contracts are set to be announced in March.

The winner of the Scottish contract will be appointed next year.