Uncertainty surrounds the future of jobs at RAF Alconbury after the Ministry of Defence confirmed it was privatising the maintenance of building and facilities.

A five-year contract worth £350million covering at least eight air bases used by American forces will be put out to tender to provide services such as pest control, maintenance of housing, and a rubbish collection service.

The Hunts Post reported in May last year that options for future delivery of the services at RAF Alconbury were being considered by the Americans – and that a move to a Next Generation Estate Contract was likely.

The new contract, likely to be awarded by spring 2016, has been put together in partnership by the US visiting forces and the MoD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

It is not known how the change will affect MoD staff currently working on the bases, thought to be about 80 at RAF Alconbury. Employees could be transferred across to a new employer under legislation, which should protect terms and conditions.

The new contract will include the provision of maintenance and repair services on all UK military sites used by the Americans and includes a 24-hour emergency helpdesk, hospitals and utilities infrastructure, snow and ice clearance and grounds maintenance.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by noon on May 14.

Matt Foley, DIO’s head of Next Generation Estate Contracts, said: “The new arrangements will provide a robust commercial framework, which will enable us to access a highly-skilled supply chain.

“This will not only strengthen our ability to support the United States Armed Forces, but will also provide best value for money for the US and UK taxpayer.”