An experienced construction company with Otago ties is believed to be the Department of Corrections' pick for the job of adding extra beds to the Otago Corrections Facility. (OCF).
But the government department will only confirm it has identified a "preferred supplier" for the contract work and is still working through final contractural arrangements.
The contract, referred to as double-bunking, was initially thought to only involve the installation of additional beds into the prison.
But tender documents, obtained by the Otago Daily Times in June, reveal the scope of work to be done by February is much more extensive.
Everything from extra security fencing, expansion of existing health, car parking, laundry and kitchen facilities through to more minor projects like extra reading lights and heating adjustments for cells will be carried out.
But the department will not release exact details until it has signed what is believed to be a multimillion-dollar deal.
"Once the contract is finalised, we'll be able to respond more fully to your questions," a brief department statement said.
An extra 150 beds will be created at the prison as officials look at ways of coping with a forecast big rise in prisoner numbers over the next decade.
The successful contractor will assume the role of project manager for the double-bunking job which will also include responsibility for the planning, management, co-ordination and financial control of the contract there.
The manager will lead the project team as well as external consultants and contractors.
