Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED
1100 Century Way
LEEDS
LS158TU
Contact
Rebecca Rowley
Telephone
+44 7935077342
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKE42 - Leeds
Companies House
NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk
one.6) Main activity
Production, transport and distribution of gas and heat
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
VCMA project - Fuel Bank Foundation - Further expand Fuel Bank across Northern England
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The FBF has delivered support since 2015, however our network of partners significantly increased from 2022, with support from Northern Gas Networks via the VCMA Programme enabling the charity to expand to meet some of the increased demand we saw following the COVID pandemic, and then the cost-of-living crisis. This funding removed some of the barriers to expansion where previously our network shape and the support we could provide was constrained by the funding we had available.Given that our Fuel Bank infrastructure is already in place, that we have already tested and proven the provision of support to households across the country, and the short time required to launch new Fuel Bank centres we have the potential to expand with a further 75 partners over the colder winter months and providing longer-term surety as we move into 2024. In peak winter 2023-24 we forecast average monthly prepayment meter top up will approach £300, a 74% increase on the winter 2021- 22 peak, further demonstrating the need for crisis fuel support being made available.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The FBF has delivered support since 2015, however our network of partners significantly increased from 2022, with support from Northern Gas Networks via the VCMA Programme enabling the charity to expand to meet some of the increased demand we saw following the COVID pandemic, and then the cost-of-living crisis. This funding removed some of the barriers to expansion where previously our network shape and the support we could provide was constrained by the funding we had available.Given that our Fuel Bank infrastructure is already in place, that we have already tested and proven the provision of support to households across the country, and the short time required to launch new Fuel Bank centres we have the potential to expand with a further 75 partners over the colder winter months and providing longer-term surety as we move into 2024. In peak winter 2023-24 we forecast average monthly prepayment meter top up will approach £300, a 74% increase on the winter 2021- 22 peak, further demonstrating the need for crisis fuel support being made available.
An extension for the project has been requested as people in fuel crisis are continuing to require Fuel Bank emergency financial support and advice. We anticipate over a quarter of a million people in the UK will ask us for emergency help this winter to keep their lights, power and heating on because they must prepay for energy but cannot afford to. Overall this project helps many customers who are struggling to put credit on their gas or electric meters.
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated without a prior call for competition
- The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason:
- absence of competition for technical reasons
Explanation:
These services are only able to be delivered by this independent charity.
The Fuel Bank Foundation (FBF) is an independent charity that aims to support families who pay in advance for energy, typically via a prepayment energy meter and are at risk of self-disconnection or severe rationing or indeed have self-disconnected. Self-disconnection is an unfortunate term: people don't choose to selfdisconnect, when the money runs out the electricity and gas switch off too. And in the current climate we are seeing more people than ever turn to the Foundation for much-needed support.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No
Section five. Award of contract/concession
Title
VCMA project - Fuel Bank Foundation - Further expand Fuel Bank across Northern England - Extension
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
5 February 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
Fuel Bank Foundation
Staffordshire
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKG2 - Shropshire and Staffordshire
Companies House
Fuel Bank Foundation
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot/concession: £698,150
Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £698,150
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Northern Gas Networks
Leeds
Country
United Kingdom