Scope
Description
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is initiating a Phase 2 procurement event to expand the existing Direct Service Provider (DSP) Framework, which currently runs until 2029 with options to extend. Due to capacity constraints within the current framework, additional suppliers are required to ensure sufficient resource availability across the network. This expansion is intended to supplement-not replace-the existing DSP supply.
The requirement covers the provision of multiple DSPs to support delivery of Gas Mains Replacement, Reinforcement, New Connections, Specialist Gas Services, and Diversions throughout the RIIO price control period. The expanded framework will help enable delivery of up to 600km of mains replacement, diversion, condition, and reinforcement works, alongside customer-driven connection activities. All works will continue to be delivered in line with relevant industry and safety standards applicable to gas distribution operations.
The framework will operate across the full NGN geography, with bidders able to tender for all areas or select specific regions within the network. As with the existing arrangement, the framework will not guarantee any minimum volume or value of work. Awards will be made on the basis of the most advantageous outcome for NGN, ensuring capability, resilience, and value across the supply base.
The purpose of this procurement is to strengthen delivery capacity, maintain service continuity, and ensure NGN can meet regulatory, operational, and customer-driven requirements at scale. Phase 2 will enhance resilience across the network by increasing the number of qualified DSPs available to support planned and reactive works, without altering the current ranking or status of existing suppliers.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £60,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 12 March 2029
- Possible extension to 12 March 2032
- 5 years, 8 months, 12 days
Description of possible extension:
Initial Term roughly 3 years - in line with existing framework end date.
3 year extension previsions - in line with existing framework end date.
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45231220 - Construction work for gas pipelines
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
NGN will conduct assessments at each stage set out in the tender event. Each stage has minimum criteria to meet as set out in the tender documentation and will adhere to the scoring methodology set out in the tender event.
Award method when using the framework
With competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
17 February 2026, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Please review the attached document within this notice and follow instructions within in order to participate in this event.
It is suppliers responsibility to follow all instructions to participate in the attached document within this tender notice.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
12 June 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Conditions of Participation Evaluation | Quality |
| PQQ Evaluation Criteria | Quality |
| RFP Evaluation Criteria (non-commercial section) | Quality |
| RFP Evaluation Criteria (commercial section) | Price |
| RFP Evaluation Criteria (contractual section) | Quality |
Weighting description
Conditions of Participation Evaluation: Pass/Fail - Any failed questions in this section means supplier will be removed from the tender process.
PQQ Evaluation Criteria: Bidders must score over 60%
RFP Evaluation Criteria:
Bidders must achieve 60% on non-commercials
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
This procurement will follow the following process:
- Tender notice issued (this notice) for 25 days
- Interested suppliers to follow Market Dojo link to the Conditions of Participation stage (Pass/Fail)
- Suppliers who Pass the Conditions of Participation stage will be invited to a PQQ
- The PQQ end date 27th February 2026
- PQQ responses evaluated
- Suppliers who score over 60% will be invited to tender (RFP)
- RFP will go live on 23/03/2026 until 21/04/2026
- RFP evaluations carried out until 06/05/2026.
Bidders must achieve 60% on non-commercials
- BAFO will then be carried out on commercials 07/05/2026 - 21/05/2026
- BAFO will be evaluated until 05/06/2026
- Suppliers notified of the outcome
Full details are made available in the tender scope.
If supplementary stages are required throughout the process, or stages noted in the strategy defined above are no longer required, it is at NGN's discretion to include or remove stages.
It is at the discretion of NGN to change the weightings/criteria or add additional subcriteria/weightings to the PQQ or RFP if there is a need to do so before the submission deadline of the relevant stage.
Any changes to the evaluation criteria will be communicated
to all Bidders.
Documents
Associated tender documents
Tender notice for the provision of DSP Phase 2 - Guidance.docx
Contracting authority
NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED
- Companies House: 05167070
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRNB-9357-PVLR
1100 Century Way
Colton Leeds
LS15 8TU
United Kingdom
Region: UKE42 - Leeds
Organisation type: Private utility