Scope
Reference
T322
Description
It is proposed that the Multi-Party Framework will consist of two lots,
• Lot 1 will consist of larger scale substations with a range between 110 - 400kV and an estimated cost range between £20 to £100m.
• Lot 2 will consist of medium scale substations with a range between 33 - 275kV and an estimated cost range between £2 - £20m
• The scope of works to be procured will include predominantly substation works including turnkey electrical, mechanical, civils and enabling works, with the inclusion of local overhead lines and cables within the curtilage of the site.
• NIEN wish to retain the flexibility for each lot to utilise both Design and Build (D&B) and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) models.
• The default approach will be that equipment supply (transformers and switchgear etc.) will be in the scope of projects. Free issue of equipment will be limited to those projects for which NIEN have equipment ordered.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £362,000,000 excluding VAT
- £434,400,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 1 April 2031
- Possible extension to 1 April 2034
- 8 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
One three year extension
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45232220 - Substation construction work
Contract locations
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
It is proposed that the Multi-Party Framework will consist of two lots,
• Lot 1 will consist of larger scale substations with a range between 110 - 400kV and an estimated cost range between £20 to £100m.
• Lot 2 will consist of medium scale substations with a range between 33 - 275kV and an estimated cost range between £2 - £20m
• The scope of works to be procured will include predominantly substation works including turnkey electrical, mechanical, civils and enabling works, with the inclusion of local overhead lines and cables within the curtilage of the site.
• NIEN wish to retain the flexibility for each lot to utilise both Design and Build (D&B) and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) models.
• The default approach will be that equipment supply (transformers and switchgear etc.) will be in the scope of projects. Free issue of equipment will be limited to those projects for which NIEN have equipment ordered.
Lot Lot 1. Lot 1 - Larger scale transmission substations
Description
Lot 1 - Larger scale transmission substations : c. £25m to 100m (400/275/110 kV)
Lot value (estimated)
- £362,000,000 excluding VAT
- £434,400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot Lot 2. Lot 2 - Medium Scale Substations
Description
Lot 2 - Medium scale substation works c. £1m - £25m ( 275/110/33 kV)
Lot value (estimated)
- £362,000,000 excluding VAT
- £434,400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
6
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Further information about fees
n/a
Framework operation description
Minicompetition or direct award
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot Lot 1. Lot 1 - Larger scale transmission substations
Lot Lot 2. Lot 2 - Medium Scale Substations
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
30 April 2025, 12:00pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
16 May 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The procurement documents for T322 are available for unrestricted and full access, free of charge , at:
https://e-sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically also via:
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
2 February 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 31 January 2033
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 60% |
| Price | Cost | 40% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
It is intended to procure the Framework Agreement via a multi-stage process. First stage will involve the Conditions of Participation (Pre-Qualification). Suppliers will be required to complete the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and submit with supporting documentation requested in the Questionnaire. Following an evaluation of the submissions NIE Networks will invite up six Suppliers for Lot 1 and six Suppliers for Lot 2. These shortlisted Suppliers will be invited to tender (second stage) and following receipt of tenders NIE Networks at its sole discretion reserves the right to commence negotiations or invite Best and Final Offers (third stage) and the final stage will be establish the framework agreement and award the initial drawdown contracts Ballylumford (lot 1) and Tureagh (lot 2)
Contracting authority
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited
- Companies House: NI026041
120 Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 5HT
United Kingdom
Organisation type: Private utility
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland