Scope
Description
This contract relates to the delivery of works and related services at Amersham Substation (the "Works"). The Works were previously allocated to Gunning Transmission & Distribution Services Limited - in Administration ("GTDS"). GTDS went into administration on Friday 16 January 2026 and is unable to progress or complete delivery of the Works. As a consequence, National Grid has had to move at significant pace to appoint a replacement contractor for the Works, to progress critical path activities, maintain (as far as practicable) the programme for the works, and satisfy regulatory, customer and other commitments. The Works contribute to the ongoing expansion of the electricity transmission network, delivering essential upgrades to the grid to support the UK's move away from fossil fuels and increased clean energy generation. Various other projects are also being re-allocated to other contractors for similar reasons, while the delivery of further works (previously allocated to GTDS) is being supported by National Grid's existing framework contractors.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £4,700,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
17 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 17 February 2026 to 11 January 2027
- 10 months, 23 days
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45232220 - Substation construction work
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
The Works are strictly necessary to continue the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure upgrades as part of the ongoing enhancement of the grid. By bringing on the replacement contractor almost immediately through this direct award, National Grid is seeking to minimise and mitigate the delay to the Works arising from the administration of GTDS and maintain continuity of the supply chain and otherwise secure continuity on site. National Grid intends to have the contract in place before the end of January 2026, so within 2 weeks of GTDS' administration. While some earlier contingency planning was possible, National Grid could not reasonably have commenced a competitive tendering procedure before GTDS' administration was confirmed and there is no time to run such a procedure between the date of administration and the required into-contract date.
The urgency is unavoidable as it is attributable solely to the administration of GTDS which could not have been foreseen when the Works were allocated to GTDS and was not confirmed until 16 January.
National Grid has explored other alternatives to this direct award, including the use of its existing frameworks and allocation through its construction dynamic purchasing system, but no other route was found to be suitable in the circumstances
Supplier
BAM NUTTALL LIMITED
- Companies House: 00305189
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVDQ-2347-MXMZ
Second Floor, Block A Spectrum Point, 279 Farnborough Road
Farnborough
GU14 7LS
United Kingdom
Email: victoria.chilman@bam.com
Website: https://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/
Region: UKJ37 - North Hampshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION PLC
- Companies House: 02366977
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHHJ-6513-BWZT
1 - 3 Strand
London
WC2N 5EH
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Private utility