Scope
Description
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is seeking to re-procure its legal support services contract through an open competition. The initial contract value is estimated at £800,000 (excl. VAT) for 2 years with two one-year extension options, each with a value of £400,000.
DESNZ requires a Supplier to provide legal advice and support for the development and delivery of its International Climate Finance (ICF) portfolio of programmes. This support will be required on an ad hoc and project-specific basis, complementing the legal advice currently obtained through the Government Legal Department.
The Supplier will be expected to provide expertise in foreign, corporate, and commercial law, particularly in areas where DESNZ lacks specialist legal expertise or capacity through the Government Legal Department. This includes drafting legally binding contracts and funding arrangements governed by foreign law, advising on complex commercial or financial investment vehicles, and providing guidance on non-legally binding arrangements with international organisations.
Additionally, the Supplier will provide knowledge sharing - and develop guidance documentation in cases of common issues - for DESNZ staff on common legal issues. This will enable DESNZ staff to make informed assessments of legal risk when drafting project business cases or amendments to template terms and conditions, prior to review by the Supplier or the Government Legal Department. The Supplier will also provide updates on upcoming changes in law affecting ICF programmes.
The current contract, awarded to TLT LLP is due to expire within the next year. The new contract will ensure continuity of legal support services for DESNZ's ICF portfolio, which aims to drive urgent action to tackle climate change by supporting low carbon growth in developing countries.
Total value (estimated)
- £800,000 excluding VAT
- £880,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2027
- Possible extension to 31 August 2029
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
14 May 2025
Engagement process description
DESNZ will run a market engagement event on Wednesday 7th May 2025 11:00 -12:00 (BST) ahead of publishing the invitation to tender, expected W/C 19/05/2025. The link to sign up for the market engagement event is: https://forms.office.com/e/BrazyNh1i5
Following the event the Authority is anticipating to seek feedback via questionnaire on a draft Specification shared with attendees, welcoming feedback on this Specification and commercial approach up until 17:00 on 14th May 2025.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
19 May 2025
Contracting authority
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDHQ-2163-WYMH
55 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2HP
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government