Section one: Contracting entity
one.1) Name and addresses
NATIONAL ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR LIMITED
NATIONAL ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR LIMITED
Wokingham
RG41 5BN
Contact
Maria Slimpa
maria.slimpa1@nationalenergyso.com
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKJ - South East (England)
Companies House
11014226
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.6) Main activity
Electricity
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Security Information Event and Management Software and Professional Services
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 72260000 - Software-related services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Provision of security information event and management software
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Procurement of a tool used to continuously monitor information systems and networks for security events and anomalies, collect and review logs, and aid in the investigation of security incidents.
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- 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:
Following a comprehensive and competitive procurement process, a direct award to Elastic is being proposed based on the following critical factors:
(i)Compliance with National Power Outage (NPO) Requirements:
The procurement exercise established that only two solutions that sit high in the Gartner Quadrant, Splunk and Elastic, are capable of meeting the stringent National Power Outage (NPO) requirements. These requirements explicitly preclude the use of cloud-based SIEM solutions. Furthermore, both technologies are compatible with the selected Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) and have readily available engineering expertise within the open market. This significantly reduces delivery risk and ensures continuity of service.
(ii)Technical Recommendation and Internal Validation:
The selected SOC MSSP has provided a strong recommendation in favor of Elastic, citing its suitability to meet the NPO constraints and operational needs. In parallel, the NESO Chief Security Office (CSO) has conducted an internal assessment of Elastic and confirmed it aligns with their functional and security requirements. This dual endorsement reinforces confidence in the technical and strategic fit of the solution. Furthermore, Elastic is already being used in CNI and the business for health monitoring purposes, so there is some experience in supporting it.
(iii)Cost Efficiency:
From a financial standpoint, Elastic is significantly more cost-effective option compared to Splunk. The estimated annual cost of implementing and maintaining Splunk is over eight times higher than that of Elastic. This substantial cost differential highlights the strong value for money achieved through a direct award to Elastic, making it the more economically viable solution.
In light of the above considerations, namely compliance with critical NPO constraints, alignment with MSSP and CSO assessments, and marked cost savings, a direct award to Elastic is both justified and strategically sound.
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
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
29 April 2025
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
OFGEM
London
Country
United Kingdom