Scope
Reference
NCCT43062
Description
Norfolk County Council, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Environment Agency (as Administering Authority of the Environment Agency Pension Fund), Essex County Council (as Administering Authority of the Essex Pension Fund), Hampshire County Council (as Administering Authority of the Hampshire Pension Fund), Surrey County Council (as Administering Authority of the Surrey Pension Fund) and Kent County Council (as Administering Authority of the Kent Pension Fund) wish to let a multi-provider, Framework Agreement for the provision of Actuarial, Benefits and Governance Consultancy Services primarily in support of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Market Engagement has been undertaken under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Prior information notice identifier: 2024/S 000-040957
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £500,000,000 excluding VAT
- £700,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 10 November 2025 to 9 November 2033
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Not the same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. Actuarial Services
Description
Provision of Actuarial Services
Lot value (estimated)
- £500,000,000 excluding VAT
- £700,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 66519600 - Actuarial services
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Benefits Consultancy
Description
Provision of Benefits Consultancy
Lot value (estimated)
- £500,000,000 excluding VAT
- £700,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 66523000 - Pension fund consultancy services
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Governance Consultancy
Description
Provision of Governance Consultancy
Lot value (estimated)
- £500,000,000 excluding VAT
- £700,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 66523000 - Pension fund consultancy services
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. Funding Risk Advisory Services
Description
Provision of Funding Risk Advisory Services
Lot value (estimated)
- £500,000,000 excluding VAT
- £700,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 66520000 - Pension services
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5. Consultancy Services to Support Specialist Projects
Description
Provision of Consultancy Services to Support Specialist Projects
Lot value (estimated)
- £500,000,000 excluding VAT
- £700,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 66523000 - Pension fund consultancy services
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
9 November 2033
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
1%
Further information about fees
A flat Management Fee of 1% will apply to all contracts let under this framework. This will be due for cash payment to the Norfolk Pension Fund to cover the administration of The National LGPS Frameworks as at 31 March each year for work invoiced during the financial year.
Framework operation description
Applicants are required to complete the Form G Pricing Spreadsheets for each Lot they are bidding for and return this with the Invitation to Tender.
Each time a framework user has a requirement it will either:
hold a competition involving all suppliers capable of performing the contract. This will involve inviting bids from Suppliers on the Framework and will be scaled to the size and complexity of the requirement ("Further Competition") Contracting Authorities may appoint a single provider for one or more Lots.
Or directly award a contract to one supplier from information supplied in the Invitation to Tender and from the prices submitted in the pricing schedule ("Direct Award") (Lot 5 only).
Direct Awards will be made based on the information supplied in Applicants' responses to the Invitation to Tender and from the prices submitted in the pricing schedule, and will take into account:
• The services offered in the Invitation to Tender aligned with the specific requirement.
• The price(s) quoted in the Pricing Schedule
• Any capacity constraints indicated within the Framework tender response.
Where a Provider is unable to fulfil the requirement at direct contract award, the next most appropriate Provider will be awarded the contract.
The Council and any nominated users of the Framework Agreement reserve the right to conduct Further Competitions using the Competitive Flexible procedure where appropriate.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
The framework may be used by:
Any LGPS administering authorities as defined in the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2356) (as amended) including the Firefighters' and Police Pension Schemes and any of their participating employing authorities, or in relation to the LGPS in Scotland, any administering authority and any of their scheme employers as defined in the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (SSI 2018/141) (as amended),
NILGOSC in Northern Ireland and employing authorities as defined in the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (SRNI 2014/188) (as amended),
The Board of the Pension Protection Fund.
Any other administering authority or scheme manager of a public-sector pension scheme or any public-sector body that requires pensions related services, and
Any LGPS Fund(s) or groups of funds, or any bodies, organisations or companies established by them for the purpose of operating on a collective basis.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Actuarial Services
Lot 2. Benefits Consultancy
Lot 3. Governance Consultancy
Lot 4. Funding Risk Advisory Services
Lot 5. Consultancy Services to Support Specialist Projects
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
18 June 2025, 2:00pm
Tender submission deadline
15 July 2025, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
This procurement will be managed electronically via the Council`s e-procurement system. To participate in this procurement, applicants must first be registered on the system at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc/aspx/BuyerProfiles. Once registered you will be able to see the procurement project under the `tenders` section and `express an interest` to view the documentation. If you encounter any difficulties whilst using the system you can contact the In-tend support team by phoning +44 8442728810 or e-mailing support@in-tend.co.uk.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
7 October 2025
Award criteria
Lot 1. Actuarial Services
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Maintaining knowledge and understanding | Quality | 12% |
| Key Personnel | Quality | 12% |
| Statutory Services and Specialist Advice and Support | Quality | 12% |
| Future Sustainability of the LGPS | Quality | 11% |
| Performance Management | Quality | 10% |
| Changing shape of public service delivery | Quality | 10% |
| Client Relationship Management | Quality | 9% |
| Working with other service providers | Quality | 8% |
| Technology | Quality | 6% |
| Sharing research and added value | Quality | 5% |
| Environmental, Social Governance | Quality | 5% |
Lot 2. Benefits Consultancy
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Maintaining knowledge and understanding | Quality | 17% |
| Key Personnel | Quality | 16% |
| Engagement and specialist advice and support | Quality | 16% |
| Changing shape of public service delivery | Quality | 14% |
| Performance Management | Quality | 10% |
| Client Relationship Management | Quality | 9% |
| Working with other service providers | Quality | 8% |
| Sharing research and added value | Quality | 5% |
| Environmental, Social Governance | Quality | 5% |
Lot 3. Governance Consultancy
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Maintaining knowledge and understanding | Quality | 16% |
| Key Personnel | Quality | 16% |
| Engagement and specialist advice and support | Quality | 16% |
| Changing shape of public service Delivery | Quality | 15% |
| Performance Management | Quality | 10% |
| Client Relationship Management | Quality | 9% |
| Working with other service providers | Quality | 8% |
| Sharing research and added value | Quality | 5% |
| Environmental, Social Governance | Quality | 5% |
Lot 4. Funding Risk Advisory Services
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Maintaining knowledge and understanding | Quality | 15% |
| Key Personnel | Quality | 14% |
| Performance Management | Quality | 10% |
| Changing shape of public service pensions governance | Quality | 10% |
| Client Relationship Management | Quality | 9% |
| Working with other service providers | Quality | 8% |
| Tools and Approaches | Quality | 8% |
| Management and Mitigation of Risks | Quality | 8% |
| Policy Development | Quality | 8% |
| Sharing research and added value | Quality | 5% |
| Environmental, Social Governance | Quality | 5% |
Lot 5. Consultancy Services to Support Specialist Projects
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Maintaining Knowledge and Understanding | Quality | 16% |
| Key Personnel | Quality | 16% |
| Project Management Methodology | Quality | 16% |
| Changing Shape of Public Service Delivery | Quality | 15% |
| Performance Management | Quality | 10% |
| Client Relationship Management | Quality | 9% |
| Working with other service providers | Quality | 8% |
| Sharing research and added value | Quality | 5% |
| Environmental, Social Governance | Quality | 5% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Norfolk County Council has joined the government's Devolution Priority Programme.
This process has the potential to lead to the establishment of a county combined authority for Norfolk and Suffolk, with strategic powers, headed by an elected mayor. A consultation is under way.
Government has also invited participation by Norfolk in Local Government Review. This process has the potential to lead to unitary local government in Norfolk. One of these changes could happen without the other. The contract may be assigned or novated to any successor authority(ies) to Norfolk County Council or to any joint body incorporating or formed by any such successor. The County Council or a successor authority or joint body may order services on behalf of other local authorities serving any area within Norfolk's current geographical boundaries.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc
ITT to issue.docx
250520 Actuarial Call-off Terms and Conditions - clean.pdf
250520 Actuarial Framework Agreement - clean.pdf
Specification of Requirements - to issue.pdf
Form G Pricing - Lot 1.xlsx
Form G Pricing - Lot 2, Lot 3, Lot 4 and Lot 5.xlsx
Contracting authorities
Norfolk County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDYH-3246-XWTR
County Hall, Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2DH
United Kingdom
Email: sourcingteam@norfolk.gov.uk
Region: UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
The Environment Agency (as Administering Authority of the Environment Agency Pension Fund)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Essex County Council (as Administering Authority of the Essex Pension Fund)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Hampshire County Council (as Administering Authority of the Hampshire Pension Fund)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBHM-7586-PWLP
The Castle, High Street
Winchester
SO238UJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Surrey County Council (as Administering Authority of the Surrey Pension Fund)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWRH-8974-TNBV
Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill
Reigate
RH2 8EF
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ26 - East Surrey
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Kent County Council (as Administering Authority of the Kent Pension Fund)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLDL-8938-YGYW
County Hall
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ45 - Mid Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government