- Lot 1. POR L1NI - Primary Operating Reserve
- Lot 2. SOR L2NI - Secondary Operating Reserve
- Lot 3. TOR1 L3NI - Tertiary 1 Operating Reserve
- Lot 4. TOR2 L4NI - Tertiary 2 Operating Reserve
- Lot 5. RRD L5NI - Replacement Reserve (De-Synchronised)
- Lot 6. RRS L6NI - Replacement Reserve (Synchronised)
- Lot 7. SSRP L7NI - Steady State Reactive Powe
- Lot 8. SIR L8NI - Synchronous Inertial Respons
- Lot 9. RM1 L9NI - Ramping Margin 1 Hour
- Lot 10. RM3 L10NI - Ramping Margin 3 Hour
- Lot 11. RM8 L11NI - Ramping Margin 8 Hou
- Lot 12. FFR L12NI - Fast Frequency Response
Scope
Reference
SONI064
Description
Following review by the Regulatory Authorities of the TSOs' Report on Ensuring a Secure, Reliable and Efficient Power System in July 2011 the TSOs were requested by the SEM Committee to put in place a programme of work to solve the challenges associated with increased levels of penetration of variable non-synchronous renewable generation.
Total value (estimated)
- 79685074 EUR excluding VAT
- 95622088 EUR including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71314000 - Energy and related services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Lot constraints
Maximum number of lots a supplier can bid for: 11
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded: 11
Not the same for all lots
Contract dates are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. POR L1NI - Primary Operating Reserve
Description
Primary Operating Reserve or 'POR' has the meaning given to it in the grid code
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968509 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the
discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any
subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. SOR L2NI - Secondary Operating Reserve
Description
Secondary Operating reserve or 'SOR' has the meaning given to it in the grid code
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the
discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any
subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. TOR1 L3NI - Tertiary 1 Operating Reserve
Description
Tertiary 1 operating reserve or 'TOR1' has the meaning given to it in the grid code.
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. TOR2 L4NI - Tertiary 2 Operating Reserve
Description
Tertiary 2 operating reserve or 'TOR2' has the meaning given to it in the grid code
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968503 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5. RRD L5NI - Replacement Reserve (De-Synchronised)
Description
RR (De-synchronised)' means replacement reserve provided by the providing unit when: (i) not Synchronised to the power system in the
case of a synchronous providing unit, or
(ii) when connected to the power system and operating at a level less or equal to 0 MW in the case of an energy storage providing unit, or
(ii) when connected to the power system in the case of a demand side unit
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for each TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 6. RRS L6NI - Replacement Reserve (Synchronised)
Description
RR (Synchronised)' means Replacement Reserve provided by the Providing Unit when: (i) synchronised to the power system in the case of
a synchronous providing unit, or
(ii) when connected to the power system and operating at a level greater than 0 MW in the case of an energy storage providing unit or
power park module.
II.2.5) Award criteri
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for each TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 7. SSRP L7NI - Steady State Reactive Powe
Description
Steady-state reactive power or 'SSRP' means reactive power capability (Leading) and reactive power capability
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8. SIR L8NI - Synchronous Inertial Respons
Description
Synchronous Inertial Response (SIR) is the kinetic energy (at a Frequency of 50 Hz) of a centrally dispatched synchronous providing unit
multiplied by the SIR factor (SIRF)
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the
discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any
subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 9. RM1 L9NI - Ramping Margin 1 Hour
Description
Ramping Margin 1 is the increased MW Output and/or MW Reduction that a providing unit can provide to
the company within one hour of the company issuing a dispatch instruction to a service provider and that the providing unit can maintain
for a further two hours after the one hour period has elapsed. It is limited by the lowest availability in that three hour period.
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the
discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any
subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 10. RM3 L10NI - Ramping Margin 3 Hour
Description
Ramping Margin 3 is the increased MW Output and/or MW reduction that a providing unit can provide to the company within three hours
of the company issuing a dispatch instruction to a service provider and that the providing unit can maintain for a further 5 hours after the 3
hour period has elapsed. It is limited by the lowest availability in that 8 hour period
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 11. RM8 L11NI - Ramping Margin 8 Hou
Description
Ramping Margin 8 is the increased MW Output and/or MW reduction that a providing unit can provide to the company within eight hours
of the company issuing a dispatch instruction to a service provider and that the providing unit can maintain for a further 8 hours after the 8
hour period has elapsed. It is limited by the lowest availability in that 16 hour period.
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640422 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968506 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 12. FFR L12NI - Fast Frequency Response
Description
Fast Frequency Response (FFR) is the additional MW Output or MW reduction required compared to the pre- incident MW output or MW
reduction, which is fully available from a providing unit within 2 seconds after the start of an event and sustainable up to 10 seconds after
the start of the event.
Lot value (estimated)
- 6640432 EUR excluding VAT
- 7968522 EUR including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2026
- 9 months
Description of possible extension:
Option for TSO to extend the term of its Contract in respect of any or all of its applicable Lots in certain defined cases, at the discretion of the Contracting Entity. This option might apply where, for instance, there is a delay in completing the procurement for any subsequent phases envisaged under the DS3 Programme.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. POR L1NI - Primary Operating Reserve
Lot 2. SOR L2NI - Secondary Operating Reserve
Lot 3. TOR1 L3NI - Tertiary 1 Operating Reserve
Lot 4. TOR2 L4NI - Tertiary 2 Operating Reserve
Lot 5. RRD L5NI - Replacement Reserve (De-Synchronised)
Lot 6. RRS L6NI - Replacement Reserve (Synchronised)
Lot 7. SSRP L7NI - Steady State Reactive Powe
Lot 8. SIR L8NI - Synchronous Inertial Respons
Lot 9. RM1 L9NI - Ramping Margin 1 Hour
Lot 10. RM3 L10NI - Ramping Margin 3 Hour
Lot 11. RM8 L11NI - Ramping Margin 8 Hou
Lot 12. FFR L12NI - Fast Frequency Response
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
4 July 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
23 July 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
25 September 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 January 2026
Award criteria
Lot 1. POR L1NI - Primary Operating Reserve
| Name | Description | Type | Order of importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Questionnaire | Refer to RFP |
Quality | 1 |
Lot 2. SOR L2NI - Secondary Operating Reserve
Lot 3. TOR1 L3NI - Tertiary 1 Operating Reserve
Lot 4. TOR2 L4NI - Tertiary 2 Operating Reserve
Lot 5. RRD L5NI - Replacement Reserve (De-Synchronised)
Lot 6. RRS L6NI - Replacement Reserve (Synchronised)
Lot 7. SSRP L7NI - Steady State Reactive Powe
Lot 8. SIR L8NI - Synchronous Inertial Respons
Lot 9. RM1 L9NI - Ramping Margin 1 Hour
Lot 10. RM3 L10NI - Ramping Margin 3 Hour
Lot 11. RM8 L11NI - Ramping Margin 8 Hou
Lot 12. FFR L12NI - Fast Frequency Response
| Name | Description | Type | Order of importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Questionnaire | Refer to RFP |
Quality | 1 |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Contracting authority
SONI Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPVY-9479-DHPY
12 Manse Road
Belfast
BT6 9RT
United Kingdom
Contact name: Deirdre Fraser
Telephone: 0782 519 7753
Email: deirdre.fraser@soni.ltd.uk
Website: http://www.soni.ltd.uk
Region: UKN0E - Lisburn and Castlereagh
Organisation type: Private utility
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland