Scope
Description
This project is of critical importance in terms of timescales. Our business-critical operational Pressure Reduction Sites (PRS) telemetry currently relies on GPRS 2G and 3G communication channels. These network services are scheduled for decommissioning by providers, as the technology is reaching its end of service life (ESoL). The deactivation of GPRS communications is set to commence later this year.
NGN will procure 250 communication units, which will enable PRS sites to connect securely via 4G to NGN's AWS SCADA infrastructure.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £396,752.50 excluding VAT
- £476,103 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
26 August 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 26 August 2025 to 26 August 2026
- 1 year, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
This project is of critical importance in terms of timescales. Our business-critical operational Pressure Reduction Sites (PRS) telemetry currently relies on GPRS 2G and 3G communication channels. These network services are scheduled for decommissioning by providers, as the technology is reaching its end of service life (ESoL). The deactivation of GPRS communications is set to commence later this year.
NGN will procure 250 communication units, which will enable PRS sites to connect securely via 4G to NGN's AWS SCADA infrastructure.
The solution proposed by Brand Communication is already implemented and operational within our production landscape as
part of a GD2 project, supporting NGN's 23 critical offtake sites. The deployment of this solution has proven instrumental,
markedly enhancing network reliability, performance, and security across all offtake locations.
Brand Communication's solution allows NGN to mitigate the business risks associated with the GPRS switch-off and its
potential operational impact by migrating PRS telemetry traffic to secure 4G communication channels. Furthermore, it enables
the extension of the proven solution used for our critical offtake sites to the broader range of PRS sites in scope.
Should NGN look to not direct award for this solution, the risk of failing to complete deployment prior to the GPRS
switch-off would be significant. This is primarily due to the extensive development and integration required to ensure
compatibility with existing Brand and AWS environments, which would likely result in increased costs and extended
implementation timelines. By extending the existing Brand Communication solution to the PRS sites, these risks are effectively mitigated.
Supplier
BRAND COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
- Companies House: 02572950
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTNL-2836-LCLN
Trinity House
Huntingdon
PE29 6XY
United Kingdom
Email: contact@brandcomms.com
Website: http://www.brandcomms.com
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED
- Companies House: 05167070
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRNB-9357-PVLR
1100 Century Way
Colton Leeds
LS15 8TU
United Kingdom
Region: UKE42 - Leeds
Organisation type: Private utility