- Lot 1. Contracts
- Lot 2. Corporate Finance Debt Recovery and Finance
- Lot 3. Commercial Property, Real Estate and Construction
- Lot 4. Venture Capital & Corporate Law
- Lot 5. Intellectual Property
- Lot 6. Data Protection and Information Law
- Lot 7. Employment Law Equality and Human Rights
- Lot 8. Competition Law (Including Subsidy Control and State Aid)
- Lot 9. Public Procurement Law
- Lot 10. Administrative and Public Law
- Lot 11. Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change
- Lot 12. Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Scope
Reference
ID 5827200
Description
Invest NI intends to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of legal services to provide advice in relation to the following areas of law : 1. Contracts, 2. Corporate Finance, Debt Recovery and Finance, 3. Commercial Property, Real Estate and Construction, 4. Venture Capital and Corporate Law, 5. Intellectual Property, 6. Data Protection and Information Law, 7. Employment Law Equality and Human Rights, 8. Competition Law (including Subsidy Control and State Aid), 9. Procurement Law, 10. Administrative and Public Law, 11.Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change , and 12. Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £1,542,000 excluding VAT
- £1,850,400 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 March 2026 to 22 March 2029
- Possible extension to 22 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
- 79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services
- 79111000 - Legal advisory services
- 79112000 - Legal representation services
- 79120000 - Patent and copyright consultancy services
- 79130000 - Legal documentation and certification services
- 79131000 - Documentation services
- 79132000 - Certification services
- 79140000 - Legal advisory and information services
Contract locations
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
Suppliers can bid for one or more lots. There is no restriction on the number of lots to which a Supplier may be appointed; however a Supplier must have the capability and capacity to deliver all lots tendered for. Suppliers should refer to the Specification Schedule for full detail on the deliverables of this Framework and on how many Suppliers may be appointed per lot.
Lot 1. Contracts
Description
All aspects of contracts and contract law, including commercial contracts and other commercial agreements, including but not limited to Drafting, advising and negotiating on commercial contracts (including but not limited to goods and services, novation's, assignments, MoU's , joint venture agreements and grants) and advising on grant funding.
Lot value (estimated)
- £390,000 excluding VAT
- £468,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Corporate Finance Debt Recovery and Finance
Description
All aspects including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as Drafting and advising on guarantees, loan documentation and finance arrangements and Court proceedings relating to corporate finance, debt recovery and insolvency. Also All aspects of debt recovery including bankruptcy and liquidation, Application of insolvency legislation and Post-decree enforcement including EJO processes and Banking/corporate finance advice.
Lot value (estimated)
- £75,000 excluding VAT
- £90,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Commercial Property, Real Estate and Construction
Description
All aspects of real estate and real estate finance including but not limited to Disposal, purchase and re/development of Land/Property including construction documentation, Compulsory acquisition of land, compensation law and representation at Lands Tribuna, • Business Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, advice including references to the Lands Tribunal for Northern Ireland and Advice and representation in relation to possession proceedings.
In addition, advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as Environmental law issues, Rateable Valuation Appeals, Rent arrears, Tenancy agreements, Planning law and procedure, Adverse possession/ trespass cases, Property damage claims.
Lot value (estimated)
- £320,000 excluding VAT
- £384,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. Venture Capital & Corporate Law
Description
All aspects, including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as but not limited to:
• Drafting and updating of Fund Management Agreements including Partnership and Management Services Agreements, Fund Management Structures and advice on UK/EU Regulation in respect of same;
• Share transaction advice, including investment agreements, shareholder agreements, follow-on investment advice and exit advice;
• Regulatory Advice, (including FCA, application of Financial Services & Markets Act 2000 and Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive);
•
VC specific corporate finance:
• Drafting loan agreements, including security an inter-creditor documentation
Also including:
All aspects of partnership law including but not limited to:
● contentious and non-contentious partnership and limited partnership matters;
● directors' duties;
● company secretarial services;
• operating and partnership agreements, mutual arrangements;
● securities and governance matters; and
● restructuring of ownership and complex and innovative legal structures and initiatives;
• Government joint ventures.
Lot value (estimated)
- £390,000 excluding VAT
- £468,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5. Intellectual Property
Description
All aspects including advice and support in respect of intellectual property law including but not limited to:
● contentious and non-contentious support and advice relating to patents, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets and rights in confidential information, database rights, design rights, and other forms of intellectual property;
● assignment and licensing of rights and commercialisation and exploitation of intellectual property;
• drafting and reviewing technology licences, software and technical cooperation and development agreements;
• brand licensing, sponsorship and franchising agreements.
Lot value (estimated)
- £25,000 excluding VAT
- £30,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 6. Data Protection and Information Law
Description
All aspects including advice and support in respect of data protection and information law including but not limited to:
• the law surrounding the use and control of information by public and private sector bodies, including domestic and EU data protection legislation;
• international data transfers;
• data protection laws, data requests and complying with the principles of transparency; and
• Freedom of Information
• Environmental Information Regulations.
Lot value (estimated)
- £25,000 excluding VAT
- £30,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 7. Employment Law Equality and Human Rights
Description
All aspects of employment law, including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation and attendance including but not limited to:
• non-contentious employment matters relating to attendance management, performance management, TUPE, redundancies, restructuring, outsourcing, changes in terms and conditions, and reorganisations; and
• Contentious claims in the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunals and related appeals
• Advice on issues relating to unlawful discrimination including bullying and harassment, disability and
• implementation of Equal Opportunity policies and procedures
• Disciplinary and grievance policy and procedures
• TUPE
• Termination of employment
• Complaints relating to Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act
In addition advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as:
• Redundancies and severance payments
• Collective industrial relations;
• Legal aspects of recruitment;
• Terms and conditions of employment;
● private and public sector pension schemes;
● pensions litigation;
● regulatory compliance;
● trusteeship; and
● other employee benefits.
Lot value (estimated)
- £150,000 excluding VAT
- £180,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8. Competition Law (Including Subsidy Control and State Aid)
Description
All aspects including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation including but not limited to areas such as Competition Law, Subsidy Control and legacy State Aid advice.
Lot value (estimated)
- £25,000 excluding VAT
- £30,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 9. Public Procurement Law
Description
All aspects including advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas such as:
• EU / UK procurement regime and all stages of the public procurement lifecycle and application of the Public Procurement Act 2023, Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended) the Concessions Contracts
Regulations 2016 (as amended) and the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (as amended);
• Drafting tender and contract documents;
• The evaluation and award processes;
• Contract modification and contract performance;
• Provision of legal advice and representation in respect of disputes and legal challenges that may arise.
Lot value (estimated)
- £25,000 excluding VAT
- £30,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 10. Administrative and Public Law
Description
All aspects of public law including but not limited to:
• INI corporate governance and vires queries;
• inquiries and judicial reviews;
• public regulatory law; and
• Public Enquiries
• devolved powers of Northern Ireland Assembly and sub-national devolution;
• local government law.
Lot value (estimated)
- £25,000 excluding VAT
- £30,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 11. Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change
Description
All aspects of energy, natural resources and climate change including but not limited to:
• Electricity, gas, energy efficiency, energy storage, and linkages with other energy markets;
• Energy Regulations and associated legislative and licensing requirements;
• Renewable and Non Renewable;
• Oil and Gas;
• Waste and Resource Management.
Lot value (estimated)
- £25,000 excluding VAT
- £30,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 12. Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Description
Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in all of the areas of law outlined within this specification. This will include but not be limited to:
· Pre-action correspondence and advice in respect of civil litigation;
· Providing legal opinions as required in respect of litigation options and likelihood of success;
· Advice and support throughout court processes including attendance at court on behalf of Invest NI, instructing Counsel on behalf of Invest NI and preparation of all relevant court documentation;
· Binding and non-binding alternative dispute resolution processes such as negotiation / mediation / conciliation / adjudication and arbitration.
Lot value (estimated)
- £25,000 excluding VAT
- £30,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
This Framework agreement will run for an initial period of 3 years with one option to extend up to 12 months. Following evaluation, a maximum of three Suppliers will be appointed per Lot on a ranked basis 1, 2 and 3. The Framework Agreement will be awarded on a call off basis. Suppliers will be ranked from highest to lowest according to their overall evaluation markings with the most advantageous tender being ranked first and so on.
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. Contracts
Lot 2. Corporate Finance Debt Recovery and Finance
Lot 3. Commercial Property, Real Estate and Construction
Lot 4. Venture Capital & Corporate Law
Lot 5. Intellectual Property
Lot 6. Data Protection and Information Law
Lot 7. Employment Law Equality and Human Rights
Lot 8. Competition Law (Including Subsidy Control and State Aid)
Lot 9. Public Procurement Law
Lot 10. Administrative and Public Law
Lot 11. Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change
Lot 12. Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
As per Tender documentation.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Contracts
Lot 2. Corporate Finance Debt Recovery and Finance
Lot 3. Commercial Property, Real Estate and Construction
Lot 4. Venture Capital & Corporate Law
Lot 5. Intellectual Property
Lot 6. Data Protection and Information Law
Lot 7. Employment Law Equality and Human Rights
Lot 8. Competition Law (Including Subsidy Control and State Aid)
Lot 9. Public Procurement Law
Lot 10. Administrative and Public Law
Lot 11. Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change
Lot 12. Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
As per Tender documentation.
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Contracts
Lot 2. Corporate Finance Debt Recovery and Finance
Lot 3. Commercial Property, Real Estate and Construction
Lot 4. Venture Capital & Corporate Law
Lot 5. Intellectual Property
Lot 6. Data Protection and Information Law
Lot 7. Employment Law Equality and Human Rights
Lot 8. Competition Law (Including Subsidy Control and State Aid)
Lot 9. Public Procurement Law
Lot 10. Administrative and Public Law
Lot 11. Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change
Lot 12. Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
15 September 2025, 3:00pm
Tender submission deadline
25 September 2025, 3:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the relevant Call for Tender (CfT) opportunity on eTendersNI, website details immediately below.
Paper submissions will not be accepted or considered and will be rejected by the Contracting Authority / Buyer.
The tender documents are available with unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at: URL https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 December 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualitative Criteria | AC1 Proposed Team Experience (34.2) AC2 Resourcing and Quality of Service Delivery (25.8) |
Quality | 60% |
| Quantitative Criteria | AC3 Hourly Rate Partner (15.2) AC4 Hourly Rate Senior Associate (15.2) AC5 Hourly Associate (9.6) |
Cost | 40% |
Other information
Payment terms
For each contract awarded under the framework the payment terms as detailed in the applicable Short Form contract will apply.
The estimated value figure indicated in the Scope Section represents an overall estimated framework value. This value reflects the potential scale of the framework and takes into account potential optional extension periods and the uptake of potential optional services as detailed in the tender documents. This figure does not however take into account the application of indexation or increases to charges due to increases in the Real Living Wage. Neither CPD nor the contracting Authority can provide any guarantee as to the level of business under this framework. The Contracting Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Suppliers remain responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by them or by any third party acting under instructions from the Supplier in connection with taking part in this procurement process regardless of whether such costs arise as a consequence, directly or indirectly of any amendments made to the procurement documents by the Contracting Authority at any time. No legally binding framework shall arise (and a Supplier shall have no legitimate expectation that a framework will be entered into) until such time as entry into the framework has been confirmed by the Contracting Authority.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Invest NI
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLTC-4224-XGDP
Bedford Square, 1 Bedford St,
Belfast
BT2 7ES
United Kingdom
Email: SSDAdmin.CPD@finance-ni.gov.uk
Website: https://www.investni.com/
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
CPD - Supplies & Services Division
Summary of their role in this procurement: Construction and Procurement Delivery - Supplies and Services Division, is a Centre of Procurement Expertise and provides a central procurement function for central government in Northern Ireland.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWG-8426-YWXV
Clare House 303 Airport Road
Belfast
BT3 9ED
United Kingdom
Region: UKN06 - Belfast