Scope
Reference
ENQEIR983
Description
This notice does not commence a competitive tendering process. For the detailed requirements and relevant documentation, please see the Call for Competition, published on OJEU ref 6868206 https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewTenders.do?resourceId=6868206
EirGrid and SONI are currently developing the Future Arrangements of System Services (FASS) which includes the development and implementation of a new set of arrangements to replace the existing System Services procurement mechanism (DS3 System Services (DS3)). The existing DS3 arrangements were designed to meet the 2020 renewable targets of 40% RES-E and are not sufficient for Ireland and Northern Ireland to achieve targets of 80% renewable generation by 2030. The new set of arrangements aim to drive investment in an efficient manner to ensure the all-island power system can continue to be operated safely and securely.
In April 2022 the SEM Committee (SEMC) published its High-Level Design for the SSFA as set out in SEM-22-012. EirGrid and SONI, in their respective capacities as Transmission System Operator in Ireland and Northern Ireland respectively are supporting the SEMC in the development of its High-Level Design (HLD) into an implementable solution.
The Regulatory Authorities (RAs) have requested the TSOs to implement these arrangements to achieve the RES-E targets and to ensure compliance with the relevant aspects of European legislation such as the European Balancing Guidelines (EBGL) and the Clean Energy Package. On 8th December 2023, the SEMC released a decision paper on the Detailed Design and Implementation of Future Arrangements of System Services (SEM-23-103).
As set out in the decision paper, the RAs have proposed to proceed with the Day Ahead System Services Auction (DASSA). The decision paper sets out a number of workstreams for the TSOs to commence, which includes a secondary market via a central platform where market participants can bilaterally trade their DASSA positions on a half hourly basis. The DASSA is scheduled to go live from May 2027.
Elements of the DASSA design require collateral coverage to manage credit risk to the TSOs. These elements include but are not limited to secondary trading, any performance related payments due to the TSOs (e.g. DASSA compensation payments) and resettlement. The TSOs require a third-party provider to assume the credit risk for these FASS Collateral Arrangements and host the requirements outlined in the scope of requirements section below.
The Opportunity
EirGrid plc intends to establish a single supplier framework. The supplier will assume and manage credit risk for the FASS Collateral Arrangements on behalf of EirGrid plc and SONI Limited.
The Framework Agreement will encompass further credit management related services agreed during negotiations.
EirGrid plc is acting as lead contracting authority and its group company, SONI Limited will benefit from services under the Framework. As such and in compliance with SONI Limited's obligations under the Procurement Act 2023 (the "Act"), this notice is published to advertise the opportunity but does not commence a competitive tendering procedure for the purposes of the Act. The procurement remains governed by Council Directive 2014/25/EU as transposed into Irish law by the European Union Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 286 of 2016) (the "Regulations"), will be run in compliance with those Regulations, pursuant to OJEU Notice ref: 6868206, but will also be managed in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 in so far as possible, to discharge SONI Limited's obligations under the Act.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- 1071453 EUR excluding VAT
- 1317887 EUR including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031
- Possible extension to 31 March 2034
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
3 years (1 + 1 + 1)
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 48100000 - Industry specific software package
- 75100000 - Administration services
- 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services
- 66100000 - Banking and investment services
- 48700000 - Software package utilities
Contract locations
- IE - Ireland
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
1
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
Call-off contracts will be awarded to the framework supplier either on the basis of the original tender submitted or after discussing the specific scope of work/requirements and agreeing the contract price in accordance with the original tender submission.
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
EirGrid and EirGrid's group companies including SONI Limited
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Candidates will be asked to demonstrate that their economic and financial standing meets the Authority's requirements.
Further information as stated in the procurement documents.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Candidates will be asked to submit details of three recent relevant contracts, giving a comprehensive description of the services undertaken and their relevance to EirGrid's requirements.
Candidates will be asked to provide details related to past performance in areas critical to Framework delivery. These include:
1. Health and Safety, Environment and Employment;
2. Cyber Security Assurance;
3. Candidate Capacity
4. Quality Assurance
Further information as stated in the procurement documents.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
13 November 2025, 12:00am
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
28 November 2025, 12:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Experience | Candidates must complete the Previous Experience Questionnaire. Candidates are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient recent and relevant experience to deliver contracts of this nature:... |
Quality | 90.00% |
| Quality Assurance | Candidates must complete the Quality Assurance Questionnaire. Candidates must have a documented Quality Management System (QMS) in place. The overall QA strength of the Candidates who meet the minimum... |
Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
The Procurement is being run by EirGrid in accordance with the Negotiated procedure with a prior call for competition as set out in Council Directive 2014/25/EU as transposed into Irish law by the Regulations, pursuant to an OJEU Notice ref: 6868206. As stated above, this Notice does not commence a competitive tendering procedure but rather is published to notify prospective bidders that a competition has been commenced, by Eirgrid, on behalf of itself and SONI (amongst others), the conduct of which will be governed by the Regulations.
The Authority considers that the Negotiated procedure with a prior call for competition also satisfies the requirements of the Competitive Flexible Procedure as provided for in the Act.
If an organisation would like further information regarding conduct of the competition, please refer to OJEU notice ref: 6868206.
https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewTenders.do?resourceId=6868206
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
Private Utility Company
Contracting authority
SONI Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPVY-9479-DHPY
12 Manse Road
Belfast
BT6 9RT
United Kingdom
Contact name: Dee Fraser
Email: tenders.soni@soni.ltd.uk
Region: UKN0E - Lisburn and Castlereagh
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland