Section one: Contracting entity
one.1) Name and addresses
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks
120 Malone Road,
Belfast,
BT9 5HT
Stephen.Hughes@nienetworks.co.uk
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKN - Northern Ireland
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.6) Main activity
Electricity
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
S1228 - Flexibility Management Platform
Reference number
S1228 (2024)
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
In order to deliver a reliable and efficient supply of electricity, NIE networks requires the provision of a system to manage flexibility services in a business as usual environment, in a scalable, robust and secure manner.
Key system functions:
Procurement (via dynamic purchasing system)
Scheduling of flexible units
Dispatch instructions and management
Baselining
Collection of meter data and performance analysis
Facilitation of settlement processes
Reporting functions
The system will be used in an operational environment to schedule, dispatch and monitor flexibility services as required. Services will be procured using the system, with the oversight of Flexibility Commercial resources.
Flexibility service providers will access flexibility opportunities using the system and will be migrated to an operational environment once contracted. The system will allow communication of instructions and other key operational information between NIE Networks and contracted flexibility providers.
The vendor is expected to provide the functionality in one system.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £478,287
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
- 48460000 - Analytical, scientific, mathematical or forecasting software package
- 48517000 - IT software package
- 48700000 - Software package utilities
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
In order to deliver a reliable and efficient supply of electricity, NIE networks requires the provision of a system to manage flexibility services in a business as usual environment, in a scalable, robust and secure manner.
Key system functions:
Procurement (via dynamic purchasing system)
Scheduling of flexible units
Dispatch instructions and management
Baselining
Collection of meter data and performance analysis
Facilitation of settlement processes
Reporting functions
The system will be used in an operational environment to schedule, dispatch and monitor flexibility services as required. Services will be procured using the system, with the oversight of Flexibility Commercial resources.
Flexibility service providers will access flexibility opportunities using the system and will be migrated to an operational environment once contracted. The system will allow communication of instructions and other key operational information between NIE Networks and contracted flexibility providers.
The vendor is expected to provide the functionality in one system.
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
4 year initial term with two 2 year extension options.
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated procedure with prior call for competition
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2024/S 000-038783
four.2.9) Information about termination of call for competition in the form of a periodic indicative notice
The contracting entity will not award any further contracts based on the above periodic indicative notice
Section five. Award of contract
Contract No
S1228 (2024)
Title
Flexibility Management Platform
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
22 October 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 4
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 1
Number of tenders received from tenderers from other EU Member States: 2
Number of tenders received from tenderers from non-EU Member States: 2
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 4
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Open Utility Ltd Piclo
35 Holland Grove
London
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKN - Northern Ireland
The contractor is an SME
No
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited
120 Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 5HT
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.2) Body responsible for mediation procedures
High Court in Northern Ireland
Royal Courts of justice, Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 3JY
Country
United Kingdom