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
IT Managed Service Procurement
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
NIE Networks is the electricity Distribution Network Operator and Transmission Network Owner in Northern Ireland. NIE Networks is responsible for the network of engineering assets that allows the transmission and distribution of electricity to customers’ premises from electricity generators.
The purpose of this procurement was to appoint an IT Managed Services Provider that will: operate and transform the IT and Telecoms infrastructure; ensure that NIE Networks can fulfil its Network and Information Security (NIS) obligations as a provider of Critical National Infrastructure; provide effective support across the business through high-quality service management; and assist NIE Networks in
delivering its Digital & IT change programme for the RP7 regulatory period.
The scope of the contract will include:
• Service Management
• Infrastructure Management
• Data Hosting
• Cyber Security
• Telecommunications
• Resource Augmentation Services
• Supplier Licence Management
• Supplier Invoice Processing
NIE Networks has estimated the value of the Contract to be between £150million and £200million.The estimated value of the Contract outlined in Section II.1.7 and Section V.2.4 represents the total potential value of the contract over its full potential duration. This value is based upon the:
• transition and transformation activities outlined in the PIM;
• annual costs of managing and running the IT Managed Service;
• capital costs and residual operational costs of delivering IT upgrade and obsolescence projects across our infrastructure, applications and telecommunications estate via Change Control; and
• pass-through costs for purchases and maintenance of third-party licenses acquired by the IT Managed Service Provider for NIE Networks’ use.
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: £200,000,000
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 72100000 - Hardware consultancy services
- 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services
- 72300000 - Data services
- 72400000 - Internet services
- 72500000 - Computer-related services
- 72600000 - Computer support and consultancy services
- 72700000 - Computer network services
- 72800000 - Computer audit and testing services
- 72900000 - Computer back-up and catalogue conversion services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Main site or place of performance
Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This procurement procedure was conducted in compliance with the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (as amended) and NIE Networks used the negotiated procedure with prior call for competition for the award of the Contract.
The purpose of this procurement was to appoint an IT Managed Services Provider that will: operate and transform the IT and Telecoms infrastructure; ensure that NIE Networks can fulfil its Network and Information Security (NIS) obligations as a provider of Critical National Infrastructure; provide effective support across the business through high-quality service management; and assist NIE Networks in
delivering its Digital & IT change programme for the RP7 regulatory period.
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
The Contract will be for an initial term beginning on the Effective Date (as defined in the Contract ) and ending five (5) years from the later of the 1st April 2026 and the Transition Completion Date (as defined in the Contract), followed by up to five (5) extension periods of one (1) year each at NIE Networks' sole discretion, providing a maximum potential Contract duration of ten (10) years from and including the later of the 1st April 2026 and the Transition Completion Date. Please note that, in the event of any slippage to the Transition Completion Date beyond 1st April 2026 (which will be outside the control of NIE Networks once the contract is awarded), the total duration of the contract could potentially exceed the 126 months referenced in Section II.1.7 of the Contract Notice.
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.1.8) 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 000-033652
Section five. Award of contract
Title
IT Managed Service Procurement
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
24 November 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
British Telecommunications PLC
1 Braham Street
London
E1 8EE
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKI - London
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £200,000,000
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland
Royal Courts of Justice, Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 3JY
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
The Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (as amended) provide for aggrieved parties who have been harmed or are at risk of harm by a breach of the rules to take action in the High Court (Northern Ireland).