Scope
Description
The ECH project is a collaborative initiative between NGN, National Gas Transmission (NGT) and Cadent, to develop a 100% hydrogen transmission and distribution network in the North East of England. The project will connect hydrogen producers, storage operators, and major industrial and commercial users, enabling large-scale decarbonisation of energy-intensive processes. NGN's network will link production facilities in Teesside and the Humber with industrial customers across the Humber, Yorkshire, Teesside, and South Tyneside regions.
Following the successful completion of a feasibility study and pre-FEED, NGN has progressed into a two-year FEED phase. This stage will deliver the technical and commercial definition required to create a viable, investable solution for the project. NGN has secured funding for this phase and has finalised the delivery plan to ensure timely and efficient execution.
The Pre-FEED identified development of a hydrogen network consisting of a mix of repurposed and newbuild pipelines, with: 285km being High Pressure (HP), 77km being Intermediate Pressure (IP) and 203km being Medium Pressure (MP) as well as 55 new or modified Offtakes and PRSs. As part of the early FEED activities, NGN is reviewing the Pre-FEED network and undertaking an options rationalisation exercise to define the connection points and the extent of the network which will then progress through the FEED.
Following the successful completion of the FEED, the project will move into a Development Expenditure (Devex) phase where the FEED designs will be developed into fully detailed designs ready for construction, statutory consultations and DCO final applications will be undertaken and the project will be submitted into an allocation round of the Hydrogen Transport Business Model as well be seeking a Final Investment Decision from private investors. Beyond this, the project will move through the procurement, construction and operational phases.
This framework agreement is to support the project through the FEED, Devex and future phases of the project.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £8,000,000 excluding VAT
- £10,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2029
- Possible extension to 31 May 2036
- 10 years
Description of possible extension:
The length of the framework may be extended by NGN for a further 7 x 1-year periods to give a maximum duration of 10 years.
Main procurement category
Services
Contract locations
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
Not the same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. Project Management Office
Description
The Project Management Office (PMO) framework services will serve as the central governance and coordination function for the project, ensuring that all workstreams operate within agreed standards and frameworks. The services will provide oversight, reporting, and assurance to support successful delivery within the defined time, cost, and quality parameters.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,600,000 excluding VAT
- £1,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 71240000 - Architectural, engineering and planning services
- 76100000 - Professional services for the gas industry
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Strategic Advisory Services
Description
The strategic advisory services will provide expert guidance to ensure the project aligns with national hydrogen policy, regulatory frameworks, and emerging industry trends. The successful framework partners will act as trusted partners, offering insight into government strategies, regulatory developments, and market dynamics to support informed decision-making and long-term commercial viability.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,600,000 excluding VAT
- £1,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 71240000 - Architectural, engineering and planning services
- 76100000 - Professional services for the gas industry
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Hydrogen Market Framework
Description
This Lot provides independent regulatory and policy advisory services to ensure the project design and commercial strategy remain aligned with the emerging hydrogen market framework. The provider will monitor developments from Ofgem, DESNZ, and other relevant bodies, interpret implications for network development, and provide informed advice to support NGN's engagement and decision-making. The expected deliverables under this Lot will include regular briefing notes, position papers, and engagement support summarising regulatory developments, implications for NGN, and recommended actions. Outputs will enable NGN to participate effectively in industry working groups and maintain alignment with the emerging hydrogen market framework
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,600,000 excluding VAT
- £1,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 71240000 - Architectural, engineering and planning services
- 76100000 - Professional services for the gas industry
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. Economic and Financial Modelling
Description
The appointed financial advisor will provide expert guidance to ensure the project's commercial framework is robust, compliant, and attractive to private investors. The advisor will play a critical role in embedding key investor requirements into the FEED phase, positioning the project for successful capital raising and progression through development expenditure (DEVEX) and Final Investment Decision (FID).
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,600,000 excluding VAT
- £1,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 71000000 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5. Construction Advisory Services
Description
The Construction Advisory Services Lot will provide independent, practitioner-led input to ensure the FEED design is constructible, phased logically, commercially sound, and ready for progression into detailed design and delivery. The provider will embed construction expertise throughout the FEED stage and beyond, translating design intent into feasible construction methodologies, programmes, and costed delivery strategies that minimise risk and disruption while maximising value for money.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,600,000 excluding VAT
- £1,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 71240000 - Architectural, engineering and planning services
- 71530000 - Construction consultancy services
- 71540000 - Construction management services
- 76100000 - Professional services for the gas industry
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 6. Design Validation & Assurance
Description
The provider will deliver independent assurance and validation of all design packages at various stages of NGN's East Coast Hydrogen project, confirming compliance with technical requirements, regulatory standards, and best practice. The approach will reflect the principles of the gas distribution G17 Part B process, which mandates rigorous governance ensuring designs meet all regulatory and operational standards and the that the designs align with all safety, integrity, and compliance requirements. Activities will cover network architecture, pipeline routing, material selection, above-ground installations, and instrumentation and control strategies
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,600,000 excluding VAT
- £1,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 71200000 - Architectural and related services
- 76100000 - Professional services for the gas industry
Same for all lots
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
Lot 1,2,4,5 - Total 2 suppliers -
LOT 6 - Total 3 suppliers.
All of these operate by Primary & Secondary Suppliers:
Call off contracts under the framework will be negotiated with the Primary Supplier. If agreement on the price for the work cannot be reached, or the Primary Supplier cannot meet the required timelines, or where the Primary Supplier performed poorly on a previous work package, then the Secondary Supplier will have the opportunity to bid for the work. NGN also reserves the right to undertake a mini tender to award work packages under the framework.
LOT 3 - Total 4 Suppliers
Mini Tenders / Direct Award:
Call off contracts under the framework will be awarded via mini tenders and the most advantageous tender will be chosen to deliver the work. NGN also reserves the right to direct award work packages through single negotiation with one Supplier.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Submission
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
23 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The aim of this Tender Notice is to:
* Ensure we provide bidders with adequate information to determine if they wish to proceed with this tender event.
* Provide NGN with a more detailed understanding of the interest within the market.
The Tender Notice process is the first stage of multistage procurement process. All interested suppliers must follow the below steps in order to proceed with the conditions of participation and PQQ stages of this procurement event:
Sign up or Sign in to NGNs Tendering Portal - Market Dojo. Follow this link to do so:
https://secure.marketdojo.com/signup
When you have logged in to your dashboard, you'll need to click the 'Show all or enter invite code' button under the Event Invitations section.
You'll need to enter this code:
It will then notify NGN to approve you onto the tender event. Once approved you will be given access to the event, where you'll be taken to the Conditions of Participation stage, this stage is a pass/fail and will be locked until after the PQQ submission deadline. Any supplier who fails this stage will automatically be withdrawn from the process and will not gain access to the PQQ. All suppliers who pass this stage will be automatically taken to
the PQQ where they will be given a deadline and detail to complete.
Once the PQQ has been evaluated by NGNs internal evaluation team all those who meet the criteria will be sent to the RFP stage where NGN will assess against award criteria.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 June 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Technical Competence | Quality |
| Commercial | Price |
Weighting description
We will undertake the RFP evaluation in two stages. Stage 1 - technical review where a threshold will need to be met to progress to the next stage. Stage 2 - commercial review. The overall score will be calculated by adding the scores in both stages with the highest scorers being successful.
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
This procurement will follow the following process:
- Tender notice issued (this notice) for at least 30 days
- Interested suppliers to contact NGN and be invited
to Conditions of Participation via Market Dojo (Pass/Fail)
Suppliers who Pass the Conditions of Participation will be invited to PQQ
- PQQ end date 30th January 2026
- PQQ responses evaluated
Suppliers who score over 60% at Stage 1 of the PQQ will progress to Stage 2 of the PQQ (Project Specific questions).
In Lots 1, 2, 4, & 5, a maximum of 6 bidders in each Lot will progress through to RFP which will be decided by a ranking of the top highest scorers.
In Lots 3 & 6, a maximum of 8 bidders in each Lot will progress through to RFP which will also be decided by a ranking of the top highest scorers.
- RFP live for at least 25 days
- RFP responses will be assessed in two stages. The first stage will assess technical competence and resources where a threshold score will need to be achieved to progress into Stage 2. The second stage will assess commercials. The overall score will be
calculated by adding the scores in both Stages with the highest score being successful.
- Best and Final Offer or supplementary stages requested where applicable (all these will be notified of before tender submission deadline)
- Final evaluations completed
- Suppliers notified of the outcome
Full details are made available in the tender scope.
If supplementary stages are required throughout the process, or stages noted in the strategy defined above are no longer required, it is at NGN's discretion to include or remove stages.
It is at the discretion of NGN to change the weightings/criteria or add additional sub criteria/weightings to the PQQ or RFP if there is a need to do so before the submission deadline of the relevant stage.
Any changes to the evaluation criteria will be communicated
to all Bidders
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