Scope
Reference
UY PROC 1223
Description
The University of York ("the University") is awarding a Framework Agreement following an advertised tender to a small number of Consultants who have specific and market leading experience in deep geothermal well drilling, or equivalent deep well drilling and operating projects.
The geothermal project is seen as a flagship scheme for the University and wider region, and as such is being well resourced and prioritised.
The City of York Council have expressed an interest to access services through the concluded Framework therefore they are named as a potential user of Framework services once awarded. City of York Council's PPON is PQVW-9426-LDJV
The Framework is being awarded as four separate Lots, and bidders were invited to submit tenders for one or more Lots.
The tender Lots are as follows, together with anticipated spend per Lot over the four year Framework term:
Lot 1: Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancy. Anticipated spend of £0 to £700,000 incVAT
Lot 2: Integration with geothermal well to site energy network consultancy. Anticipated spend of £0 to £1,100,000 incVAT
Lot 3: Geological surveying, interpretation, modelling and monitoring consultancy. Anticipated spend of £0 to £1,500,000 incVAT
Lot 4: Client supervisor, drilling operation representation consultancy. Anticipated spend of £0 to £500,000 incVAT
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Lot 1. Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancy
Description
The successful Consultant appointed to Lot 1 shall be required to deliver the following services as a minimum to support the University's deep geothermal well project delivery, providing specific geological, well, rig site design consultancy services:
Provide advice and support to enable the University to achieve all relevant permissions and permitting required to establish and operate the drilling site(s), including the planning process (the consultant is not expected to write planning applications in full or conduct legal work regarding planning, services shall be limited to purely technical input).
Assist the University from a technical perspective with the University's community engagement processes ensuring local stakeholders are suitably informed. The consultant will support engagement with stakeholders by providing materials or technical input to allow the University to communicate the works across the multiple forums.
Provide technical support with regard to all pre drilling activities
The consultant will be required to support the completion of a concept well design and site set up plan to be issued to bidding contractors as part of the tender. The development of this design will be the responsibility of the contractors who win the tender. We would expect the consultant to provide a technical critique of the further stages of the design carried out by the contractor.
Support the procurement of the drilling contractor - providing support at the tender evaluation and contract award stage. The consultant shall be expected to provide specialist oversight and assistance in reviewing the tender submissions from a technical perspective.
The Consultant shall assist with the cost review of the drilling bidders 'open book' approach, providing technical advice as well as any benchmarking data held by the Consultant. The Consultant shall also be required to provide comment on the proposed pricing structure of key materials in line with their experience of past drilling operations.
The Consultant shall provide technical oversight and support the University with regard to reviewing all technical designs and plans produced by the drilling contractor for all wells.
The Consultant will be expected to attend meetings with the drilling manager and contractors design consultants to provide technical support to the UoY in making sure that what is told to the UoY by the contractors is acceptable.
For the initial well drilling all processes shall be under the control of the drilling contractor, however the consultant will be expected to attend meetings with the drilling manager and contractors design consultants to provide technical support to the University in a technical support role. This shall be the case for the second and any subsequent wells also.
The Consultant shall provide specification for well testing that the University should be expecting to see from the drilling contractor. The consultant shall provide technical advice on any well testing methodologies.The Consultant shall oversee testing on behalf of the University and provide oversight of the tests being carried out by the drilling contractor, as well as a critiquing and challenging the test results
The Consultant shall be required to provide all relevant associated services to facilitate the deep geothermal well projects full delivery.
During the drilling phase the Consultant shall be required to provide specialist support to the University with regard to utilisation of heat produced (heat and flow rate analysis etc shall be required as a minimum).
The Consultant shall provide consultancy services throughout the drilling stage, supporting the University as a 'critical friend' providing timely technical support.
Lot 2. Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network
Description
The successful Consultant appointed to Lot 2 shall be required to deliver the following technical design and other services as a minimum to support the University's deep geothermal well project delivery, providing specific integration of geothermal well to site energy network and site energy network design consultancy services:
The Consultant shall provide post drilling operational site preparation design and technical support services with regard to the site energy network for the heat/energy production phase of the project. In order to do this the Consultant shall be expected to deliver supplementary services such as but not limited to civils and mechanical and electrical design services.
Consultants shall have the ability to design district heating integration so that heat can be transferred throughout the University Campus and beyond if viable.
The consultant will be expected to review all finalised site plans and designs produced by the winning energy generation contractor on behalf of the University prior to construction commencing.
The site setup / ground preparation will be expected to be done and checked by the drilling contractor as it is their rig being used. But the consultant is expected to be able to provide some technical input from the client side as to how those conditions might be achieved.
Provide technical support to the UoY as the contractor installs and commissioning the above ground infrastructure. Particularly looking at the interaction between the well performance and testing to the performance when connected.
The Consultant shall provide specialist design services to produce a concept design to RIBA Stage 3 for the production equipment and works required to obtain and utilise the hot water from the well, and the connection to the University's wider energy infrastructure.
Provide operations phase procurement technical support.
The consultant shall provide some specific energy modelling services with regard to the heat and energy production from the well(s)
The consultant shall provide the University as client with operations phase client overview during the energy infrastructure works and implementation.
The Consultant shall be required to provide all relevant associated services to facilitate the deep geothermal well projects full delivery.
Lot 3. Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring
Description
The successful Consultant appointed to Lot 3 shall be required to deliver the following services as a minimum to support the University's deep geothermal well project delivery, providing specific geological surveying, interpretation, modelling and monitoring consultancy services:
The consultant shall provide some further and ongoing surface exploration phase consultancy support, including;
Seismic data analysis and interpretation to assist in determining the target site(s) for the wells
Carry out additional seismic surveys if required
The consultant shall provide critique and comment on geological models and surveys, and shall evaluate targets identified by the geological models and provide feedback on the technical feasibility of reaching them.
To provide some on-going seismic monitoring during the drilling phase of the project
The Consultant shall be required to provide ad-hoc specialist support for site or ground testing when required
The consultant will be required to review seismic data as required and report findings to the University.
The Consultant shall be required to provide all relevant associated services to facilitate the deep geothermal well projects full delivery.
Lot 4. Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative
Description
The successful Consultant appointed to Lot 4 shall be required to deliver the following services as a minimum to support the University's deep geothermal well project delivery, providing specific University (client) supervisor / drilling operations representative consultancy services:
Sign off drilling plans
Provide regular oversight of the drilling contractor on behalf of the client
Provide a regular site presence
Have proven previous experience of drilling management
The Consultant shall be required to provide all relevant associated services to facilitate the deep geothermal well projects full delivery.
Contract 1. Geothermal Well and Rig Site Design and Construction Consultancy
Lots
Lot 1. Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancy
Suppliers (3)
- ATKINSRÉALIS UK LIMITED
- British Geological Survey (BGS) a component of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- GEOSCIENCE LIMITED
Contract value
- £530,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
19 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
19 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 5 January 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2028
- Possible extension to 31 January 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Two year initial term, with a maximum extension of up to two further years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71310000 - Consultative engineering and construction services
- 71320000 - Engineering design services
- 71334000 - Mechanical and electrical engineering services
- 71351210 - Geophysical consultancy services
- 71530000 - Construction consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKE21 - York
Contract 2. Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network
Lots
Lot 2. Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network
Suppliers (3)
Contract value
- £850,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
19 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
19 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 5 January 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2028
- Possible extension to 31 January 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Two year initial term, with a maximum extension of up to two further years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71311300 - Infrastructure works consultancy services
- 71314300 - Energy-efficiency consultancy services
- 71321000 - Engineering design services for mechanical and electrical installations for buildings
- 71530000 - Construction consultancy services
- 79415200 - Design consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKE21 - York
Contract 3. Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring
Lots
Lot 3. Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring
Suppliers (3)
- ATKINSRÉALIS UK LIMITED
- British Geological Survey (BGS) a component of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LIMITED
Contract value
- £1,130,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
19 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
19 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 5 January 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2028
- Possible extension to 31 January 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Two year initial term, with a maximum extension of up to two further years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71351200 - Geological and geophysical consultancy services
- 71351210 - Geophysical consultancy services
- 71352140 - Seismic processing services
- 71355000 - Surveying services
Contract locations
- UKE21 - York
Contract 4. Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative
Lots
Lot 4. Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative
Suppliers (3)
Contract value
- £400,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
19 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
19 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 5 January 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2028
- Possible extension to 31 January 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Two year initial term, with a maximum extension of up to two further years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71351200 - Geological and geophysical consultancy services
- 71530000 - Construction consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKE21 - York
Information about tenders
Lot 1. Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancy
- 15 tenders received
- 15 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 15 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 3 suppliers awarded contracts
- 12 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 2. Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network
- 8 tenders received
- 8 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 8 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 3 suppliers awarded contracts
- 5 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 3. Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring
- 12 tenders received
- 12 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 12 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 3 suppliers awarded contracts
- 9 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot 4. Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative
- 10 tenders received
- 10 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 10 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 3 suppliers awarded contracts
- 7 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Suppliers
AECOM LIMITED
- Companies House: 01846493
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCLX-5446-YHDX
Aldgate Tower
London
E1 8FA
United Kingdom
Email: KM-Europe@aecom.com
Website: http://www.aecom.com
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network
Contract 4. Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative
ATKINSRÉALIS UK LIMITED
- Companies House: 00688424
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLLV-1772-YDYN
Woodcote Grove, Ashley Road
Surrey
KT18 5BW
United Kingdom
Email: ukwinwork@atkinsrealis.com
Website: http://www.atkinsrealis.com
Region: UKJ26 - East Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Geothermal Well and Rig Site Design and Construction Consultancy
Contract 3. Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring
Contract 4. Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative
British Geological Survey (BGS) a component of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWHV-7273-PGJY
Nicker Hill
Keyworth, Nottingham
NG12 5GG
United Kingdom
Email: businessdevelopment@bgs.ac.uk
Website: http://www.bgs.ac.uk
Region: UKF16 - South Nottinghamshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Geothermal Well and Rig Site Design and Construction Consultancy
Contract 3. Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring
GEOSCIENCE LIMITED
- Companies House: 01930745
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPBN-9776-THDY
Unit1, Falmouth Business Park
Falmouth
TR11 4SZ
United Kingdom
Email: contactgeo@geoscience.co.uk
Website: http://www.geoscience.co.uk/
Region: UKK30 - Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Geothermal Well and Rig Site Design and Construction Consultancy
OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LIMITED
- Companies House: 01312453
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZJN-8211-DBBV
8 Fitzroy Street
London
W1T 4BJ
United Kingdom
Email: uk.procurement@arup.com
Website: http://www.arup.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network
Contract 3. Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring
Contract 4. Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative
TETRA TECH RPS ENERGY LIMITED
- Companies House: 01465554
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJWM-9845-QGDM
101 Park Drive
Abingdon
OX14 4RY
United Kingdom
Email: rps.energybidteam@tetratech.com
Website: http://tetratech.com/
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network
Contracting authority
University of York
- UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN number): 10007167
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRDQ-5539-WTHX
Heslington
York
YO10 5DD
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@york.ac.uk
Website: http://www.york.ac.uk
Region: UKE21 - York
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
City of York Council
Summary of their role in this procurement: Potential Framework user
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQVW-9426-LDJV
West Offices, Station Rise
York
YO1 6GA
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@york.gov.uk
Region: UKE21 - York