The purpose of this contract is for a selection of suppliers to be contracted under a Framework for the supply and delivery of IT Hardware, Software and Consumables ("Opportunity") across our delivery locations (subject to change) across the Northern Gas Networks region.
The current expectations are to add up to five (5) partners (dependent on tender qualification and subsequent award) to carry out the supply to NGN.
The IT Hardware, Software and Consumables Framework is to include (but is not limited to) products such as:
• IT Hardware e.g. laptops, tablets, phones, servers
• IT Software Licences (Off the Shelf software Products and support and maintenance)
• Data media Storage Products e.g. CD's, DVD's, Memory Sticks
• Networking Items e.g. cables, routers, access points
• Audio-visual Equipment
• IT Consumables
• Chargers & USB cables
• Encrypted USB sticks
• Video adapters / video cables
• Wireless keyboard & mice
• Phone holders
• Printer ink
• Microphone Headsets
• Docking Stations & adaptors
Northern Gas Networks Limited (NGN) is the company responsible for distributing gas to homes and businesses across the North of England. As part of the restructuring of the gas distribution business in England, NGN successfully acquired the North of England Gas Distribution Network (DN) and took control of the assets on 1st June 2005. NGN has been responsible since then for the transportation of gas to the North of England via 36,000Km of pipelines.
Currently NGN replace approximately 570km of mains and 44,000 services per year and provides 24/7 gas emergency services to our network.
Northern Gas Networks are seeking supplier(s) with proven experience and capability to supply Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings compliant to the relevant standards.
A full detailed scope of works will be issued when Northern Gas embark on the first stage of a multistage procurement process.
NGN's existing Managed Print Service (MPS) contract is approaching renewal with our current service provider. NGN is tendering its MPS to explore the possibility of modernising and continuing to build on improving the service expectations, along with enhancing and optimising our MPS in alignment with business strategies.
The Scope of Requirements documents includes a full detailed scope, along with tender requirements.
Implementation and Management of NGN Network & Voice Services (SD-WAN, WAN, LAN, WLAN, UC & CC)
The existing network and voice service management contracts are approaching renewal with our current service provider. In this tender process, NGN is interested in exploring implementing a new network and voice solution. This will also include providing NGN with a comprehensive service for the management of the implemented network and voice services.
The successful supplier will be responsible for the comprehensive solution implementation and management of NGN's network and voice services. The scope includes, but is not limited to:
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
- Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW)
- Local Area Network (LAN & WLAN)
- Cloud Services
- Voice Unified Comms (UC)
- Voice Contact Centre (CC)
Northern Gas Networks have identified the need for a framework of contractors focused on future Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) investments related to our 'facilities' building stock.
Suppliers will be expected to provide quotes under the framework for a range of minor fit outs, various building improvements, through to comprehensive construction projects.
The Scope of Requirement detail can be found in the attachment of this tender notice.
The scope encompass' a variety of commercial building types focusing on the offices and depots throughout the network.
Northern Gas Networks require multiple suppliers on a framework agreement to provide products that will be used throughout the NGN network.
The purpose of this framework is to ensure continuity of supply of the sealant and associated equipment to the business at agreed rates, lead times and to ensure products conform to the correct specification and standards.
Items under the framework agreement must meet the necessary Gas Industry Standards in line with all new guidance and standards published.
Travel, Accommodation and Event Management Services
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) have a requirement to secure the services of a travel management company.
NGN have approx. 1400 employees with offices spread throughout the north of England. A travel management system has been in place since 2015 with restrictions set on all travel booked sent to line managers for approvals. Car Hire, Taxi Bookings, Car Parking, Ferry Tickets, Tube Ticket Bookings, Meetings including Conference and Event Planning are also booked through the travel system. All NGN employees have access to book, with some key bookers requesting group bookings or booking on behalf of other colleagues.
NGN have a travel policy in place which outlines restrictions for standard class travel only for colleagues and hotel spend limits with restrictions set on allowances for food and drink. The solution has enabled monitoring and enforcement of the Travel Policy by setting rules and limits within the solution. Approval needs to be sought to book travel that falls outside the policy, our current system flags out-of-policy bookings and if selected is sent immediately for manager approval. It also provides a mechanism to benchmark travel and drive refinement of the Travel Policy in the future.
NGN wishes to award a contract to a supplier who can demonstrate the ability to provide all our requirements as set out in the Scope of Requirements document.
East Coast Hydrogen FEED Design & PEC Work Packages
NGN is seeking to appoint one or more experienced consultants to deliver key work packages for the East Coast Hydrogen (ECH) Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) project. This project forms a critical part of NGN's strategy to enable the transition to a low-carbon energy system, supporting the UK's net zero targets by 2050.
The ECH initiative aims to repurpose and expand existing gas infrastructure to transport hydrogen across the region, creating a reliable and scalable hydrogen network to facilitate hard-to-electrify industrial processes.
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.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) requires multiple Operated Plant Services to support its Emergency, Locate and Repair (ELR) Teams for non-planned gas escapes across the network.
NGN operates approximately 170 ELR teams, attending circa 120,000 response and repair jobs annually, and may require Operated Plant Services at any time.
NGN also anticipates requirements for Operated Plant Services to support:
- Connections Division: Connecting over 10,000 customers annually, including new builds, disconnections, and service alterations.
- Planned Replacement Programme: Delivering 540 km of mains and 44,000 services per year.
The services will be provided under a Framework Agreement on a call-off basis, ensuring availability 365 days a year, 24/7, to maintain safety, productivity, compliance, and customer care.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is initiating a Phase 2 procurement event to expand the existing Direct Service Provider (DSP) Framework, which currently runs until 2029 with options to extend. Due to capacity constraints within the current framework, additional suppliers are required to ensure sufficient resource availability across the network. This expansion is intended to supplement-not replace-the existing DSP supply.
The requirement covers the provision of multiple DSPs to support delivery of Gas Mains Replacement, Reinforcement, New Connections, Specialist Gas Services, and Diversions throughout the RIIO price control period. The expanded framework will help enable delivery of up to 600km of mains replacement, diversion, condition, and reinforcement works, alongside customer-driven connection activities. All works will continue to be delivered in line with relevant industry and safety standards applicable to gas distribution operations.
The framework will operate across the full NGN geography, with bidders able to tender for all areas or select specific regions within the network. As with the existing arrangement, the framework will not guarantee any minimum volume or value of work. Awards will be made on the basis of the most advantageous outcome for NGN, ensuring capability, resilience, and value across the supply base.
The purpose of this procurement is to strengthen delivery capacity, maintain service continuity, and ensure NGN can meet regulatory, operational, and customer-driven requirements at scale. Phase 2 will enhance resilience across the network by increasing the number of qualified DSPs available to support planned and reactive works, without altering the current ranking or status of existing suppliers.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) seeks to establish a zero-value framework agreement with qualified suppliers to provide appliance supply (where NGN's Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) will fit appliance) and/or supply & installation services (where NGN's DLO team is unable to deliver). This initiative supports NGN's commitment to assisting customers in vulnerable situations, funded by Ofgem.
The framework will appoint to a maximum of twelve suppliers (6 for supply only and 6 for supply & installation), aligned to NGN's geographic patches, with Cumbria designated as a standalone area. This structure is designed to enable participation from smaller SMEs while ensuring coverage across the network. Suppliers will be responsible for either supply of appliances only or the supply, installation, repair, or replacement of gas appliances for eligible customers. Selection for individual jobs will be based on location, price, and availability at the time of request.
All participating suppliers must align with OFGEM governance and meet mandatory competency and regulatory standards, including:
Gas Safe registration
Certification in CCN1, CENWAT, CKR1, and HTR1
Valid waste carrier licence
The scope of work is network-wide, ensuring timely and safe delivery of essential services to vulnerable customers, identified through carbon monoxide investigations or during repair and maintenance activities on the gas distribution network.
This framework aims to strengthen NGN's ability to respond quickly and effectively to customer needs, maintaining compliance with industry standards while promoting inclusivity for smaller suppliers.
NGN will award to a maximum of 12 suppliers for the whole Framework.
This consists of:
A max of 1 supplier per area for supply & installation
A max of 1 supplier per area for supply only
With 6 areas that's a max supply of 6 suppliers for each supply type.
Implementation and Management of NGN Network & Voice Services (SD-WAN, WAN, LAN, WLAN, UC & CC)
The existing network and voice service management contracts are approaching renewal
with our current service provider. In this tender process, NGN is interested in exploring
implementing a new network and voice solution. This will also include providing NGN with
a comprehensive service for the management of the implemented network and voice
services.
The successful supplier will be responsible for the comprehensive solution implementation
and management of NGN's network and voice services. The scope includes, but is not
limited to:
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
- Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW)
- Local Area Network (LAN & WLAN)
- Cloud Services
- Voice Unified Comms (UC)
- Voice Contact Centre (CC)
Provision of Regulatory Risk and Decision Support Capability
NGN have the below essential requirements from the product solution:
Asset risk regulatory reporting (Network Asset Risk Metrics - NARMs) - We have a licence obligation to report Asset Risk and Health annually to Ofgem. This process is currently undertaken through a combination of our current Regulatory Risk and Decision Support Tool generated outputs and Microsoft Excel based manipulation. Audit functionality is necessary as part of this requirement.
2. Cost Benefit Analysis - We need to execute a consistent, corporatised, risk and output-based cost benefit calculator to inform individual investment decisions and support future business plan submissions.
3. Delivery of RIIO-GD3 business plan commitments - We must monitor performance against our RIIO-GD3 plan, including an ability to identify areas of over/under performance.
Full details can be found in the scope of works.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is seeking to establish a multi‑supplier IT Professional Services Framework to provide flexible, on‑demand specialist capability in support of its technology, digital, infrastructure, and cyber security programmes.
The Framework will enable NGN to access appropriately skilled resources to supplement internal teams and support the delivery of projects, programmes, service operations, and specialist technical activities. Services may be required for short‑term assignments or longer engagements, depending on business need, and may be delivered on‑site, remotely, or through a hybrid model.
The scope of services is structured across the following LOTs:
LOT 1 - Project & Programme Management
Including project management, programme management, assurance, and business analysis services.
LOT 2 - Architecture
Including applications, data, enterprise, solution, infrastructure, and security architecture services.
LOT 3 - Software & Infrastructure Delivery
Including software development, testing, DevOps, cloud engineering, infrastructure configuration, and technical analyst services.
LOT 4 - Cyber Security
Including cyber risk and threat assessment, penetration testing (IT and OT), red/blue/purple teaming, incident response planning and testing, and related cyber security services.
Suppliers may apply for one or more LOTs and will only be considered for those LOTs where they can demonstrate the required capability. Appointment to the Framework does not guarantee any volume or value of work. Call‑offs under the Framework may be made by direct award or mini‑competition, depending on the nature and value of the requirement, in accordance with the Framework terms.
The Framework will be awarded for an initial term of three (3) years, with the option to extend for up to five (5) additional one‑year periods, subject to NGN requirements and performance.
This procurement is being conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, using the Competitive Flexible Procedure, with the Contract Notice published via the Find a Tender Service (FTS). Full details of the scope, evaluation methodology, and procurement process are provided within the procurement documentation.