Award

S1228 - Flexibility Management Platform

NORTHERN IRELAND ELECTRICITY NETWORKS

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

30 Oct 2025 at 15:50

Tender

02 Dec 2024 at 15:08

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the "S1228 - Flexibility Management Platform" involves Northern Ireland Electricity Networks as the buying organisation. This contract falls under the IT services category, covering consulting, software development, and support. The location specified for the delivery is Northern Ireland (region: UKN). The contract has been awarded and is currently in the 'Award' stage as of 30th October 2025, following a negotiated procedure with a prior call for competition. The initial framework period is set for four years, with potential renewals of up to an additional four years, at the discretion of NIE Networks. The total contract value is £900,000, and the winning supplier is Open Utility Ltd Piclo, a recognised entity within this domain.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in scalable and robust IT service solutions, particularly those capable of managing sophisticated systems for flexibility services. The platform's requirements, such as scheduling, dispatch, and performance analysis, align well with firms experienced in delivering comprehensive software systems for utilities. Companies with a proven track record in IT software packages, especially those with capabilities in analytics and forecasting, can leverage their expertise to compete successfully. Additionally, there is potential for growth through the development of long-term partnerships with NIE Networks, especially given the option of contract renewals extending up to eight years. SMEs and larger companies that can offer innovative solutions in this sector may find a lucrative avenue for business expansion.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

S1228 - Flexibility Management Platform

Notice 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.

Lot Information

Lot 1

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.

Options: 4 year initial term with two 2 year extension options.

Renewal: At the end of the framework term it may be subject to renewal.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04c18e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069832-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Dynamic, Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Negotiated procedure with prior call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

48460000 - Analytical, scientific, mathematical or forecasting software package

48517000 - IT software package

48700000 - Software package utilities

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£900,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Oct 20252 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
13 Jan 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
21 Oct 20253 weeks ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHERN IRELAND ELECTRICITY NETWORKS
Additional Buyers

NORTHERN IRELAND ELECTRICITY NETWORKS LIMITED

Contact Name
Stephen Hughes
Contact Email
stephen.hughes@nienetworks.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BELFAST,
Postcode
BT9 5HT
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
Not specified
Basic Region (ITL 2)
Not specified
Small Region (ITL 3)
Not specified
Delivery Location
TLN Northern Ireland

Local Authority
Electoral Ward
Westminster Constituency

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

OPEN UTILITY LTD PICLO

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-04c18e-2025-10-30T15:50:50Z",
    "date": "2025-10-30T15:50:50Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-04c18e",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "S1228 (2024)",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0025",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "S1228 - Flexibility Management Platform",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "72000000",
            "description": "IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "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.",
        "value": {
            "amount": 900000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "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.",
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "durationInDays": 2880
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "At the end of the framework term it may be subject to renewal."
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "4 year initial term with two 2 year extension options."
                },
                "status": "cancelled"
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "48000000",
                        "description": "Software package and information systems"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "48460000",
                        "description": "Analytical, scientific, mathematical or forecasting software package"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "48517000",
                        "description": "IT software package"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "48700000",
                        "description": "Software package utilities"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKN"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKN"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "Northern Ireland"
                },
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "submissionMethod": [
            "electronicSubmission",
            "written"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://e-sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk",
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "economic",
                "documentType": "economicSelectionCriteria"
            },
            {
                "id": "technical",
                "documentType": "technicalSelectionCriteria"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "selective",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Negotiated procedure with prior call for competition",
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "maximumParticipants": 1
            }
        },
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-01-13T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "secondStage": {
            "invitationDate": "2025-02-17T00:00:00Z"
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ],
            "bidValidityPeriod": {
                "durationInDays": 180
            }
        },
        "hasRecurrence": true
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-3935",
            "name": "Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "120 Malone Road,",
                "locality": "Belfast,",
                "region": "UKN",
                "postalCode": "BT9 5HT",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Stephen Hughes",
                "email": "Stephen.Hughes@nienetworks.co.uk",
                "url": "https://e-sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.nienetworks.co.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "TED_CE_ACTIVITY",
                        "id": "ELECTRICITY",
                        "description": "Electricity"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-5194",
            "name": "Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "120 Malone Road",
                "locality": "Belfast",
                "postalCode": "BT9 5HT",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.nienetworks.co.uk"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-1401",
            "name": "High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Royal Courts of Justice, Chichester Street",
                "locality": "Belfast",
                "postalCode": "BT1 3JY",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewContactPoint"
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-14678",
            "name": "Northern Ireland Electricity Networks",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Northern Ireland Electricity Networks"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "120 Malone Road,",
                "locality": "Belfast,",
                "region": "UKN",
                "postalCode": "BT9 5HT",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "Stephen.Hughes@nienetworks.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.nienetworks.co.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "TED_CE_ACTIVITY",
                        "id": "ELECTRICITY",
                        "description": "Electricity"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-165294",
            "name": "Open Utility Ltd Piclo",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Open Utility Ltd Piclo"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "35 Holland Grove",
                "locality": "London",
                "region": "UKN",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "large"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-87503",
            "name": "High Court in Northern Ireland",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "High Court in Northern Ireland"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Royal Courts of justice, Chichester Street",
                "locality": "Belfast",
                "postalCode": "BT1 3JY",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "mediationBody"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-14678",
        "name": "Northern Ireland Electricity Networks"
    },
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "069832-2025-S1228 (2024)-1",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "title": "Flexibility Management Platform",
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-165294",
                    "name": "Open Utility Ltd Piclo"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "069832-2025-S1228 (2024)-1",
            "awardID": "069832-2025-S1228 (2024)-1",
            "title": "Flexibility Management Platform",
            "status": "active",
            "dateSigned": "2025-10-22T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
    ],
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 4
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "smeBids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 1
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromEU",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 2
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 2
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "measure": "electronicBids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 4
            }
        ]
    }
}