Planning

Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme Training Provider

DEPARTMENT FOR ENERGY SECURITY & NET ZERO

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

19 May 2025 at 13:08

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

14 Mar 2025 at 14:04

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), a UK central government authority, is in the planning stage for a public procurement process aimed at engaging a Training Provider for the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS). The contract aims to establish a comprehensive training programme for skills required under the HNTAS, catering to both new and existing heat networks. This initiative is part of an upcoming regulatory framework set to be implemented in 2026. The procurement process, initially estimated to take effect from October 2025, anticipates a contract duration of two years with possible extensions. Key planning deadlines include a supplier engagement call scheduled for 14th April 2025 and a response deadline for expressions of interest on 27th April 2025. The procurement is focused on technical training services and is suitable for SMEs and VCSEs.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses capable of delivering technical training services, especially those experienced in developing and managing complex educational programmes. Companies with expertise in technical and industrial training, as well as those that can offer innovative solutions in managing training processes, accreditation, and course material development, will find this procurement particularly advantageous. It also offers an avenue for business growth through participation in an emerging sector driven by regulatory changes, providing valuable roles in the formulation of competencies that will become integral to the heat network industry. With an estimated contract value of up to £1 million with optional extensions, this opportunity is ideal for qualified training providers or consortia looking to expand within the public sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme Training Provider

Notice Description

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) wishes to establish a contract for a Training Provider to provide all aspects of training for the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS). Upcoming regulation is due to mandate certain technical requirements for heat networks, under HNTAS. These requirements are set to span across several elements of a network (i.e. energy centre, district distribution network, communal distribution network, thermal substation, and consumer connection), and also apply temporally across a range of stages within a network's lifecycle (i.e. feasibility, design, commissioning and operation and maintenance). The introduction of these requirements is due to apply to both new build and existing networks and introduce the need for the vast majority of existing networks to undertake works to meet performance and reliability thresholds. As such, we know that there will be increased demand for existing heat network skills, some of which are already being supported through the Heat Training Grant. However, HNTAS is likely to introduce entirely new roles. Most of the new roles (e.g. HNTAS assessors) will result from the new regulatory obligations to track the compliance of networks with technical standards through HNTAS. Individuals will be required to attend and pass specific training courses before they are allowed to undertake these roles. DESNZ appointed a 'Shadow Training Provider' in December 2024 to design and deliver a set of HNTAS courses. A large proportion of materials will have been developed by the Shadow Training Provider, therefore the majority of the deliverables under the new contract will relate to the delivery of courses, with some development of training required for specific aspects of the scheme. The HNTAS Training Provider would build on the courses already designed and develop these further subject to industry demand and feedback. The Energy Act also provides for Ofgem to award a licence to a technical standards Code Manager. The Code Manager, as Ofgem's licensee, is the entity that must carry out the requirements of that licence. DESNZ are currently working to establish the form of legal entity that the code manager will take. The Code Manager may take the form of an incorporated entity, called HNTAS Ltd, which would be limited by guarantee. The primary functions of the Code Manager include overall responsibility for HNTAS, operating the scheme, and maintaining the Code. The Code documents may comprise of technical specifications, assurance procedures and assessor requirements. We expect that the Code Manager will subcontract many of these functions. We anticipate that DESNZ will procure the contract, with a possibility that the contract is novated or assigned to the technical standards code manager at a later date. We anticipate that the contract would last for 2 years beginning in October 2025, with options to extend for 6 months + 6 months at the end of year 2 and midway through year 3 respectively. The commencement of the contract is prior to the introduction of minimum standards, planned for 2026, in order to provide the necessary lead-in and setup time. Further information can be found at Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) - GOV.UK We are looking for a supplier, or consortium of suppliers, to provide the following services: * Develop/maintain a HNTAS training plan/programme * Set and monitor entry levels for training courses * Further develop, update and manage an existing suite of training materials * Deliver training courses * Manage any requirements for refresher courses * Manage the accreditation of courses * Manage testing and examinations * Gather feedback from courses to inform HNTAS development * Track course attendance and outcomes, liaising with a Scheme Operator and Certification Body to ensure the smooth operation of the assurance scheme * Build a library of FAQs and case studies to enhance HNTAS training * Maintain a register of Licenced Assessors * Promote the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme and the training programme to maximise course participation from qualified professionals * Develop formal Competent Persons Schemes for parts of HNTAS, where possible Estimated Contract value: Likely to be up to PS1m for initial term plus optional extension up to PS0.5m Estimated Contract duration: potentially 2 years initial term plus optional 6 months + 6 months extensions Please answer the below question and send your responses to Michael.oneill@energysecurity.gov.uk by 5pm GMT on 27th April 2025. Interest: Are you provisionally interested in bidding for the contract we are looking to procure? If you would like to send any clarification questions, please use the email address above.

Planning Information

Supplier Engagement Call on 14th April at 2pm UK time – details (1 hour call only): Microsoft Teams: Meeting ID: 312 410 807 946 Passcode: Wv7r9mS6 Dial in by phone: +44 20 3321 5238,,179812573# United Kingdom, City of London Phone conference ID: 179 812 573# For any questions please contact: michael.oneill@energysecurity.gov.uk If you would like to receive more information and receive the EOI (expression of interest) document, please contact michael.oneill@energysecurity.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04ed5a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/022649-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

71356000 - Technical services

80500000 - Training services

80531000 - Industrial and technical training services

80531200 - Technical training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 May 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Jul 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR ENERGY SECURITY & NET ZERO
Additional Buyers

MISSING

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
commercialexcellence@ics.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2HP
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

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. 

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