Award

Provision of Legal Services - Framework Agreement - Procurement Solicitors 2026

NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING EXECUTIVE

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

11 Feb 2026 at 14:18

Award

29 Jan 2026 at 14:18

Tender

05 Nov 2025 at 09:05

Summary of the contracting process

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has awarded a Framework Agreement for the provision of legal services related to public procurement matters and disputes. This agreement spans the entire region of Northern Ireland and is structured to include up to three service providers: CLEAVER FULTON RANKIN LIMITED, CARSON MCDOWELL LLP, and Arthur Cox. The procurement process, initiated as an open competition below the threshold, adheres to Northern Irish devolved regulations and a light-touch regime. The contract was signed on 11th February 2026 and commences on 1st March 2026, with an end date set for 28th February 2030. The total contract value amounts to £495,604. The primary procurement category is services, specifically legal services, with CPV code 79100000.

This tender presents significant opportunities for entities specialising in legal advisory and representation services within the public sector. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as those involved in this agreement, positioned within the legal services industry, can expect business growth through sustained engagement with public authorities over the contract's duration. The structured rotation in the award of retainers ensures equitable distribution of opportunities among suppliers, with placements based on tender evaluations. Businesses with expertise in navigating public procurement legalities can leverage this framework to establish and expand their presence in the Northern Irish legal market.

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Notice Title

Provision of Legal Services - Framework Agreement - Procurement Solicitors 2026

Notice Description

The Housing Executive have awarded a three member Framework Agreement, covering the whole of Northern Ireland, to meet all of the requirements of the Housing Executive for external solicitors in connection with public procurement matters and disputes ("the Services" as defined and particularised in the Specification of Requirements document).

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05da88
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012454-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79100000 - Legal services

79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£384,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£384,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£495,604 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£495,604 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
27 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
29 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
1 Mar 2026 - 28 Feb 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING EXECUTIVE
Contact Name
James McErlean
Contact Email
procurement@nihe.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BELFAST
Postcode
BT2 8PB
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
TLN0 Northern Ireland

Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Belfast South and Mid Down

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
3
Supplier Names

ARTHUR COX

CARSON MCDOWELL

CLEAVER FULTON RANKIN

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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