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T184 Support Services for Telecoms Association of UK Water Industry

NORTHERN IRELAND WATER

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

23 Jul 2026 at 08:43

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process is being initiated by Northern Ireland Water, a sub-central government public authority located in Belfast, United Kingdom. The contracting process is in the planning stage as of 23rd July 2026. Northern Ireland Water plans to hold a Supplier Briefing Session on 29th July 2026 to engage with potential suppliers, highlighting the procurement requirements and scope. This session will be an opportunity for suppliers to gain insights into the upcoming tender for providing support services to the Telecoms Association of the UK Water Industry (TAUWI). The procurement falls under postal and telecommunications services, with a focus on providing technical, regulatory, and administrative support to TAUWI. Registration for the briefing session should be completed by 27th July 2026, and the procurement process is expected to progress towards the publication of the tender by 13th August 2026.

This tender presents an exciting opportunity for businesses within the telecommunications industry, especially those with expertise in managing radio spectrum, providing telecoms support, and ensuring compliance with both local and international regulations. The contract, valued at GBP 1,000,000 (gross amount GBP 1,200,000), will commence on 1st December 2026, offering a three-year period with potential renewal options up to 2031. The procurement is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) capable of delivering comprehensive support services, including spectrum management, telecom operations support, and industry collaboration facilitation. Businesses well-versed in managing telecoms-related security, governance, and stakeholder engagement will find this an attractive prospect to enhance their portfolios and drive growth in the utilities sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

T184 Support Services for Telecoms Association of UK Water Industry

Notice Description

The following are the services a Supplier must provide to TAUWI (water industry telecoms group), covering meetings, spectrum management, telecoms support, governance, and administration. The Supplier will act as a technical, regulatory, administrative, and strategic partner to TAUWI--managing radio spectrum, supporting telecom operations, ensuring compliance/security, and coordinating industry collaboration. Meetings & Governance * Attend and support TAUWI and Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings (in-person and remote). * Provide briefings to the Chair, agendas, minutes, logistics, and newsletters. * Organise venues, communications, and member engagement. * Publish a quarterly TAUWI newsletter summarising activities. Spectrum Management (Core Function) * Manage radio spectrum allocated by Ofcom for TAUWI members. * Cover services such as: o Frequency planning and allocation (PBR, telemetry, RMR, etc.). o Licensing support and compliance. o Interference investigation and resolution. o National Frequency Plan and related frameworks. * Support transition to digital radio systems and coordination with regulators (UK & international). * Provide technical advice, site visits, and planning tools. Telecommunications Support * Advise members on telecom systems, licences, and emerging technologies. * Provide updates on regulatory changes and opportunities. * Maintain awareness of health & safety requirements for telecom sites. * Arrange training/presentations on safe working practices. Security & Data Protection * Maintain an industry-wide strategy for cyber and telemetry security aligned with NCSC, Ofcom, and NIS Regulations. * Provide a secure data repository with: o Encryption (in transit & at rest) o Access controls and MFA * Ensure compliance with GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018. * Maintain cyber certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus). Stakeholder Engagement * Maintain relationships with Ofcom, DEFRA, BIS, Water UK, and other bodies. * Represent TAUWI on industry groups (e.g., BRIG, FWILF). * Liaise with technology suppliers and industry forums. Financial & Licence Administration * Collect and manage licence fees and member contributions. * Pay Ofcom fees and manage trust accounts. * Provide financial reporting and advise on funding needs. * Maintain transparent accounting and audit access. Systems, Data & IT Requirements * Maintain software, modelling tools, and databases for spectrum planning. * Ensure: o Data backup and disaster recovery o Accurate records (licences, spectrum, infrastructure, etc.) * Keep TAUWI website and systems up to date. Windfarm & External Applications * Process windfarm applications that may affect telecom systems. * Notify impacted members and maintain a windfarm register. * Offer optional enhanced interference analysis services. Reporting Requirements * Provide: o Quarterly performance and activity reports o Reports for TWG and Executive Committee o Annual report for all members * Failure to meet service levels can lead to contract termination. Ancillary & Optional Services * Respond to telecom consultations on behalf of TAUWI. * Organise workshops and innovation activities. * Support legal advice procurement when needed. * Offer optional member-paid services (e.g., enhanced windfarm assessments). Compliance & Quality * Maintain: o ISO 9001 (quality management) o Cybersecurity certifications * Ensure qualified key personnel (consultant, contract manager, admin). Transition & Implementation * Supplier must be fully operational by agreed start date. * Provide resources, communication plans, and mobilisation activities.

Planning Information

This procurement is being undertaken by Northern Ireland Water Ltd on behalf of TAUWI. Prior to publication of the tender TAUWI intends to undertake pre market engagement to 1.Provide suppliers with a high level overview of the requirements 2. Outline the scope, constraints and timelines 3. Offer an opportunity for clarification. Engagement will take the form of a Supplier Briefing Session to be held on Wednesday 29th July 2026 at 10:00am via Teams. How to Register. Suppliers wishing to attend this session should email sourcing@niwater.com as NI Water will be running this procurement on behalf of TAUWI. Requests to participate must be received by cob Monday 27th July 2026. Teams Meeting invites will then be issued. Please note participation is optional and will not confer any advantage in any subsequent procurement process. This PME Notice is not a call for competition or a commitment to proceed with the procurement process.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d179
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069468-2026
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
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

64 - Postal and telecommunications services

CPV Codes

64000000 - Postal and telecommunications services

64200000 - Telecommunications services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
13 Aug 20261 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 30 Nov 2029 3-4 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
NORTHERN IRELAND WATER
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BELFAST
Postcode
BT14 6TE
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
Not specified
Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Chichester Park
Westminster Constituency
Belfast North

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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