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Framework Agreement for the Provision of a Heat Decarbonisation Network Study

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

10 Aug 2026 at 15:23

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Birmingham intends to establish a framework for consultancy services to produce a heat decarbonisation network study for its Edgbaston campus in Birmingham. The work will examine how gas heating can be replaced with low- or zero-carbon alternatives across campus buildings and areas. It will assess heat-generation technologies, heat-network solutions and supporting infrastructure, including the effect of proposed options on the campus electricity network and potential increases in electrical loads. The study will produce a practical decarbonisation roadmap and a technically and economically assessed range of options. It will cover capital and operating costs, carbon savings, risks, constraints, infrastructure and space requirements, maintenance, implementation sequencing, viability, collaboration with third-party heat-network providers, and potential funding and financing routes.

This procurement is at the planning and preliminary market-engagement stage; it is not an invitation to tender. The University expects to use a framework agreement and intends to shortlist around five consultants after the initial expressions-of-interest stage for invitation to tender. Expressions of interest and requested information are expected by 21 August 2026, submitted electronically through the University's e-tendering portal. The planned contract period is 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2029. The process is being conducted by the University as a non-contracting authority outside the Procurement Act 2023. The procurement is for one service package, classified as general management consultancy services. The published information does not set a monetary value or budget.

This will suit energy, heat-network and decarbonisation consultancies able to combine technical engineering, energy-system analysis and strategic advisory work. Relevant suppliers should be prepared to assess a broad range of low- and zero-carbon heat technologies, network configurations and infrastructure dependencies, while modelling electrical-load impacts across a complex campus. The work calls for techno-economic appraisal covering capital and operating costs, carbon performance, feasibility, risk, constraints, maintenance and delivery sequencing. Strong candidates will have evidence of comparable commissions for similar sites or organisations and a clear methodology for comparing options and reporting findings. Capability to develop an investable roadmap, identify third-party collaboration opportunities, and support funding applications and business cases will also be important. Small and medium-sized enterprises are identified as suitable participants.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Framework Agreement for the Provision of a Heat Decarbonisation Network Study

Notice Description

The University of Birmingham ("the University") is procuring a Framework to produce a Heat Decarbonisation Network Study. Work Package - Heat network and decarbonisation study; The purpose of this study is to establish how gas can be replaced as a source of heat generation with low/zero carbon alternatives and to develop a comprehensive plan and for the decarbonisation of the Edgbaston campus. The study should assess a range of heat generation technologies, heat network solutions, and supporting infrastructure improvements required to achieve campus-wide decarbonisation. The output should provide a suite of options, supported by a techno-economic assessment of feasibility. This assessment should include costs (capital and opex), carbon savings, key risks and constraints, implementation timescales, and overall viability, enabling informed decision making on the preferred pathway to decarbonisation. The supplier shall identify, and evaluate a range of decarbonisation options, producing a short list of those that can be practically implemented. For each shortlisted option, the supplier shall provide an assessment of capital and operating costs, space and infrastructure requirements, operational and maintenance considerations, and any key constraints or dependencies. It is expected that a range of technologies and solutions will be considered, with an assessment of their suitability and applicability across different buildings / areas of the campus. In producing the heat decarbonisation study, the supplier shall assess the impact of the proposed decarbonisation options on the campus electricity network. This shall include any increase in electrical loads, and where on campus they could occur. The costs of the upgrade and work required to deliver any increase in capacity are outside the scope of this work package, being part of work package 2. The roadmap shall set out clear actions, options, and sequencing, providing confidence that the measures are technically feasible, financially credible and deliverable. The roadmap shall identify opportunities for collaboration with third party heat network providers, assess potential funding and financing mechanisms, and provide the supporting evidence and business case information required to underpin future funding applications and investment decisions. Engagement The University of Birmingham is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from consultants in relation to this upcoming tender opportunity. Following the initial EOI stage, the University intends to produce a short list of around five consultants who will be invited to partake in the tender. If you are interested in engaging with the University for this project, please register to our E-Tendering Portal (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofbirmingham/aspx/Home) and express interest as directed against the Framework Agreement for the Provision of a Heat Decarbonisation Network Study. In submitting your expressions of interest: - 1 Please provide evidence of your ability to undertake this work and examples of similar commissions for comparable sites / organisations. 2 Please provide details of the approach you would propose in undertaking this commission including details of the methodology you will adopt, and how findings will be reported and options compared. Note: the University of Birmingham is operating as a Non-Contracting Authority and any process associated with this tender opportunity will be conducted outside of the Procurement Act 2023.

Planning Information

Expressions of interest with requested information to be submitted electronically via an e-tendering portal: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofbirmingham/aspx/Home

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e061
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075829-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
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

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

CPV Codes

79411000 - General management consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Aug 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2026 - 31 Oct 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
THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B15 2TT
Postcode Area
Birmingham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG31 Birmingham
Delivery Location
TLG31 Birmingham
Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Edgbaston
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Edgbaston

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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