This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

10 Aug 2026 at 14:23

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Birmingham is currently in the planning stage for a procurement process focusing on a "Framework Agreement for the Provision of a Heat Decarbonisation Network Study." This initiative is classified under the services category, specifically targeting general management consultancy services (CPV 79411000). Set within the Edgbaston campus in Birmingham, the procurement aims to explore low or zero carbon alternatives to replace gas for heat generation. The study will evaluate various heat generation technologies and network solutions essential for campus-wide decarbonisation. Key dates include the due date for expressions of interest on 21st August 2026. The contract period is anticipated to start on 1st November 2026 and end on 31st October 2029.

This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses, particularly those offering general management consultancy services, to contribute to a pressing sustainability challenge. Businesses with expertise in energy solutions, infrastructure improvements, and decarbonisation strategies are well-suited to engage with this procurement. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, with the chance to collaborate with the University and potentially third-party heat network providers. Engaging in this project not only offers a substantial business growth opportunity but also contributes to advancing sustainable energy practices at a major university campus. Interested parties are advised to register their interest through the University's E-Tendering Portal to be considered for this competitive opportunity.

How relevant is this notice?

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

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 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 Aug 20262 weeks to go
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

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
Post Town
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

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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