--- title: "Framework Agreement for the Provision of a Heat Decarbonisation Network Study" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06e061" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06e061" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06e061.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06e061.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Planning" buyer: "THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM" published: "2026-08-10" --- # Framework Agreement for the Provision of a Heat Decarbonisation Network Study Buyer: THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM Current stage: Planning OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06e061 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06e061) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06e061.json) ## Summary 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. ## Notice 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 ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075829-2026 | | 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 | | All stages | Planning | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 10 Aug 2026 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | 21 Aug 2026 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 1 Nov 2026 - 31 Oct 2029 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | Not specified | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Planning | | Lots status | Planning | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM | | Locality | BIRMINGHAM | | Post town | Birmingham | | Postcode | B15 2TT | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) | | ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands | | ITL 3 | TLG31 Birmingham | | Local authority | Birmingham | | Electoral ward | Edgbaston | | Westminster constituency | Birmingham Edgbaston | | Delivery location | TLG31 Birmingham | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security ### Codes - 79411000 - General management consultancy services ## Release History - 10 Aug 2026 at 14:23 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075829-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075829-2026 10th August 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - http://www.birmingham.ac.uk - https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofbirmingham/aspx/Home - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06e061. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06e061.json.