East Coast Hydrogen Specialist Services Framework Lot 6

Northern Gas Networks Limited (NGN) has established a framework agreement for the provision of specialist Design Validation and Assurance services in support of the East Coast Hydrogen (ECH) programme. The ECH project is a major infrastructure initiative to develop a hydrogen transmission and distribution network across the North East of England, supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy system and the UK's net zero targets. This Contract Award Notice relates solely to Lot 6 - Design Validation & Assurance. This lot provides independent technical assurance of engineering design outputs across the lifecycle of the ECH programme, including the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), Development Expenditure (DEVEX), and subsequent phases. Services delivered under Lot 6 include, but are not limited to: independent validation of design compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, and technical standards; review and assurance of engineering design outputs including network architecture, pipeline systems, above-ground installations, and control systems; and verification of safety integrity, hazard studies, and risk mitigation measures. The appointed supplier(s) will provide structured assurance through stage-gated reviews, ensuring traceability from requirements through to design outputs, and confirming that designs are safe, compliant, and aligned with best practice. This includes assessment of constructability, operability, maintainability, and interface management across the project. Deliverables include assurance reports, validation statements, and the identification and tracking of corrective actions, providing confidence that the design is fit for purpose and ready to progress to detailed design and construction. The framework enables NGN to award call-off contracts for independent design assurance services, supporting the safe, compliant, and effective delivery of the ECH programme.