GAS NETWORK APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SERVICES

{
  "id": "053325-2026",
  "tag": [
    "award",
    "contract"
  ],
  "date": "2026-06-05T13:08:44+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06aeb2",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-COH-05167070",
    "name": "NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED"
  },
  "awards": [
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      "items": [
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              "countryName": "United Kingdom"
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            {
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            {
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              "country": "GB",
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              "countryName": "United Kingdom"
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              "countryName": "United Kingdom"
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            {
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              "country": "GB",
              "countryName": "United Kingdom"
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            {
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              "country": "GB",
              "countryName": "United Kingdom"
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          ],
          "additionalClassifications": [
            {
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              "scheme": "CPV",
              "description": "Software package utilities"
            },
            {
              "id": "80531200",
              "scheme": "CPV",
              "description": "Technical training services"
            }
          ]
        }
      ],
      "value": {
        "amount": 2500000,
        "currency": "GBP",
        "amountGross": 3000000
      },
      "status": "pending",
      "renewal": {
        "description": "Only extended if there continues to be no viable geographically based apprenticeship providers for this requirement beyond the initial term"
      },
      "documents": [
        {
          "id": "053325-2026",
          "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053325-2026",
          "format": "text/html",
          "noticeType": "UK5",
          "description": "Transparency notice on Find a Tender",
          "documentType": "awardNotice",
          "datePublished": "2026-06-05T13:08:44+01:00"
        }
      ],
      "suppliers": [
        {
          "id": "GB-COH-06115331",
          "name": "Relyon Nutec LTD"
        }
      ],
      "hasRenewal": true,
      "milestones": [
        {
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          "type": "futureSignatureDate",
          "status": "scheduled",
          "dueDate": "2026-06-08T23:59:59+01:00"
        }
      ],
      "relatedLots": [
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      "aboveThreshold": true,
      "contractPeriod": {
        "endDate": "2030-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
        "startDate": "2026-06-08T00:00:00+01:00",
        "maxExtentDate": "2034-05-31T23:59:59+01:00"
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      "mainProcurementCategory": "services"
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    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06aeb2",
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        "status": "complete",
        "description": null
      }
    ],
    "title": "GAS NETWORK APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SERVICES",
    "status": "complete",
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "conflictOfInterest",
        "description": "Not published",
        "documentType": "conflictOfInterest"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "Appointment of a suitably qualified training provider to deliver apprentice training services that support the development of a safe, competent, and future-ready operational workforce. The requirement focuses on structured apprenticeship programmes aligned to NGN's workforce planning needs, enabling progression from entry-level competence through to fully qualified operational roles within gas network activities.\nThe core deliverables comprise the provision of Gas Network Operative (Level 2) and Gas Network Craftsperson (Level 3) apprenticeship programmes, with an expected cohort of approximately 10-12 learners per programme. The provider must deliver fully integrated, end-to-end training pathways aligned to current apprenticeship standards, supporting progression to Mains Response Engineer status. Programmes must be delivered within a maximum duration of 24 months, with sufficient flexibility to accelerate delivery where required. The supplier will also provide supporting infrastructure including training facilities, equipment, materials, PPE, learner accommodation options, and robust reporting through an ePortfolio system and associated off-the-job training tracking.\nDelivery must comply with relevant industry and apprenticeship standards, including Gas Network Operative and Gas Network Craftsperson frameworks, and incorporate required engineering and emergency competencies (e.g. NCO, SCO, NRSWA, and emergency response certifications). The provider must be registered on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP), be competent in managing apprenticeship levy funding via the Digital Account System, and maintain appropriate safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance policies.\nThe contract will support training delivery across NGN's operational geography, with providers required to demonstrate capacity to deliver within network regions and utilise suitable, compliant training environments. The procurement also supports collaboration with NGN's internal development centre and aims to establish a single, cohesive programme delivery model.\nOverall, the purpose of this procurement is to secure a high-quality training partner capable of delivering consistent, compliant, and scalable apprenticeship outcomes to meet current and future workforce requirements.",
    "specialRegime": [
      "utilities"
    ],
    "procurementMethod": "direct",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Direct award",
    "procurementMethodRationale": "Primary Ground - Single Supplier / Absence of Competition\nSchedule 5, Paragraph 6 (a):\nA direct award may be made where goods/services can be supplied only by a particular supplier due to absence of competition for technical reasons.\nApplication:\n•\tDemonstrated market failure following compliant market engagement (DfE process)\n•\tNo alternative provider capable of delivering: \no\tRequired apprenticeship standards (GNO/GNC)\no\tGeographic delivery model (Northeast, block release)\no\tOperational alignment (gas network competency pathways)\n•\tDfE process independently validates the gap in provision\nSupporting Ground - No Reasonable Alternative or Substitute\nSchedule 5, Paragraph 6 (b):\nWhere no reasonable alternative or substitute exists.\nApplication:\n•\tAlternatives explored (6 providers) were: \no\tTechnically non-compliant (do not deliver standards), or\no\tOperationally unviable (distance, delivery model)\n•\tSubstitution (e.g. non-apprenticeship routes or different standards): \no\tWould not meet regulatory, competency, or workforce planning requirements",
    "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
      {
        "id": "singleSuppliersTechnicalReasons"
      }
    ]
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-COH-05167070",
      "name": "NORTHERN GAS NETWORKS LIMITED",
      "roles": [
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      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKE42",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Colton Leeds",
        "postalCode": "LS15 8TU",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "1100 Century Way"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
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            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Private utility"
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      "identifier": {
        "id": "05167070",
        "scheme": "GB-COH"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "procurement@northerngas.co.uk"
      },
      "additionalIdentifiers": [
        {
          "id": "PRNB-9357-PVLR",
          "scheme": "GB-PPON"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "GB-COH-06115331",
      "name": "Relyon Nutec LTD",
      "roles": [
        "supplier"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKC11",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Cleveland",
        "postalCode": "TS23 1PZ",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Haverton Hill Industrial Estate"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "http://www.relyon.com",
        "vcse": false,
        "scale": "sme"
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "06115331",
        "scheme": "GB-COH"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "DTL.Customer.Service.UK@relyon.com"
      },
      "additionalIdentifiers": [
        {
          "id": "PWTY-2992-GXWJ",
          "scheme": "GB-PPON"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "initiationType": "tender"
}