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Published 20 Aug 2025, 09:46 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Geothermal Projects Consultancy Services

Official notice

Authority: University Of York (Pelican) (Education)·On behalf of: City of York Council

Framework agreement4 lotsServicesOpen procedureAbove thresholdSME suitableVCSE suitable
Sectors: Architecture & Engineering (71)Services related to the oil and gas industry (76)Business Services & Consultancy (79) Delivery: Yorkshire & Humber (UKE21)
Framework ceiling (notional)£3,800,000total for 4 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 19 Sept 2025awarded 19 Dec 2025
Award (standstill) to AtkinsRéalis UK Ltd +5 more4 awards
Framework period 2 yrsends 31 Oct 2027 · up to 31 Oct 2029 with extensions · starts 1 Nov 2025

What is being bought4 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

The University of York ("the University") is awarding a Framework Agreement following an advertised tender to a small number of Consultants who have specific and market leading experience in deep geothermal well drilling, or equivalent deep well drilling and operating projects.

The geothermal project is seen as a flagship scheme for the University and wider region, and as such is being well resourced and prioritised.

The City of York Council have expressed an interest to access services through the concluded Framework therefore they are named as a potential user of Framework services once awarded. City of York Council's PPON is PQVW-9426-LDJV

The Framework is being awarded as four separate Lots, and bidders were invited to submit tenders for one or more Lots.

The tender Lots are as follows, together with anticipated spend per Lot over the four year Framework term:

Lot 1: Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancy. Anticipated spend of £0 to £700,000 incVAT

Lot 2: Integration with geothermal well to site energy network consultancy. Anticipated spend of £0 to £1,100,000 incVAT

Lot 3: Geological surveying, interpretation, modelling and monitoring consultancy. Anticipated spend of £0 to £1,500,000 incVAT

Lot 4: Client supervisor, drilling operation representation consultancy. Anticipated spend of £0 to £500,000 incVAT

CPV: Construction consultancy services · Consultative engineering and construction services · Design consultancy services · Energy-efficiency consultancy services · Engineering design services · Engineering design services for mechanical and electrical installations for buildings · Geological and geophysical consultancy services · Geophysical consultancy services · Infrastructure works consultancy services · Mechanical and electrical engineering services · Seismic processing services · Surveying services · +1 more

How this framework works

From the published notice
Type
Open framework
Call-offs
call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
Bids received
15 bids on the busiest of 4 lots · 6 suppliers appointed
Framework period
2 yrs · up to 4 yrs from 1 Nov 2025
Buyer regions
UKE21
Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
There shall be no fee charged to be a member of the concluded Framework agreement.
Who may buy through it

The City of York Council has expressed an interest to access and award services through one or more of the Framework Lots and their estimated spend has been included within the anticipated Framework Lot spend. the City of York Council's OCID number is: ocds-h6vhtk-05829d

To date the City of York Council are exploring the potential of deep geothermal well heat an energy at an early stage and there is no specific project identified, however this Framework shall give the City of York Council a compliant route to procure the services if required and no commitment can be made to any level of spend.

Published description of the framework

Contracts shall be awarded (called off) the Framework Lot in the following ways:

(i) By re-opening competition through the Framework Lot with all capable suppliers on the Lot given an opportunity to bid.

(ii) By direct award to a capable provided based on the Framework ranking

Lots and requirements (4)Procurement structure

4 lots · all with a published value · same conditions of participation on every lot · evaluation weights differ by lot
Lot #1Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancyAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEVCSEPublished value£530,000

The successful Consultant appointed to Lot 1 shall be required to deliver the following services as a minimum to support the University's deep geothermal well project delivery, providing specific geological, well, rig site design consultancy services:

Provide advice and support to enable the University to achieve all relevant permissions and permitting required to establish and operate the drilling site(s), including the planning process (the consultant is not expected to write planning applications in full or conduct legal work regarding planning, services shall be limited to purely technical input).

Assist the University from a technical perspective with the University's community engagement processes ensuring local stakeholders are suitably informed. The consultant will support engagement with stakeholders by providing materials or technical input to allow the University to communicate the works across the multiple forums.

Provide technical support with regard to all pre drilling activities

The consultant will be required to support the completion of a concept well design and site set up plan to be issued to bidding contractors as part of the tender. The development of this design will be the responsibility of the contractors who win the tender. We would expect the consultant to provide a technical critique of the further stages of the design carried out by the contractor.

Support the procurement of the drilling contractor - providing support at the tender evaluation and contract award stage. The consultant shall be expected to provide specialist oversight and assistance in reviewing the tender submissions from a technical perspective.

The Consultant shall assist with the cost review of the drilling bidders 'open book' approach, providing technical advice as well as any benchmarking data held by the Consultant. The Consultant shall also be required to provide comment on the proposed pricing structure of key materials in line with their experience of past drilling operations.

The Consultant shall provide technical oversight and support the University with regard to reviewing all technical designs and plans produced by the drilling contractor for all wells.

The Consultant will be expected to attend meetings with the drilling manager and contractors design consultants to provide technical support to the UoY in making sure that what is told to the UoY by the contractors is acceptable.

For the initial well drilling all processes shall be under the control of the drilling contractor, however the consultant will be expected to attend meetings with the drilling manager and contractors design consultants to provide technical support to the University in a technical support role. This shall be the case for the second and any subsequent wells also.

The Consultant shall provide specification for well testing that the University should be expecting to see from the drilling contractor. The consultant shall provide technical advice on any well testing methodologies.The Consultant shall oversee testing on behalf of the University and provide oversight of the tests being carried out by the drilling contractor, as well as a critiquing and challenging the test results

The Consultant shall be required to provide all relevant associated services to facilitate the deep geothermal well projects full delivery.

During the drilling phase the Consultant shall be required to provide specialist support to the University with regard to utilisation of heat produced (heat and flow rate analysis etc shall be required as a minimum).

The Consultant shall provide consultancy services throughout the drilling stage, supporting the University as a 'critical friend' providing timely technical support.

Contract period: 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2027 (2 yrs) · up to 31 Oct 2029 with extensionsValue: £530,000 exc. VAT · £530,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: Yorkshire & HumberEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: Certain sub-threshold supplementary services may be awarded through the Framework Lots where they are similar in nature and not substantially different from the Framework Lot services. Any such supplementary services awarded as options shall not exceed Framework published value, and shall be connected to the delivery of deep geothermal well projects. · The Framework shall run for an initial period of two years, with a further two year extension option to be agreed with mutual consent. The maximum term for the Framework shall be four years from the Framework start date. It is anticipated that individual contracts may be awarded (called off) within the term of the Framework which may extend beyond the framework end date within the constraints of the Procurement Act 2023.
71310000 Consultative engineering and construction services71320000 Engineering design services71334000 Mechanical and electrical engineering services71351210 Geophysical consultancy services71530000 Construction consultancy services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

Lot #2Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy NetworkAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEVCSEPublished value£850,000

The successful Consultant appointed to Lot 2 shall be required to deliver the following technical design and other services as a minimum to support the University's deep geothermal well project delivery, providing specific integration of geothermal well to site energy network and site energy network design consultancy services:

The Consultant shall provide post drilling operational site preparation design and technical support services with regard to the site energy network for the heat/energy production phase of the project. In order to do this the Consultant shall be expected to deliver supplementary services such as but not limited to civils and mechanical and electrical design services.

Consultants shall have the ability to design district heating integration so that heat can be transferred throughout the University Campus and beyond if viable.

The consultant will be expected to review all finalised site plans and designs produced by the winning energy generation contractor on behalf of the University prior to construction commencing.

The site setup / ground preparation will be expected to be done and checked by the drilling contractor as it is their rig being used. But the consultant is expected to be able to provide some technical input from the client side as to how those conditions might be achieved.

Provide technical support to the UoY as the contractor installs and commissioning the above ground infrastructure. Particularly looking at the interaction between the well performance and testing to the performance when connected.

The Consultant shall provide specialist design services to produce a concept design to RIBA Stage 3 for the production equipment and works required to obtain and utilise the hot water from the well, and the connection to the University's wider energy infrastructure.

Provide operations phase procurement technical support.

The consultant shall provide some specific energy modelling services with regard to the heat and energy production from the well(s)

The consultant shall provide the University as client with operations phase client overview during the energy infrastructure works and implementation.

The Consultant shall be required to provide all relevant associated services to facilitate the deep geothermal well projects full delivery.

Contract period: 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2027 (2 yrs) · up to 31 Oct 2029 with extensionsValue: £850,000 exc. VAT · £850,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: Yorkshire & HumberEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: Certain sub-threshold supplementary services may be awarded through the Framework Lots where they are similar in nature and not substantially different from the Framework Lot services. Any such supplementary services awarded as options shall not exceed Framework published value, and shall be connected to the delivery of deep geothermal well projects. · The Framework shall run for an initial period of two years, with a further two year extension option to be agreed with mutual consent. The maximum term for the Framework shall be four years from the Framework start date. It is anticipated that individual contracts may be awarded (called off) within the term of the Framework which may extend beyond the framework end date within the constraints of the Procurement Act 2023.
71311300 Infrastructure works consultancy services71314300 Energy-efficiency consultancy services71321000 Engineering design services for mechanical and electrical installations for buildings71530000 Construction consultancy services79415200 Design consultancy services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

Lot #3Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and MonitoringAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEVCSEPublished value£1,130,000

The successful Consultant appointed to Lot 3 shall be required to deliver the following services as a minimum to support the University's deep geothermal well project delivery, providing specific geological surveying, interpretation, modelling and monitoring consultancy services:

The consultant shall provide some further and ongoing surface exploration phase consultancy support, including;

Seismic data analysis and interpretation to assist in determining the target site(s) for the wells

Carry out additional seismic surveys if required

The consultant shall provide critique and comment on geological models and surveys, and shall evaluate targets identified by the geological models and provide feedback on the technical feasibility of reaching them.

To provide some on-going seismic monitoring during the drilling phase of the project

The Consultant shall be required to provide ad-hoc specialist support for site or ground testing when required

The consultant will be required to review seismic data as required and report findings to the University.

The Consultant shall be required to provide all relevant associated services to facilitate the deep geothermal well projects full delivery.

Contract period: 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2027 (2 yrs) · up to 31 Oct 2029 with extensionsValue: £1,130,000 exc. VAT · £1,130,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: Yorkshire & HumberEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: Certain sub-threshold supplementary services may be awarded through the Framework Lots where they are similar in nature and not substantially different from the Framework Lot services. Any such supplementary services awarded as options shall not exceed Framework published value, and shall be connected to the delivery of deep geothermal well projects. · The Framework shall run for an initial period of two years, with a further two year extension option to be agreed with mutual consent. The maximum term for the Framework shall be four years from the Framework start date. It is anticipated that individual contracts may be awarded (called off) within the term of the Framework which may extend beyond the framework end date within the constraints of the Procurement Act 2023.
71351200 Geological and geophysical consultancy services71351210 Geophysical consultancy services71352140 Seismic processing services71355000 Surveying services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

Lot #4Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations RepresentativeAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEVCSEPublished value£400,000

The successful Consultant appointed to Lot 4 shall be required to deliver the following services as a minimum to support the University's deep geothermal well project delivery, providing specific University (client) supervisor / drilling operations representative consultancy services:

Sign off drilling plans

Provide regular oversight of the drilling contractor on behalf of the client

Provide a regular site presence

Have proven previous experience of drilling management

The Consultant shall be required to provide all relevant associated services to facilitate the deep geothermal well projects full delivery.

Contract period: 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2027 (2 yrs) · up to 31 Oct 2029 with extensionsValue: £400,000 exc. VAT · £400,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: Yorkshire & HumberEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: Certain sub-threshold supplementary services may be awarded through the Framework Lots where they are similar in nature and not substantially different from the Framework Lot services. Any such supplementary services awarded as options shall not exceed Framework published value, and shall be connected to the delivery of deep geothermal well projects. · The Framework shall run for an initial period of two years, with a further two year extension option to be agreed with mutual consent. The maximum term for the Framework shall be four years from the Framework start date. It is anticipated that individual contracts may be awarded (called off) within the term of the Framework which may extend beyond the framework end date within the constraints of the Procurement Act 2023.
71351200 Geological and geophysical consultancy services71530000 Construction consultancy services76430000 Well-drilling and production services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored

Lots publish different evaluation splits; there is no single procedure weighting.

LotQualityPriceSplit
1 · Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancy70%30%
2 · Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network70%30%
3 · Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring70%30%
4 · Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative50%50%
Lot distribution rule: Tenderers may bid for one of more Framework Lot, and each Lot shall be evaluated and awarded independently of the other Lots.
Conditions of participation · identical on every lot2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Please refer to the tender documents and Schedule 7 the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 30–50 points depending on the lot; most lots put it at 30 points.
  • “Geothermal Projects Consultancy Services” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Framework agreement
Who may use this agreement
The City of York Council has expressed an interest to access and award services through one or more of the Framework Lots and their estimated spend has been included within the anticipated Framework Lot spend. the City of York Council's OCID number is: ocds-h6vhtk-05829d To date the City of York Council are exploring the potential of deep geothermal well heat an energy at an early stage and there is no specific project identified, however this Framework shall give the City of York Council a compliant route to procure the services if required and no commitment can be made to any level of spend.
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Unspecified in notice
First published
20 Aug 2025, 09:46 BST
Last source update
19 Dec 2025, 15:56 GMT
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 10 Oct 2025
Authority reference
UY PROC 1223
FTS notice number
2025/S 000-050022
Latest notice
Contract award notice (UK6)
Classification (CPV)
Construction consultancy servicesConsultative engineering and construction servicesDesign consultancy servicesEnergy-efficiency consultancy servicesEngineering design servicesEngineering design services for mechanical and electrical installations for buildingsGeological and geophysical consultancy servicesGeophysical consultancy servicesInfrastructure works consultancy servicesMechanical and electrical engineering services
+3 moreSeismic processing servicesSurveying services
Delivery area
Yorkshire & Humber (UKE21)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-058aee Find a Tender

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: In-tend · Who buys & how to bid on In-tend
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free · one account per buying organisation's portal · reCAPTCHA on signup
Appointment period ends
19 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
Clarification deadline
12 Sept 2025, 00:00 BST
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
call-off levy · There shall be no fee charged to be a member of the concluded Framework agreement.
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Tenders are to be uploaded to the project via the In-Tend procurement portal at: in-tendhost.co.uk/york/aspx/Home ↗

Please ensure sufficient time is allowed when uploading tender documents as once the closing date and time has passed tenderers shall no longer be able to upload submission documents.

Timeline

20 Aug 2025 → 5 Jan 2026 · 8 dates
  1. Tender notice published
    20 Aug 2025, 09:46 BST
  2. Clarification questions by
    12 Sept 2025, 00:00 BST
  3. Admission / appointment period ends396 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    19 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
  4. Award decision expected by375 days ago
    10 Oct 2025, 23:59 BST
  5. Contract starts354 days ago
    1 Nov 2025
  6. Assessment summaries sent306 days ago
    19 Dec 2025
  7. Latest notice published305 days ago
    19 Dec 2025, 15:56 GMT
  8. Standstill ends288 days ago
    5 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMT

Notice history

4 events · 2 releases on Find a Tender · since 20 Aug 2025
  1. Tender notice published
    20 Aug 2025, 09:46 BST
    UK4
  2. Contract award notice published
    19 Dec 2025, 15:56 GMT
    UK6
  3. Status changed to complete
    19 Dec 2025, 15:56 GMT
  4. Contract signature expected
    6 Jan 2026, 23:59 GMT
    scheduled

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Suppliers appointed 64 awards · see the list ↓
Bids received 1515 from SMEs · busiest of 4 lots
Awarded toValueDateStatus
Lot 1 · Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancy1 award
AtkinsRéalis UK Ltd, British Geological Survey, GEOSCIENCE LIMITEDSME1 Feb 2026 – 31 Jan 2028 · up to 31 Jan 2030Extensions: Two year initial term, with a maximum extension of up to two further years.£530,000 inc. VAT19 Dec 2025standstill to 5 Jan 2026Standstill
Lot 2 · Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network1 award
AECOM LIMITED, OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LIMITED, TETRA TECH RPS ENERGY LIMITED1 Feb 2026 – 31 Jan 2028 · up to 31 Jan 2030Extensions: Two year initial term, with a maximum extension of up to two further years.£850,000 inc. VAT19 Dec 2025standstill to 5 Jan 2026Standstill
Lot 3 · Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring1 award
AtkinsRéalis UK Ltd, British Geological Survey, OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LIMITED1 Feb 2026 – 31 Jan 2028 · up to 31 Jan 2030Extensions: Two year initial term, with a maximum extension of up to two further years.£1,130,000 inc. VAT19 Dec 2025standstill to 5 Jan 2026Standstill
Lot 4 · Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative1 award
AECOM LIMITED, AtkinsRéalis UK Ltd, OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LIMITED1 Feb 2026 – 31 Jan 2028 · up to 31 Jan 2030Extensions: Two year initial term, with a maximum extension of up to two further years.£400,000 inc. VAT19 Dec 2025standstill to 5 Jan 2026Standstill

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
1 · Geothermal well and rig site design and construction consultancy15final-stage tenders150—
2 · Integration of Geothermal Well to Site Energy Network8final-stage tenders80—
3 · Geological Surveying, Interpretation, Modelling and Monitoring12final-stage tenders120—
4 · Client Supervisor / Drilling Operations Representative10final-stage tenders100—

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

2 public bodies on the notice

University of York

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PRDQ-5539-WTHX · GB-UKPRN: 10007167 Heslington, York, Yorkshire & Humber, YO10 5DDContact name, email, phone

Other public bodies

  • City of York CouncilProcuring entityPotential Framework userGB-PPON: PQVW-9426-LDJV York, Yorkshire & HumberContact email

Framework contractors & participating bidders

6 commercial parties on the notice
  • AECOM LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 01846493GB-PPON: PCLX-5446-YHDX Aldgate Tower, London, London, E1 8FAContact email
  • ATKINSRÉALIS UK LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 00688424GB-PPON: PLLV-1772-YDYN Woodcote Grove, Ashley Road, Surrey, South East, KT18 5BWContact email
  • British Geological Survey (BGS) a component of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PWHV-7273-PGJY Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham, East Midlands, NG12 5GGContact email
  • GEOSCIENCE LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 01930745GB-PPON: PPBN-9776-THDY Unit1, Falmouth Business Park, Falmouth, South West, TR11 4SZContact email
  • OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 01312453GB-PPON: PZJN-8211-DBBV 8 Fitzroy Street, London, London, W1T 4BJContact email
  • TETRA TECH RPS ENERGY LIMITEDFramework contractorGB-COH: 01465554GB-PPON: PJWM-9845-QGDM 101 Park Drive, Abingdon, South East, OX14 4RYContact email

Official documents & specifications (7)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

  • Technical specifications tenderTechnical specificationsTechnical specifications are contained within the tender documents available to download through the In-Tend portal.
  • Bidding documents and specifications tenderBidding documents and specificationsYou may access the tender documents free of charge with no restrictions through the In-Tend procurement portal at: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/york/aspx/Home Registration is simple and once registered the tender document set can be downloaded.

Notices published for this procedure

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