Official UK procurement notice
NW2964 - Microsoft 365, AI and Intelligent Automation Partner Framework Agreement
Authority: NORTHUMBRIAN WATER LIMITED
What is being bought
Published requirement descriptionNW2964 - Microsoft 365, AI and Intelligent Automation Partner Framework Agreement
Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) provides essential water and wastewater services to 2.7 million customers across the North East of England and drinking water services to over 2 million customers in Essex and Suffolk.
Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) has a strategic ambition to become the world's most digitally enabled water company and continues to invest significantly in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intelligent Automation, Data & Analytics and associated cloud technologies to support this ambition. Our digital strategy is focused on maximising business value from these technologies through improved productivity, collaboration, operational efficiency, automation and data-driven decision-making.
As the Microsoft technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly, NWG requires access to a broad range of specialist expertise to support advisory services, architecture, design, implementation, optimisation, governance, adoption, change management and ongoing innovation across its Microsoft estate. This demand is expected to vary over time and will require the ability to access both strategic advisory capability and specialist technical resources across multiple disciplines.
To support these requirements, NWG intends to establish a multi-supplier (up to 10 suppliers ultimately appointed in total, reserving the right to appoint a different amount subject to suppliers meeting relevant quality thresholds) Microsoft 365, AI and Intelligent Automation Framework Agreement (or framework). The Framework terms shall be 3 years with options to extend for 3+1+1 years (up to 8 years in total). The total forecasted spend under the Framework is estimated at up to £900,000 pa, equating to an estimated total potential spend of up to £7,200,000 over the full 8-year framework lifecycle. The framework will create a panel of pre-qualified partners with proven expertise across Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Copilot, AI, Intelligent Automation, Azure, Data & Analytics and related technologies. This will provide NWG with a flexible and compliant mechanism to engage specialist partners through future call-off engagements and mini-competitions as business needs arise.
The framework is intended to establish long-term strategic partnerships rather than transactional supplier relationships. By appointing multiple partners, NWG will have access to a diverse range of skills, capacity and innovation capabilities, enabling the organisation to quickly respond to changing business priorities while maintaining consistency in governance, delivery standards and value for money.
Implementation is expected to take approximately six weeks following contract award, with a planned go-live date of February 2027. Future capability areas may be introduced during the lifetime of the framework in response to emerging technologies and evolving business priorities.
Target Contract Start date 01/02/2027.
- How the procedure runs: Stage 1 - Conditions of Participation (COP) Stage 1 commenced with the issuing of this Tender Notice and the publication of the Conditions of Participation Document (COP) in NWL's Ariba Sourcing tool. The document includes a COP questionnaire which all suppliers are required to complete and return in accordance with the procurement timetable and instructions within the document. NWL will use this stage to confirm that neither the supplier, nor any related persons within its corporate group, associated persons relied on to meet the conditions of participation, or proposed sub-contractors are listed on the Cabinet Office debarment list. To the extent that any such entities are listed on the debarment list, NWL will consider whether to exclude the supplier from participating in this procurement in accordance with its obligations under the Act. In addition, NWL will consider whether any supplier or related persons within its corporate group, associated persons relied on to meet the conditions of participation, or proposed sub-contractors are excluded or excludable suppliers, and before NWL determines that a supplier is an excluded or excludable supplier, it will provide the supplier reasonable opportunity to make representations and provide evidence as is proportionate in the circumstances. the supplier is an excluded or excludable supplier only by virtue of an associated person or proposed sub-contractor, NWL will notify the supplier of its intention to exclude the supplier and provide the supplier with reasonable opportunity to replace the associated person or sub contractor. If as a consequence of this process NWL excludes the supplier from participating in this procurement or is aware of an associated person or sub-contract having been replaced, it will give notice of this fact within 30 days of its decision to the Procurement Review Unit (PRU). NWL will also undertake a review of the completed COP with reference to any information held on the Central Digital Platform. Responses to any conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the selection process and any criteria as set out in the tender notice and described in this document. The assessment of these responses will identify the top 10 suppliers to be invited to participate in Stage 2. Stage 1 will complete with suppliers being notified in writing of whether or not they have been successfully shortlisted to participate in Stage 2. Suppliers not invited to stage 2 will be provided with a written explanation of the reasons why they have not been shortlisted to participate in Stage 2. Suppliers should note that NWL reserves the right to re-assess any response to the conditions of participation at any stage of this procurement, including in light of any new relevant information that comes to NWL's attention Stage 2 - Invitation to Submit Initial Tenders Stage 2 commenced with the notification, inviting those suppliers which have successfully been shortlisted at Stage 1 of this Procurement to submit initial tenders and the publication of this document. This document includes a request for initial tenders which all suppliers are required to complete and must be submitted in accordance with the Procurement Timetable and instructions set out in this document and any additional information provided. Following the deadline for submission of initial tenders, NWL will assess initial tenders in accordance with the assessment process and award criteria set out in the Tender Notice and described in this document. The assessment process will identify which suppliers are to be selected to participate in the negotiation/dialogue stage as set out in Stage 3. Once the assessment of initial tenders has concluded, suppliers will be notified in writing whether they have successfully been invited to Stage 3. Any suppliers not invited to participate in Stage 3 will be provided with reasons in writing to explain why they have not been successful. Stage 3 - Invitation to Participate in Supplier Negotiations/Dialogue (Supplier Presentations) Stage 3 will commence with the notification inviting suppliers that have successfully passed Stage 2 to attend a Supplier Presentation (virtually, via MS Teams). The notification will also provide details of any new information made available to suppliers at this stage in this Procurement. The notification will also have further detail around the question, dates and required attendees. Stage 4 - Invitation to Submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) Stage 4 will commence with the issuing of a letter inviting suppliers that have been successfully shortlisted at Stage 3 to submit their Best and Final Offers. Best and Final offers must be submitted in accordance with the Procurement Timetable and instructions set out in this document and any additional information provided. After the deadline for submission of best and final offers, NWL will reconsider, in respect of each supplier that submitted, whether the supplier or any related persons within its corporate group, associated suppliers relied on to meet the conditions of participation, or proposed sub contractors, are excluded or excludable suppliers and will consider whether to disregard the best and final offer submitted in accordance with its obligations under the Act. If the supplier is an excluded or excludable supplier only by virtue of an associated supplier or proposed sub-contractor, NWL will notify the supplier of its intention to disregard its tender and provide the supplier with a reasonable opportunity to replace the associated supplier or sub-contractor. If as a consequence of this process NWL disregards a tender from an excluded or excludable supplier or is aware of an associated supplier or sub contractor having been replaced, it will give notice of this fact within 30 days of its decision to the Procurement Review Unit (PRU). NWL will conduct an assessment of all Best and Final Offers in order to identify the supplier which has submitted the most advantageous tender in accordance with the assessment methodology and award criteria set out in the Tender Notice and described in this document. In carrying out this assessment, NWL will disregard any final tender from a supplier who does not satisfy the Conditions of Participation. Once the assessment has concluded, NWL will provide an assessment summary to all suppliers that submitted a Best and Final offer to: a. inform them whether they have been successful in being awarded the contract b. provide an explanation of the assessment of the supplier's tender against the relevant award criteria, in accordance with the requirements of the Act. c. where different to the supplier concerned, provide information in respect of the most advantageous tender submitted, including details of the assessment of this tender against the relevant award criteria and the supplier's name. Once the assessment summaries have been provided to the suppliers that submitted Best and Final offers, NWL will also publish a contract award notice on the Central Digital Platform to commence the mandatory standstill period. Subject to completion of the mandatory standstill period, Stage 4 will end with NWL entering into preferred supplier stage with the preferred supplier Stage 5: Preferred supplier stage The highest scoring supplier(suppliers where the framework agreement is being awarded) will be invited to engage in further discussions with NWL as part of a preferred supplier stage. This stage will be used to finalize the draft contract terms and conditions (or framework terms in case of a framework agreement award), in accordance with the limitations set out in the Act. Stage 5 will end with NWL entering into the contract with the preferred supplier procurement description.
CPV: IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework
- Call-offs
- call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
- Places
- up to 10 suppliers
- Framework period
- 3 yrs · up to 8 yrs from 1 Feb 2027
- Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
- NA
Published description of the framework
CALL OFF METHODS
NWG may award work packages under the Framework using one of the following call-off methods:
A Direct Award (typically lower-value and lower-complexity requirements)
NWG may use direct award for lower-value and lower-complexity requirements, typically below £100,000. The selected supplier would still have to demonstrate availability, capacity and ability to meet the required timescales and outcomes.
Direct award may be made using one of the following objective allocation methods:
A1 Capability-Based Direct Award
o Where the requirement predominantly relates to a specific capability area, NWG may award directly to the supplier achieving the highest evaluation score for the relevant Capability Area (1-8) during Framework establishment, provided that the submitted Framework Rate Card covers all key resource categories.
Note: Where multiple suppliers have equivalent scores within the relevant capability area, NWG reserves the right to select the supplier offering the best combination of availability, commercial value and delivery suitability.
o For example:
Adoption & Change requirement → highest scoring supplier in Capability 8.
Power Platform delivery requirement → highest scoring supplier in Capability 3 and/or 5.
Governance and operating model requirement → highest scoring supplier in Capability 1.
A2 Overall Framework Ranking
o NWG may award directly to the supplier achieving the highest overall framework evaluation score where the requirement spans multiple capability areas and no single capability is predominant, provided that the submitted Framework Rate Card covers all key resource categories.
A3 Commercially Most Advantageous Provider
o NWG may award directly to the supplier offering the lowest evaluated framework rates or best-value commercial model, provided that supplier has demonstrated capability within the relevant framework capability area(s) and can meet the required delivery timescales.
Before any direct award, NWG shall confirm:
- supplier availability;
- resource capacity;
- ability to meet the required timeline;
- absence of conflicts of interest; and
- continued suitability for the requirement.
B. Further Competition
NWG may conduct a mini competition between all capable framework partners where:
- the requirement exceeds £100,000;
- the requirement spans multiple capability areas;
- the requirement is complex, strategic or business critical;
- additional innovation, technical approaches or commercial solutions are sought; or
- NWG determines that competition is likely to deliver better overall value.
The further competition will define the specific evaluation criteria, weightings, outcomes, deliverables and commercial requirements applicable to the work package.
C. Collaborative Multi-Partner Award
Where a requirement spans multiple capability areas, NWG may appoint two or more framework partners to deliver the work package collaboratively.
This may include:
- appointing the highest-scoring supplier for separate capability areas;
- combining specialist suppliers where complementary expertise is required;
- forming blended delivery teams comprising NWG personnel and multiple framework partners; or
- assigning different workstreams to different partners while operating under a common governance structure.
Examples could include:
- Supplier A leading Strategy & Governance (Capability 1).
- Supplier B leading Power Platform and Automation delivery (Capability 3).
- Supplier C leading Adoption & Change (Capability 8).
NWG will define responsibilities, interfaces, governance arrangements and accountability for each participating supplier within the relevant call-off documentation
The lotProcurement structure
single lot · value publishedLot #1RenewalPublished value£7,200,000
What it takes to wini
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 morei
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).
Published award criteria (2)
- Quality
- Price
- Price carries 40 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 4 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
- “NW2964 - Microsoft 365, AI and Intelligent Automation Partner…” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 10 suppliers, 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
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Closed
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Utilities
- Commercial structure
- Framework agreement
- Who may use this agreement
- Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Unspecified in notice
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 14 Apr 2026, 09:08 BST
- Last source update
- 3 Sept 2026, 16:27 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 16 Dec 2026
- Authority reference
NW2964- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-083633- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-068184Find a Tender- Contract terms summary
45 days
- How it runs
Stage 1 - Conditions of Participation (COP)
Stage 1 commenced with the issuing of this Tender
Notice and the publication of the Conditions of
Participation Document (COP) in NWL's Ariba
Sourcing tool.
The document includes a COP questionnaire which
all suppliers are required to complete and return in
accordance with the procurement timetable and
instructions within the document.
NWL will use this stage to confirm that neither the
supplier, nor any related persons within its
corporate group, associated persons relied on to
meet the conditions of participation, or proposed
sub-contractors are listed on the Cabinet Office
debarment list. To the extent that any such entities
are listed on the debarment list, NWL will consider
whether to exclude the supplier from participating in
this procurement in accordance with its obligations
under the Act.
In addition, NWL will consider whether any supplier
or related persons within its corporate group,
associated persons relied on to meet the conditions
of participation, or proposed sub-contractors are
excluded or excludable suppliers, and before NWL
determines that a supplier is an excluded or
excludable supplier, it will provide the supplier
reasonable opportunity to make representations
and provide evidence as is proportionate in the
circumstances.
the supplier is an excluded or excludable supplier
only by virtue of an associated person or proposed
sub-contractor, NWL will notify the supplier of its
intention to exclude the supplier and provide the
supplier with reasonable opportunity to replace the
associated person or sub contractor.
If as a consequence of this process NWL excludes
the supplier from participating in this procurement
or is aware of an associated person or sub-contract
having been replaced, it will give notice of this fact
within 30 days of its decision to the Procurement
Review Unit (PRU).
NWL will also undertake a review of the completed
COP with reference to any information held on the
Central Digital Platform. Responses to any
conditions of participation will be assessed in
accordance with the selection process and any
criteria as set out in the tender notice and described
in this document.
The assessment of these responses will identify the
top 10 suppliers to be invited to participate in Stage
2.
Stage 1 will complete with suppliers being notified
in writing of whether or not they have been
successfully shortlisted to participate in Stage 2.
Suppliers not invited to stage 2 will be provided with
a written explanation of the reasons why they have
not been shortlisted to participate in Stage 2.
Suppliers should note that NWL reserves the right
to re-assess any response to the conditions of
participation at any stage of this procurement,
including in light of any new relevant information
that comes to NWL's attention
Stage 2 - Invitation to Submit Initial Tenders
Stage 2 commenced with the notification, inviting
those suppliers which have successfully been
shortlisted at Stage 1 of this Procurement to submit
initial tenders and the publication of this document.
This document includes a request for initial tenders
which all suppliers are required to complete and
must be submitted in accordance with the
Procurement Timetable and instructions set out in
this document and any additional information
provided.
Following the deadline for submission of initial
tenders, NWL will assess initial tenders in
accordance with the assessment process and
award criteria set out in the Tender Notice and
described in this document. The assessment
process will identify which suppliers are to be
selected to participate in the negotiation/dialogue
stage as set out in Stage 3.
Once the assessment of initial tenders has
concluded, suppliers will be notified in writing
whether they have successfully been invited to
Stage 3. Any suppliers not invited to participate in
Stage 3 will be provided with reasons in writing to
explain why they have not been successful.
Stage 3 - Invitation to Participate in Supplier
Negotiations/Dialogue (Supplier Presentations)
Stage 3 will commence with the notification inviting
suppliers that have successfully passed Stage 2 to
attend a Supplier Presentation (virtually, via MS
Teams).
The notification will also provide details of any new
information made available to suppliers at this
stage in this Procurement. The notification will also
have further detail around the question, dates and
required attendees.
Stage 4 - Invitation to Submit a Best and Final Offer
(BAFO)
Stage 4 will commence with the issuing of a letter
inviting suppliers that have been successfully
shortlisted at Stage 3 to submit their Best and Final
Offers.
Best and Final offers must be submitted in
accordance with the Procurement Timetable and
instructions set out in this document and any
additional information provided.
After the deadline for submission of best and final
offers, NWL will reconsider, in respect of each
supplier that submitted, whether the supplier or any
related persons within its corporate group,
associated suppliers relied on to meet the
conditions of participation, or proposed sub
contractors, are excluded or excludable suppliers
and will consider whether to disregard the best and
final offer submitted in accordance with its
obligations under the Act.
If the supplier is an excluded or excludable supplier
only by virtue of an associated supplier or proposed
sub-contractor, NWL will notify the supplier of its
intention to disregard its tender and provide the
supplier with a reasonable opportunity to replace
the associated supplier or sub-contractor.
If as a consequence of this process NWL
disregards a tender from an excluded or excludable
supplier or is aware of an associated supplier or
sub contractor having been replaced, it will give
notice of this fact within 30 days of its decision to
the Procurement Review Unit (PRU).
NWL will conduct an assessment of all Best and
Final Offers in order to identify the supplier which
has submitted the most advantageous tender in
accordance with the assessment methodology and
award criteria set out in the Tender Notice and
described in this document. In carrying out this
assessment, NWL will disregard any final tender
from a supplier who does not satisfy the Conditions
of Participation.
Once the assessment has concluded, NWL will
provide an assessment summary to all suppliers
that submitted a Best and Final offer to:
a. inform them whether they have been successful
in being awarded the
contract
b. provide an explanation of the assessment of the
supplier's tender against
the relevant award criteria, in accordance with the
requirements of the Act.
c. where different to the supplier concerned, provide
information in respect
of the most advantageous tender submitted,
including details of the
assessment of this tender against the relevant
award criteria and the supplier's name.
Once the assessment summaries have been
provided to the suppliers that
submitted Best and Final offers, NWL will also
publish a contract award
notice on the Central Digital Platform to commence
the mandatory standstill
period.
Subject to completion of the mandatory standstill
period, Stage 4 will end
with NWL entering into preferred supplier stage with
the preferred supplier
Stage 5: Preferred supplier stage
The highest scoring supplier(suppliers where the framework agreement is being awarded) will be invited to
engage in further discussions with NWL as part of a
preferred supplier stage. This stage will be used to
finalize the draft contract terms and conditions (or framework terms in case of a framework agreement award), in
accordance with the limitations set out in the Act.
Stage 5 will end with NWL entering into the contract
with the preferred supplier procurement description.
How it was run
Official notice- Appointment period ends
- 5 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
- Clarification deadline
- 28 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
- Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)
- call-off levy · NA
Applicants are asked to note that this procurement
process will be conduced electronically with all
documents and communication being managed
through the Northumbrian Water eSourcing Spend
Management portal called 'Ariba'
Expressions of interest from this notice must be
sent to the e-mail address
[email protected] before the deadline
date of the 28th September 2026 at 12noon.
Once expression of interest has been received that contains the details below, applicants will be given access to the Ariba portal within 48 hours from request (excluding weekends and bank holidays). This portal will contain all the
tender documents associated with this procurement
that are available at the time. An email link will also
be provided to the email address you provide to
access the portal. When sending expression of
interest, applicants must provide the following
information: 1) Full company name 2) Main contact
details of the person who will be given access to
the Ariba portal - Name, job title, E mail address
and telephone number. (The deadline for return of
the completed Tenders (Stage 1 - COP) is the 5th October 2026 at
12noon.
Timeline
14 Apr 2026 → 1 Feb 2027 · 7 dates- Planning notice published190 days ago14 Apr 2026, 09:08 BST
- Market engagement168 days ago5 May 2026, 23:59 BST
pre-market engagement exercise to help us understand supplier capability, delivery approaches and partnering models to support our productivity, collaboration and automation landscape.
This engagement is intended to inform potential future commercial options and does not constitute a commitment to procure, nor a call for competition.
- Tender notice published48 days ago3 Sept 2026, 16:27 BST
- Clarification questions by23 days ago28 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
- Admission / appointment period ends16 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown5 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
- Today21 Oct 2026
- Award decision expected byin 57 days16 Dec 2026, 23:59 GMT
- Contract startsin 103 days1 Feb 2027
Notice history
6 events · 2 releases on Find a Tender · since 14 Apr 2026- Preliminary market engagement notice published14 Apr 2026, 09:08 BSTUK2
- Tender notice published3 Sept 2026, 16:27 BSTUK4
- Published value published: £7,200,0003 Sept 2026, 16:27 BST
- Status changed to active3 Sept 2026, 16:27 BST
- Procurement method changed3 Sept 2026, 16:27 BST
- Deadline published: 5 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST3 Sept 2026, 16:27 BST
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (3)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
Notices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender