Utility Regulator - Legal Services Framework Agreement

{
  "id": "069936-2026",
  "tag": [
    "tender"
  ],
  "date": "2026-07-23T16:36:42+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06d27a",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PWCB-8418-YTPD",
    "name": "Utility Regulator"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ID 6281449",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "title": "Energy/Water/Utilities Specialist Legal Expertise.  General utilities law expertise (UK Wide)",
        "value": {
          "amount": 1250000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 1500000
        },
        "status": "active",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "There is an option to extend for one further year."
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "description": "Advice, support and, where appropriate, legal representation in all areas of Energy, Utilities and Water Law, including, but not limited to;  Advice on application and interpretation of the requirements of energy law and regulation to include the interpretation of related licence conditions that are of direct relevance to the work of economic regulators and the energy industry in the UK. Advice on application and interpretation of the requirements of water law and regulation including the Water and Sewerage Services in the UK and relevant licences. ",
        "awardCriteria": {
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              "name": "AC1 Proposed Team Experience",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "44.8 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2a Service Methodology - matching",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2b Service Methodology",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2c Service Methodology - counsel",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC3a Service Delivery - business needs",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC3b Service Delivery - respond to work assignments",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC4 Contingency Arrangements",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC5 Category A Hourly Rate",
              "type": "price",
              "description": "15 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC6 Category B Hourly Rate",
              "type": "price",
              "description": "15 percent"
            }
          ],
          "weightingDescription": "70 percent qualitative, 30 percent quantitative"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
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          "startDate": "2026-10-20T00:00:00+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-10-19T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "selectionCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "type": "economic",
              "description": "CoP1 Practicing Certificate\nCoP2 Quality Standards\nCoP3 Cyber Essentials Plus"
            }
          ]
        }
      },
      {
        "id": "2",
        "title": "Regulatory law, European law, Public and administrative law, and competition law (UK Wide)",
        "value": {
          "amount": 1250000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 1500000
        },
        "status": "active",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "There is an option to extend for one further year."
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
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        "awardCriteria": {
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              "name": "AC1 Proposed Team Experience",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "44.8 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2a Service Methodology - matching",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2b Service Methodology",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2c Service Methodology - counsel",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC3a Service Delivery - business needs",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC3b Service Delivery - respond to work assignments",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC4 Contingency Arrangements",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC5 Category A Hourly Rate",
              "type": "price",
              "description": "15 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC6 Category B Hourly Rate",
              "type": "price",
              "description": "15 percent"
            }
          ],
          "weightingDescription": "70 percent qualitative, 30 percent quantitative"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
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          "startDate": "2026-10-20T00:00:00+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-10-19T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "selectionCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "type": "economic",
              "description": "CoP1 Practicing Certificate\nCoP2 Quality Standards\nCoP3 Cyber Essentials Plus"
            }
          ]
        }
      },
      {
        "id": "3",
        "title": "Commercial, Corporate and Contract Law; Property Law: and Employment Law and Information Law (NI Specific)",
        "value": {
          "amount": 1000000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 1200000
        },
        "status": "active",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "There is an option to extend for one further year."
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "description": "Advice on corporate / commercial law including the Companies Act 2006 and all forms of contractual disputes and potential litigation which need commercial energy contract experts in GB.\nAdvice on EU procurement law.\nAdvice on finance law arrangements for example loan agreements, debentures, share equity issues, debt financing.\nAdvice on insolvency law for example administration, special administration, schemes of arrangement.\nAdvice on NI employment and trade union law.\nAdvice on information law including application of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.\nAdvice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas of property law including but not limited to:\nDisposal, purchase and development of land and property, including development agreements and construction documentation.\nCompulsory acquisition of land, compensation law and representation at Lands Tribunal.",
        "awardCriteria": {
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              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2b Service Methodology",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2c Service Methodology - counsel",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC3a Service Delivery - business needs",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC3b Service Delivery - respond to work assignments",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC4 Contingency Arrangements",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC5 Category A Hourly Rate",
              "type": "price",
              "description": "15 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC6 Category B Hourly Rate",
              "type": "price",
              "description": "15 percent"
            }
          ],
          "weightingDescription": "70 percent qualitative, 30 percent quantitative"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2029-10-19T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-10-20T00:00:00+01:00",
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        },
        "selectionCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "type": "economic",
              "description": "CoP1 Practicing Certificate\nCoP2 Quality Standards\nCoP3 Cyber Essentials Plus"
            }
          ]
        }
      },
      {
        "id": "4",
        "title": "Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution (NI Specific)",
        "value": {
          "amount": 500000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 600000
        },
        "status": "active",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "There is an option to extend for one further year."
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "description": "Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas of civil litigation and dispute including but not limited to:\nGeneral litigation: Contract disputes, tort claims, judicial reviews. \nRegulatory enforcement: Legal support in enforcing statutory duties or defending against challenges. \nAlternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Mediation, arbitration, expert determination. \nDisclosure and evidence handling.\nSpecialist litigation: Environmental, competition, or procurement-related disputes.",
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "name": "AC1 Proposed Team Experience",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "44.8 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2a Service Methodology - matching",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2b Service Methodology",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC2c Service Methodology - counsel",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC3a Service Delivery - business needs",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC3b Service Delivery - respond to work assignments",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC4 Contingency Arrangements",
              "type": "quality",
              "description": "4.2 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC5 Category A Hourly Rate",
              "type": "price",
              "description": "15 percent"
            },
            {
              "name": "AC6 Category B Hourly Rate",
              "type": "price",
              "description": "15 percent"
            }
          ],
          "weightingDescription": "70 percent qualitative, 30 percent quantitative"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2029-10-19T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-10-20T00:00:00+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-10-19T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "selectionCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "type": "economic",
              "description": "CoP1 Practicing Certificate\nCoP2 Quality Standards\nCoP3 Cyber Essentials Plus"
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
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        "id": "1",
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        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UKN",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "79100000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79110000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory and representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79111000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79112000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79112100",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Stakeholders representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79130000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal documentation and certification services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79140000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory and information services"
          },
          {
            "id": "75231100",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Law-courts-related administrative services"
          }
        ]
      },
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            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
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            "id": "79112000",
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          },
          {
            "id": "79112100",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Stakeholders representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79130000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal documentation and certification services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79140000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory and information services"
          },
          {
            "id": "75231100",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Law-courts-related administrative services"
          }
        ]
      },
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        "id": "3",
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        ],
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          {
            "id": "79100000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
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          },
          {
            "id": "79110000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory and representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79111000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79112000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79112100",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Stakeholders representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79130000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal documentation and certification services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79140000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory and information services"
          },
          {
            "id": "75231100",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Law-courts-related administrative services"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "4",
        "relatedLot": "4",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UKN",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "79100000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79110000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory and representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79111000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79112000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79112100",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Stakeholders representation services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79130000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal documentation and certification services"
          },
          {
            "id": "79140000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Legal advisory and information services"
          },
          {
            "id": "75231100",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Law-courts-related administrative services"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Utility Regulator - Legal Services Framework Agreement",
    "value": {
      "amount": 4000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 4800000
    },
    "status": "active",
    "coveredBy": [
      "GPA"
    ],
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "conflictOfInterest",
        "description": "Not published",
        "documentType": "conflictOfInterest"
      },
      {
        "id": "069936-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069936-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK4",
        "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "tenderNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-07-23T16:36:42+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "lotDetails": {
      "awardCriteria": {
        "description": "Suppliers may apply for all, or some of the above lots, but they must clearly specify which lots they wish to be considered for in their response and follow the instructions detailed in etendersNI.\nEach Lot will be evaluated and awarded independently of each other. There are no restrictions on the number of lots a Supplier can bid for or be awarded. Suppliers must ensure that if they are bidding for multiple Lots that they have the capacity and capacity to deliver the services in the event that they are successful in more than one Lot.\nA maximum of five Suppliers will be appointed a place on the framework under each Lot. The 'Buyer' reserves the right to appoint less than five when less than five submit a tender and/or less than five remain within the process following any exclusions."
      }
    },
    "recurrence": {
      "dates": [
        {
          "startDate": "2030-07-23T23:59:59+01:00"
        }
      ]
    },
    "techniques": {
      "frameworkAgreement": {
        "type": "closed",
        "method": "withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition",
        "description": "A maximum of five Suppliers will be appointed to each Lot, based on the highest ranking suppliers per Lot. Suppliers will be awarded a place on the relevant lots on a ranked basis. UR reserves the right to use one of two methods to call off the framework as follows.  The majority of work is expected to be called off using Method 1 (Ranked) but UR reserves the right to use Method 2 (Further Competition) when required.  Please see Specification section 3 for further details. "
      },
      "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
    },
    "awardPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-10-02T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "description": "The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (Utility Regulator) is seeking to put in place a framework for legal advice to support the in-house team. The framework consists of four Lots. Suppliers should refer to the Specification Schedule for full detail on the requirements of this Framework Agreement. The overall estimated framework value is £4 Million (ex VAT), however you should note the requirement is demand led and the Buyer does not give any guarantee as to the volume of work that will be commissioned under this framework. The Framework Agreement will be valid for a period of 3 years with an option to extend for one further year.",
    "riskDetails": "If at any time during the procurement, or post award, it comes to the attention of the Buyer or CPD, by whatever means, that a Supplier has become 'excluded' or 'excludable' as per Sec 57 of the PA 2023, the CA, after compliance with its obligations under the PA 23, reserves the right to exclude said Supplier from the procurement procedure or terminate any contract they have been awarded.",
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-24T15:00:00+01:00"
    },
    "contractTerms": {
      "financialTerms": "For details on invoicing procedures please see : https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/articles/account-ni-good-invoicing-practice\nThe estimated value figure indicated in the Scope Section represents an overall estimated contract value. This value reflects the potential scale of the contract and takes into account the potential optional extension period. This figure does not however take into account the application of indexation or increases to charges due to increases in the Real Living Wage. Neither CPD nor the Buyer can provide any guarantee as to the level of business under this contract. The Buyer does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Suppliers remain responsible for all costs and expenses\nincurred by them or by any third party acting under instructions from the Supplier in connection with taking part in this procurement process regardless of whether such costs arise as a consequence, directly or indirectly of any amendments made to the procurement documents by the Buyer at any time. No legally binding contract shall arise (and a Supplier shall have no legitimate expectation that a contract will be entered into) until such time as entry into the Contract has been confirmed by the\nBuyer."
    },
    "enquiryPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-17T15:00:00+01:00"
    },
    "hasRecurrence": true,
    "specialRegime": [
      "lightTouch"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "submissionTerms": {
      "languages": [
        "en"
      ],
      "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed"
    },
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "submissionMethodDetails": "Tenders must be submitted electronically via the relevant Call for Tender (CfT) opportunity on eTendersNI, website details immediately below.\nPaper submissions will not be accepted or considered and will be rejected by the Contracting Authority / Buyer. The tender documents are available with unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at: URL https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure"
  },
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PWCB-8418-YTPD",
      "name": "Utility Regulator",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKN06",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Belfast",
        "postalCode": "BT2 7AQ",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "16-22 Great Victoria Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://www.uregni.gov.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          },
          {
            "id": "GB-NIR",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS",
            "description": "Northern Irish devolved regulations apply"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PWCB-8418-YTPD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "SSDAdmin.CPD@finance-ni.gov.uk"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PVWG-8426-YWXV",
      "name": "CPD - Supplies and Services Division",
      "roles": [
        "procuringEntity",
        "processContactPoint"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKN06",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Belfast",
        "postalCode": "BT3 9ED",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "303 Airport Road West"
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PVWG-8426-YWXV",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "roleDetails": "Construction and Procurement Delivery - Supplies and Services Division, is a Centre of Procurement Expertise and provides a central procurement function for central government in Northern Ireland",
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "SSDAdmin.CPD@finance-ni.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "initiationType": "tender"
}