IT Managed Service Procurement

Description

NIE Networks is the electricity Distribution Network Operator and Transmission Network Owner in Northern Ireland. NIE Networks is responsible for the network of engineering assets that allows the transmission and distribution of electricity to customers’ premises from electricity generators.
The purpose of this procurement is to appoint an IT Managed Services Provider that will: operate and transform the IT and Telecoms infrastructure; ensure that NIE Networks can fulfil its Network and Information Security (NIS) obligations as a provider of Critical National Infrastructure; provide effective support across the business through high-quality service management; and assist NIE Networks in delivering its Digital & IT change programme for the RP7 regulatory period.
The scope of the contract will include:
• Service Management
• Infrastructure Management
• Data Hosting
• Cyber Security
• Telecommunications
• Resource Augmentation Services
• Supplier Licence Management
• Supplier Invoice Processing
Further detail is outlined within the PIM and PQQ documents available via the link at Section I.3 above.
NIE Networks estimates the value of the Contract to be between £150million and £200million.The estimated value of the Contract outlined in Section II.1.5 represents the total potential value of the contract over its full potential duration. This value is based upon the:
• transition and transformation activities outlined in the PIM;
• annual costs of managing and running the IT Managed Service;
• capital costs and residual operational costs of delivering IT upgrade and obsolescence projects across our infrastructure, applications and telecommunications estate via Change Control; and
• pass-through costs for purchases and maintenance of third-party licenses acquired by the IT Managed Service Provider for NIE Networks’ use.
Please note that there will be contractual requirements regarding social value. These may include, but will not be limited to, the following themes:
o Employment and skills
o Ethical and Resilient Supply Chains
o Sustainability and delivering Zero Carbon
o Wellbeing
Further information will be provided at the ITN stage of the Procurement.

Under no circumstances will NIE Networks or its advisors be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by Bidders, their funders and/or their respective advisors arising directly or indirectly from the procurement process, their participation in or termination thereof, including, without limitation, preparation and submission of responses, as a result of any changes or adjustments made to the procurement documents or the exclusion/disqualification of a Bidder. Only the express terms of the contractual documents, if and when executed shall have any contractual effect in connection with the matters to which this procurement process relates. Neither the issue of the procurement documents, nor any of the information presented in them, should be regarded as a commitment or representation on the part of NIE Networks (or any other person) to enter into a contractual arrangement. Nothing in the procurement documents should be interpreted as a commitment by NIE Networks to award a contract to a Bidder as a result of this. procurement process, nor to accept the lowest price or any tender. No legally binding contract shall arise (and a tenderer shall have no legitimate expectation that a contract will be entered into) until such time as entry into the contract has been confirmed by NIE Networks. As such, NIE Networks reserves the right at any time to cancel, withdraw or amend the procurement process at any stage.

This procurement procedure is being conducted in compliance with the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (as amended) and NIE Networks intends to use the negotiated procedure with prior call for competition for the award of the Contract.
The purpose of this procurement is to appoint an IT Managed Services Provider that will: operate and transform the IT and Telecoms infrastructure; ensure that NIE Networks can fulfil its Network and Information Security (NIS) obligations as a provider of Critical National Infrastructure; provide effective support across the business through high-quality service management; and assist NIE Networks in delivering its Digital & IT change programme for the RP7 regulatory period.
The scope of the contract will include:
• Service Management
• Infrastructure Management
• Data Hosting
• Cyber Security
• Telecommunications
• Resource Augmentation Services
• Supplier Licence Management
• Supplier Invoice Processing
Bidders should note that a Periodic Indicative Notice (PIN) was published on Find a Tender by NIE Networks in respect of the Procurement with reference 2024/S 000-020334. The purpose of the PIN was to advise the market of the upcoming opportunity and provide potential Bidders with information in relation to the proposed approach. The issue of the PIN was not a call for competition and only Bidders that submit a PQQ will be considered for participation in the Procurement.
Please note that there will be contractual requirements regarding social value. These may include, but will not be limited to, the following themes:
o Employment and skills
o Ethical and Resilient Supply Chains
o Sustainability and delivering Zero Carbon
o Wellbeing
Further information will be provided at the ITN stage of the Procurement.

Additional information

Use the following links to access information about the buyer, tender notice documents and further resources about this tender opportunity.

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What to look for

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• Name and details of contracting authority
• Where to register and access the tender documents
• Scope and descriptions of the procurement exercise
• Place of performance
• Estimated contract value
• Contract duration and dates
• Conditions for participation
• Procedure for tendering and the submission deadline

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