ProcuraAxisBeta
Sign inCreate Free Account
Home / Opportunities / Opportunity
PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Utility Regulator - Legal Services Framework Agreement

Utility Regulator · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 26 Sept 2026, 18:17.

Opportunity overview

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.

Classification

  • CPV75231100 — Law-courts-related administrative services
  • CPV79100000 — Legal services
  • CPV79110000 — Legal advisory and representation services
  • CPV79111000 — Legal advisory services
  • CPV79112000 — Legal representation services
  • CPV79112100 — Stakeholders representation services
  • CPV79130000 — Legal documentation and certification services
  • CPV79140000 — Legal advisory and information services

Lots

  • Energy/Water/Utilities Specialist Legal Expertise. General utilities law expertise (UK Wide)£1.3m
  • Regulatory law, European law, Public and administrative law, and competition law (UK Wide)£1.3m
  • Commercial, Corporate and Contract Law; Property Law: and Employment Law and Information Law (NI Specific)£1m
  • Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution (NI Specific)£500k

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
ID 6281449
Status
active
Procurement Method
open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Main Procurement Category
services
Above Threshold
Yes
How to submit
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the relevant Call for Tender (CfT) opportunity on eTendersNI, website details immediately below. Paper 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
Has Recurrence
Yes
Published risks
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.

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Special regime

lightTouch

Covered By

GPA

Techniques

Has Framework Agreement
Yes

Framework Agreement

Method
withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition
Type
closed
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.

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Tender Period

Ends
24 Aug 2026, 15:00

Enquiry period

Ends
17 Aug 2026, 15:00

Expected award period

Ends
2 Oct 2026, 23:59

Lot Details

Award criteria

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. Each 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. A 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

Entry 1
Starts
23 Jul 2030, 23:59

Contract terms

Financial Terms
For details on invoicing procedures please see : https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/articles/account-ni-good-invoicing-practice The 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 incurred 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 Buyer.

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Energy/Water/Utilities Specialist Legal Expertise. General utilities law expertise (UK Wide)
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.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,500,000
Amount
1,250,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
70 percent qualitative, 30 percent quantitative

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
AC1 Proposed Team Experience
Description
44.8 percent
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
AC2a Service Methodology - matching
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
AC2b Service Methodology
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 4
Type
quality
Name
AC2c Service Methodology - counsel
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 5
Type
quality
Name
AC3a Service Delivery - business needs
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 6
Type
quality
Name
AC3b Service Delivery - respond to work assignments
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 7
Type
quality
Name
AC4 Contingency Arrangements
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 8
Type
price
Name
AC5 Category A Hourly Rate
Description
15 percent
Criterion 9
Type
price
Name
AC6 Category B Hourly Rate
Description
15 percent

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
CoP1 Practicing Certificate CoP2 Quality Standards CoP3 Cyber Essentials Plus

Contract period

Starts
20 Oct 2026, 00:00
Ends
19 Oct 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
19 Oct 2030, 23:59

Renewal

Description
There is an option to extend for one further year.
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Regulatory law, European law, Public and administrative law, and competition law (UK Wide)
Description
Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in regulatory, public, administrative and competition law including but not limited to: Advice on European law in particular advice on addressing EU infractions and EU Directives transposition that are of direct relevance to the work of UR and the energy/utilities industries. Advice on interpretation and application of other UK legislation relevant to the regulation of energy and water, including the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 and the Competition Act 1998. Advice on competition powers that economic regulators hold concurrently with the Competition and Markets Authority (functions formerly performed by the Office of Fair Trading/Competition Commission). Advice on energy and water related matters impacted by international law, for example the European Convention on Human Rights and Human Rights Act and cross-border and constitutional law. Advice on environmental law and renewable energy law.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,500,000
Amount
1,250,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
70 percent qualitative, 30 percent quantitative

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
AC1 Proposed Team Experience
Description
44.8 percent
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
AC2a Service Methodology - matching
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
AC2b Service Methodology
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 4
Type
quality
Name
AC2c Service Methodology - counsel
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 5
Type
quality
Name
AC3a Service Delivery - business needs
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 6
Type
quality
Name
AC3b Service Delivery - respond to work assignments
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 7
Type
quality
Name
AC4 Contingency Arrangements
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 8
Type
price
Name
AC5 Category A Hourly Rate
Description
15 percent
Criterion 9
Type
price
Name
AC6 Category B Hourly Rate
Description
15 percent

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
CoP1 Practicing Certificate CoP2 Quality Standards CoP3 Cyber Essentials Plus

Contract period

Starts
20 Oct 2026, 00:00
Ends
19 Oct 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
19 Oct 2030, 23:59

Renewal

Description
There is an option to extend for one further year.
Entry 3
Id
3
Title
Commercial, Corporate and Contract Law; Property Law: and Employment Law and Information Law (NI Specific)
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. Advice on EU procurement law. Advice on finance law arrangements for example loan agreements, debentures, share equity issues, debt financing. Advice on insolvency law for example administration, special administration, schemes of arrangement. Advice on NI employment and trade union law. Advice on information law including application of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas of property law including but not limited to: Disposal, purchase and development of land and property, including development agreements and construction documentation. Compulsory acquisition of land, compensation law and representation at Lands Tribunal.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,200,000
Amount
1,000,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
70 percent qualitative, 30 percent quantitative

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
AC1 Proposed Team Experience
Description
44.8 percent
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
AC2a Service Methodology - matching
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
AC2b Service Methodology
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 4
Type
quality
Name
AC2c Service Methodology - counsel
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 5
Type
quality
Name
AC3a Service Delivery - business needs
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 6
Type
quality
Name
AC3b Service Delivery - respond to work assignments
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 7
Type
quality
Name
AC4 Contingency Arrangements
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 8
Type
price
Name
AC5 Category A Hourly Rate
Description
15 percent
Criterion 9
Type
price
Name
AC6 Category B Hourly Rate
Description
15 percent

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
CoP1 Practicing Certificate CoP2 Quality Standards CoP3 Cyber Essentials Plus

Contract period

Starts
20 Oct 2026, 00:00
Ends
19 Oct 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
19 Oct 2030, 23:59

Renewal

Description
There is an option to extend for one further year.
Entry 4
Id
4
Title
Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution (NI Specific)
Description
Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas of civil litigation and dispute including but not limited to: General litigation: Contract disputes, tort claims, judicial reviews. Regulatory enforcement: Legal support in enforcing statutory duties or defending against challenges. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Mediation, arbitration, expert determination. Disclosure and evidence handling. Specialist litigation: Environmental, competition, or procurement-related disputes.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
600,000
Amount
500,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Weighting Description
70 percent qualitative, 30 percent quantitative

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
AC1 Proposed Team Experience
Description
44.8 percent
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
AC2a Service Methodology - matching
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
AC2b Service Methodology
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 4
Type
quality
Name
AC2c Service Methodology - counsel
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 5
Type
quality
Name
AC3a Service Delivery - business needs
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 6
Type
quality
Name
AC3b Service Delivery - respond to work assignments
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 7
Type
quality
Name
AC4 Contingency Arrangements
Description
4.2 percent
Criterion 8
Type
price
Name
AC5 Category A Hourly Rate
Description
15 percent
Criterion 9
Type
price
Name
AC6 Category B Hourly Rate
Description
15 percent

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
CoP1 Practicing Certificate CoP2 Quality Standards CoP3 Cyber Essentials Plus

Contract period

Starts
20 Oct 2026, 00:00
Ends
19 Oct 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
19 Oct 2030, 23:59

Renewal

Description
There is an option to extend for one further year.

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
79100000
Description
Legal services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
79110000
Description
Legal advisory and representation services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
79111000
Description
Legal advisory services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
79112000
Description
Legal representation services
Entry 5
Scheme
CPV
Id
79112100
Description
Stakeholders representation services
Entry 6
Scheme
CPV
Id
79130000
Description
Legal documentation and certification services
Entry 7
Scheme
CPV
Id
79140000
Description
Legal advisory and information services
Entry 8
Scheme
CPV
Id
75231100
Description
Law-courts-related administrative services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKN
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
79100000
Description
Legal services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
79110000
Description
Legal advisory and representation services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
79111000
Description
Legal advisory services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
79112000
Description
Legal representation services
Entry 5
Scheme
CPV
Id
79112100
Description
Stakeholders representation services
Entry 6
Scheme
CPV
Id
79130000
Description
Legal documentation and certification services
Entry 7
Scheme
CPV
Id
79140000
Description
Legal advisory and information services
Entry 8
Scheme
CPV
Id
75231100
Description
Law-courts-related administrative services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKN
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 3
Id
3
Related Lot
3

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
79100000
Description
Legal services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
79110000
Description
Legal advisory and representation services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
79111000
Description
Legal advisory services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
79112000
Description
Legal representation services
Entry 5
Scheme
CPV
Id
79112100
Description
Stakeholders representation services
Entry 6
Scheme
CPV
Id
79130000
Description
Legal documentation and certification services
Entry 7
Scheme
CPV
Id
79140000
Description
Legal advisory and information services
Entry 8
Scheme
CPV
Id
75231100
Description
Law-courts-related administrative services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKN
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 4
Id
4
Related Lot
4

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
79100000
Description
Legal services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
79110000
Description
Legal advisory and representation services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
79111000
Description
Legal advisory services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
79112000
Description
Legal representation services
Entry 5
Scheme
CPV
Id
79112100
Description
Stakeholders representation services
Entry 6
Scheme
CPV
Id
79130000
Description
Legal documentation and certification services
Entry 7
Scheme
CPV
Id
79140000
Description
Legal advisory and information services
Entry 8
Scheme
CPV
Id
75231100
Description
Law-courts-related administrative services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKN
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Entry 2
Id
069936-2026
Document Type
tenderNotice
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Published
23 Jul 2026, 16:36
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
Utility Regulator
Id
GB-PPON-PWCB-8418-YTPD

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PWCB-8418-YTPD

Address

Street Address
16-22 Great Victoria Street
Locality
Belfast
Postal Code
BT2 7AQ
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKN06

Contact

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
publicAuthorityCentralGovernment
Description
Public authority - central government
Entry 2
Scheme
UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS
Id
GB-NIR
Description
Northern Irish devolved regulations apply
Organisation 2
Name
CPD - Supplies and Services Division
Id
GB-PPON-PVWG-8426-YWXV
Role Details
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

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PVWG-8426-YWXV

Address

Street Address
303 Airport Road West
Locality
Belfast
Postal Code
BT3 9ED
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKN06

Contact

Roles

procuringEntity
processContactPoint

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Belfast · UKN06 · BT2 7AQ · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKN · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. 069936-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·