Public procurement notice: Contract Notice
Published: 2018-11-27
Buyer: SSE Plc
Country: UK
Contract type: Supplies
Procedure: Negotiated procedure
CPV classification: 65310000: Electricity distribution
Submission deadline: 2018-11-30
Award criteria: The most economic tender

Technical requirements: SSE PQQ for Line Inspection by Semi-Autonomous Systems (LISAS). The equipment could be installed in any location within central southern England and north of the Central Belt of Scotland — the locations where SSE is the Distribution Network Operator. This requirement is for an initial Phase 1 (Design and Prototyping) requirement followed by a Phase 2 Business as Usual roll out.
From general research SSE believe that the wide uptake of autonomous devices in the Electrical Networks industry has not materialised due to the Power Industry providing limited direction to potential manufacturers. The project includes 4 trials provided by SSE. These will be 2 electrical trials and 2 mechanical trials, covering several tests as outlined in the specification. This will enable new entrants to the power industry to provide bids and enable focus on the solution being fit for purpose by minimising the risks which the new entrants may be exposed to. Contact FN.Procurement@sse.com for further detail
To encourage new entrants SSE seek to minimise the difficulties for new entrants to the market by providing the 2 stages of testing and development before a network live trial is undertaken. SSE will provide staffing at the selected testing facilities and the trials are funded by SSE. These testing stages will enable the successful tenderer (manufacturer) to demonstrate compliance with the specification. Following the initial test the manufacturer will be provided the opportunities to develop their solution further to achieve as much of the specification required before the second round of testing. This approach minimises but does not eliminate the risk to the manufacturer, the manufacturer will be required to meet the commitments agreed upon in the successful tender. Should the manufacturer be internationally based, the first round of testing may be substituted for with factory acceptance testing, witnessed by SSE.
Upon completion of the trials a live line will be selected for a full network-based trial. Should this trial be successful, it is intended that an agreement will be put in place with the manufacturer. An agreement is expected to cover, upgrades, spares, emergency response, maintenance, servicing and training as a minimum. SSE is also working with industry partners, regulators and legislators to develop a clear strategy and rule set to enable live robotic working on a UK scale. It is hoped that the manufacturer will be willing to participate in further tenders outside of the LISAS scope for other robotic solutions on Networks. "You are invited to complete and return this PQQ if you are interested in tendering for the LISAS project to SSE. Note that the tenderers are required to be able to meet the requirements of the Phase 1 NIA funded Prototyping and trials as well as the Phase 2 Business as Usual roll out of LISAS devices. SSE reserves the right to amend the actual requirements depending on the responses received to this PQQ. SSE intends to enter into a “Research and Development Agreement” Phase 1 as well as a “One Off” Agreement Phase 2 with a suitable supplier/supplier to supply LISAS throughout the RIIO period. The Agreement will be for an initial period of 2 years — Phase 1 — with the option of the BaU “One Off” Agreement for an initial period of 4 years plus the option to be extended incrementally for periods of 2 years up to a total maximum of 8 years. Operation services may be included within the tender at the discretion of SSE." The Agreements will consist of a SSE standard set of terms and conditions (Research and Development) along with a NEC3 SC covering the BaU requirements, draft documents for each of these will be issued at Invitation to Tender stage (ITT). SSE reserves the right to award any number of agreements or none at all.
SSE puts our customers central to our activities, our focus is on delivering outstanding service. SSE expects that all our suppliers are aligned with these goals.
Suppliers wishing to participate in this LISAS PQQ must register their interest by e-mailing FN.Procurement@sse.com Attn: Phil Bell for further details.