Public procurement notice: Periodic Indicative Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2016-07-02
Buyer: Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Ltd
Country: UK
Contract type: Supplies
CPV classification: 31170000 | 31682540
Estimated value: 20000000 GBP

Technical requirements: To facilitate the connection of the new circuit into the Northern Ireland transmission system a new 400/275kV substation is to be constructed at Turleenan, Co. Tyrone. This includes the supply and installation of 400kV AIS and 275kV GIS switchboards (including building), up to 3 400/275kV transformers and a control building. It is also planned to erect 2 275kV terminal towers and divert the 2 Tamnamore-Tandragee 275kV circuits using 275kV underground cable into the substation. The connections between the 275kV GIS switchboard and the transformers will be by gas insulated bus-bar.
NIE Networks' procurement event will run using vendors with valid registration on the Achilles Utilities Vendor Data Base (UVDB) using negotiated procedure with prior call for competition ( using a Qualification System Notice).
The following criteria will be used to select vendors for ‘Additional Questions’ on week commencing 30.8.2016 and selection for the Invitation to Tender.
Additionally, NIE Networks will be using the Audits and Assessments filter to further qualify suppliers.
9) B2 Verify audit. NIE Networks require a Verify audit score in excess of 80 % as part of their pre-qualification process.
Due to the criticality of 400/275kV Transformers, 400kV AIS and 275kV GIS Switchgear to the successful delivery of this project, it is a key requirement that the applicants who will be selected to submit a bid for the must demonstrate extensive and relevant experience in the design, supply and construction of HV GIS Substations.
a) Original Equipment manufacturer(s) (OEM) or Suppliers of 400/275kV Transformers, 400kV AIS and 220kV GIS Switchgear who have demonstrated extensive experience in the design and construction of HV GIS Substations; or
b) Joint Venture(s)/Consortium(s) between Original Equipment manufacturer(s) or Suppliers of 400/275kV Transformers, 400kV AIS and 220kV GIS Switchgear and Civil Engineering/Electrical Contractor(s) who have demonstrated extensive experience in the design and construction of HV GIS Substations.
— In signatory states of the utilities (electricity related) elements of the Government Procurement Agreement of the WTO, which offer unrestricted access for Union undertakings to the electricity related markets of those countries.
N.B.: Please note that Art. 85 of ‘2016 No 274 Public Procurement, England and Wales Public Procurement, Northern Ireland — The Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016’ will apply in full to tenders covering products originating in third countries.
NIE Networks is the electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) 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. NIE Networks does not buy or sell electricity, or send any bills to electricity customers.
— To transport electricity from generators on large transmission cables, pylons and on wires and poles through the distribution network to customer supply points;
— Upgrade the existing networks or build new ones to provide additional electricity supplies or capacity to our customers;
— Provide electricity meters and provide metering data to suppliers and market operators to enable wholesale and retail settlement.
The transmission and distribution networks comprise a number of interconnected networks of overhead lines and underground cables which are used for the transfer of electricity to c. 850 000 customers via a number of substations. There are 2 200 km of transmission lines, 45 000 km of distribution lines and 300 major substations, including 40 serving large wind farm sites. NIE Networks' transmission system is connected to that of the Republic of Ireland (RoI) through a 275kV Interconnector and to that in Scotland via the Moyle Interconnector. There are also 2 standby 110kV connections to RoI.