Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks) intends to establish a framework arrangement under which it shall appoint suppliers to enter into separate framework agreements for C280 (2027) Supply Low Voltage Cable Jointing Systems. It is anticipated that each framework agreement awarded will be for a period of five (5) years with an option, exercisable entirely at the discretion of the contracting authority and subject to the terms of the framework agreement, to extend by a further optional period of up to three (3) years, with a total potential duration of eight (8) years. NIE Networks estimates that the total spend under framework agreements could be up to £15.5 million over the total potential eight-year duration. Therefore, NIE Networks is conducting a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) supplier information event to gather insights from the market before initiating a procurement process for Contract C280 (2027) Supply Low Voltage Cable Jointing Systems. This engagement aims to assess the market's interest and capabilities in delivering Contract C280 (2027), identify potential solutions and develop an effective procurement strategy. NIE Networks anticipates an ongoing requirement for resin compounds, insulation compounds, joint shells and complete low voltage cable jointing systems. Through this engagement, NIE Networks also wishes to understand developments within the market and identify any innovative products, technologies or approaches that could provide additional benefits in areas such as safety, reliability, installation efficiency, sustainability and security of supply. NIE Networks currently utilises a range of Low Voltage Cable Jointing Systems across its distribution network. While these products will continue to form a core part of operational requirements, NIE Networks is keen to engage with the market to understand emerging technologies, product developments and best practices that may complement or enhance existing solutions.

Procurement Act 2023

Utilities

Interested parties should register their interest in this PME supplier information event via eSourcingNI (https://e-sourcingni.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.shtml). A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) envelope has been created named "pqq_4773" within Project "project_29324" to supply suppliers with preliminary information and to express their interest in participating in the PME supplier information event. Please note that a draft specification will be available to suppliers defining NIE Networks' requirements so that suppliers can understand these requirements in advance of expressing an interest in this PME supplier information event. Suppliers must express interest in participating in the PME supplier information event by applying to attend via the messaging function within the PQQ on eSourcingNI. As part of the application to participate in PME, suppliers must provide a short description of their experience of supplying products of the nature outlined in the draft specification. In your response you must provide the name(s) and contact email addresses of who will attend. Attendance shall be limited to a maximum of 4 attendees per organisation. Should the PME supplier information event be oversubscribed NIE Networks reserves the right to shortlist attendees based on direct relevant experience in this area. This PQQ will close at 3.00pm on 13 November 2026 and NIE Networks cannot accept applications to participate in the PME supplier information event after this time. Upon receipt of suppliers' expressions of interest, NIE Networks will provide additional information with further instructions on how to participate in the PME supplier information event. Suppliers are also encouraged to identify any emerging technologies, innovative products or complementary solutions relevant to low voltage cable jointing systems that may be of interest to NIE Networks. Interested parties will not be prejudiced by any response or failure to respond to this PME Notice or the PME supplier information event. Participation or non-participation in the PME supplier information event shall not prevent any interested parties from participating in any subsequent procurement process.