HVDC Converter Systems Framework

Concepts

• construction work
• hvdc projects
• c.15 hvdc projects
• hvdc converter systems framework
• hvdc converter systems
• hvdc converter systems solutions
• hvdc converter station technology
• the hvdc converter systems framework agreement
• hvdc
• voltage source converter

Location

London

Description

National Grid is an international Electricity and Gas Network Company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world, based in the United Kingdom with operations in the north-east of the United States of America too. National Grid is looking to establish a multi-year High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Converter Systems Framework, to service its growing HVDC requirements for the UK businesses and project partners. National Grid also has a developing portfolio of HVDC projects in the US, these works will be subject to a separate procurement exercise. The scope of this Procurement includes c.15 HVDC projects; certain projects, and other identified projects that it is currently anticipated will be of similar size and value and will be identified as infrastructure to enable the connection of 50GW of Offshore Wind by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. The scope also comprises other as-yet unidentified additional major HVDC projects, the precise location and nature of which is not yet known but will share the same key features as the other projects. National Grid's intention is to procure HVDC converter systems solutions utilising primarily Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology to be confirmed on a project-by-project basis. The scope of the HVDC Converter Framework includes but is not limited to the following areas and shall be defined on a project-specific basis at call off: - Supply and installation of converter systems including design, manufacture, installation, and testing of HVDC converter station technology and equipment. This could include the front-end engineering design services in relation to any or all the aforementioned scope - Turnkey solution including civils and major works - Maintenance services may be included in the call off scope Some of the converter systems scope of works may be disaggregated to supply & installation of a equipment only (to be defined at a project by project basis) for a number of projects. To be able to fulfil the scope for those projects with disaggregated scope, co-operation and collaboration with an civils and major works candidate will be required. Co-operation and collaboration with the cable contractor will be required. Some of the converter systems may be located on offshore platforms for a number of projects. To be able to fulfil the scope for those projects with an offshore platform, co-operation and collaboration with an offshore platform candidate will be required.

Total Quantity or Scope

The HVDC Converter System Framework is intended to be used for the delivery of National Grid's (NG) HVDC Converter Systems portfolio as described above. NG anticipates that the HVDC Converter System Framework will be used for the delivery of the following early projects: 1. Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) 2. Sealink If awarded, these early projects will form call-off contracts under the HVDC Converter Framework; however, due to the criticality of these projects and the need for them to be realised within the timeframe set by Ofgem's Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment framework, the call off process will be run in parallel with the procurement of the framework agreement itself. Interested parties will, therefore, be asked to express their interest in, and capacity to deliver, these early projects at the PQQ stage of the framework procurement. As more fully described in the RFP, the interested parties that NG determines are capable of delivering the early projects will then be invited to participate in the early project call-off process, alongside the framework RFP. For the avoidance of doubt, given the parallel running of the framework and early project call-off procurements for the reasons explained, interested parties will not have confirmation of their appointment to the framework agreement before they are required to participate (if they are interested) in the call-off procurements for the early projects; however, securing a place on the framework agreement will be a condition for the award of any call-off contract. Being shortlisted for or awarded a call-off contract for the early projects is not though a condition to securing a place on the framework agreement. The HVDC Converter Framework may also be used for the delivery of the following early projects: 1. LionLink 2. Other projects of a similar size and nature Again, for the avoidance of doubt, whilst NG's current expectations regarding the early projects are as set out above, NG reserves its rights to utilise different procurement routes.

Renewal Options

The initial Framework duration is expected to be 60 (sixty) months, with the option to extend for up to 36 (thirty-six) months via single or multiple fixed terms.

CPV Codes

• 45000000 - Construction work
• 31200000 - Electricity distribution and control apparatus
• 31600000 - Electrical equipment and apparatus

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Options are available.
• Renewals are not available.
• Performance considerations apply.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

In relation to section II.2.10 of the Contract Notice, variant bids may be accepted by National Grid. However, this will only apply in circumstances where the form and content of the variant has been approved by National Grid in advance prior to the Submission Deadline, and is submitted alongside a compliant bid. National Grid UK Limited will conduct the procurement and enter into the framework agreement with the successfully appointed suppliers for its own benefit and for the benefit of the entities identified below. National Grid UK Limited or any of the following entities shall be entitled to call off from the framework agreement and enter into contracts resulting from the call off: 1. Any parent undertakings or subsidiary undertakings (each term as defined in section 1162 Companies Act 2006 except that references in that section to "majority" shall be replaced by reference to "25% or more") of National Grid UK Limited and any subsidiary undertakings of any such parent undertakings at the time of the call off, including without limitation: a. National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc; b. National Grid LionLink Limited; c. National Grid Nautilus Limited; d. National Grid Continental Limited; e. National Grid Interconnector Holdings Limited f. National Grid Interconnectors Limited; and g. National Grid Electricity Distribution (South West) plc 2. Any entity that is acting as a project partner with any National Grid call off partner (identified in paragraph 1 above) and which calls off jointly with any such National Grid entity including, without limitation,: a. SP Transmission Plc; b. ScottishPower Renewables (UK) Ltd; c. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc; d. TenneT TSO B.V.; e. TenneT TSO GmbH; f. TenneT Offshore GmbH; g. Elia Asset NV/SA; h. RTE Réseau de Transport d'Electricité; and i. Transmission system operators and other developers and/or operators of HVDC projects; and/or 3. Any special purpose vehicle, incorporated joint venture or contractual joint venture, between any of the parties identified in paragraphs 1 and 2 above. It should be noted that, whilst National Grid Interconnector Holdings Limited and any of its subsidiaries whether current or future, which hold an interconnector licence, and National Grid Interconnectors Limited, are included within the scope of the HVDC Converter Systems framework agreement, and therefore entitled to call off under it, these entities are not subject to the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 or any other relevant procurement regime. These entities' participation in this procurement process and/or the framework agreement does not cause them to be subject to those rules in whole or in part. Please note that National Grid reserves the right to award HVAC works to facilitate the HVDC Converter Systems portfolio through this HVDC Converter Systems Framework at its sole discretion, should the requirements arise. Interested parties should contact box.GP.UKBuyerNGV@nationalgrid.com, specifically noting your interest in the HVDC Converter Framework in order to access pre-qualification documentation via Ariba. Interested parties should note that National Grid is using the Ariba portal, details of which are set out in section I.3 above, to manage this procurement process. All documentation will be made available through this portal. All communications by interested parties must be made to National Grid only through this portal - any communications sent by alternative means and/or to any other person will be ignored. Please note that a "request to participate" for the purposes of section IV.2.2 of this notice is by completion and return of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), which is available through the Ariba portal, by the stated deadline. Interested parties should note that National Grid reserves the right to cancel or vary this procurement process at any stage. National Grid may also change the basis, procedures and/or timescales set out or referred to within the procurement documents. National Grid will not be liable for any costs or expenses howsoever incurred by interested parties in participating in this procurement process. All financial values stated in this notice are estimates only and the final outturn values will depend on the precise works to be delivered, the means of delivery, the way in which the programme and project risks materialise, the actual rates of inflation up to completion of the programme, and other factors.