IT Managed Service Procurement

NIE Networks is the electricity Distribution Network Operator 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. The purpose of this procurement is to appoint an IT Managed Services Provider that will: operate and transform the IT and Telecoms infrastructure; ensure that NIE Networks can fulfil its Network and Information Security (NIS) obligations as a provider of Critical National Infrastructure; provide effective support across the business through high-quality service management; and assist NIE Networks in delivering its Digital & IT change programme for the RP7 regulatory period. The scope of the contract will include:

• Service Management
• Infrastructure Management
• Data Hosting
• Cyber Security
• Telecommunications
• Resource Augmentation Services
• Supplier Licence Management
• Supplier Invoice Processing

Further detail is outlined within the PIM and PQQ documents available via the link at Section I.3 above. NIE Networks estimates the value of the Contract to be between £150million and £200million.The estimated value of the Contract outlined in Section II.1.5 represents the total potential value of the contract over its full potential duration. This value is based upon the:

• transition and transformation activities outlined in the PIM;
• annual costs of managing and running the IT Managed Service;
• capital costs and residual operational costs of delivering IT upgrade and obsolescence projects across our infrastructure, applications and telecommunications estate via Change Control; and
• pass-through costs for purchases and maintenance of third-party licenses acquired by the IT Managed Service Provider for NIE Networks’ use. Please note that there will be contractual requirements regarding social value. These may include, but will not be limited to, the following themes:

o Employment and skills

o Ethical and Resilient Supply Chains

o Sustainability and delivering Zero Carbon

o Wellbeing

Further information will be provided at the ITN stage of the Procurement.