Utility Regulator - Legal Services Framework Agreement

The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (Utility Regulator) is seeking to put in place a framework for legal advice to support the in-house team. The framework consists of four Lots.

Suppliers should refer to the Specification Schedule for full detail on the requirements of this Framework Agreement. The overall estimated framework value is £4 Million (ex VAT), however you should note the requirement is demand led and the Buyer does not give any guarantee as to the volume of work that will be commissioned under this framework.

The Framework Agreement will be valid for a period of 3 years with an option to extend for one further year. Advice, support and, where appropriate, legal representation in all areas of Energy, Utilities and Water Law, including, but not limited to; Advice on application and interpretation of the requirements of energy law and regulation to include the interpretation of related licence conditions that are of direct relevance to the work of economic regulators and the energy industry in the UK.

Advice on application and interpretation of the requirements of water law and regulation including the Water and Sewerage Services in the UK and relevant licences. Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in regulatory, public, administrative and competition law including but not limited to: Advice on European law in particular advice on addressing EU infractions and EU Directives transposition that are of direct relevance to the work of UR and the energy/utilities industries.

Advice on interpretation and application of other UK legislation relevant to the regulation of energy and water, including the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 and the Competition Act 1998. Advice on competition powers that economic regulators hold concurrently with the Competition and Markets Authority (functions formerly performed by the Office of Fair Trading/Competition Commission).

Advice on energy and water related matters impacted by international law, for example the European Convention on Human Rights and Human Rights Act and cross-border and constitutional law. Advice on environmental law and renewable energy law.

Advice on corporate / commercial law including the Companies Act 2006 and all forms of contractual disputes and potential litigation which need commercial energy contract experts in GB. Advice on EU procurement law.

Advice on finance law arrangements for example loan agreements, debentures, share equity issues, debt financing. Advice on insolvency law for example administration, special administration, schemes of arrangement.

Advice on NI employment and trade union law. Advice on information law including application of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas of property law including but not limited to: Disposal, purchase and development of land and property, including development agreements and construction documentation. Compulsory acquisition of land, compensation law and representation at Lands Tribunal.

Advice, support and where appropriate legal representation in areas of civil litigation and dispute including but not limited to: General litigation: Contract disputes, tort claims, judicial reviews. Regulatory enforcement: Legal support in enforcing statutory duties or defending against challenges.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Mediation, arbitration, expert determination. Disclosure and evidence handling. Specialist litigation: Environmental, competition, or procurement-related disputes.