UVDB (Utilities Vendor Data Base) — Supplies

Contracts awarded by subscribing utility entities will be mainly for performance within the UK, although contracts may be awarded for other locations.

The Utilities Vendor Database (UVDB) scheme is a qualification system under Article 77 of Directive 2014/25/EU, which is operated by Achilles Information Ltd. The UVDB provides a common system for subscribing utility entities to select suppliers for invitation to participate in regulated procurement procedures. The utility entities which subscribe to the scheme are given at the following URL: https://pages.achilles.com/uvdb_qualification_system_notice?hs_preview=DSymNrgH-12157224232

The UVDB may also be used in the compilation of tender lists below the EU thresholds. The subscribing utility entities may alternatively make separate calls for competition in OJEU for certain individual requirements.

The UVDB is based on a coding system for works, supplies and services against which suppliers are registered on the system. The full list of UVDB product codes is available at the following URL: https://pages.achilles.com/uvdb_qualification_system_notice?hs_preview=DSymNrgH-12157224232

Vendors not already registered on the UVDB should apply to Achilles using the contact details at Section I.1) in order to ensure that their details are available to subscribing utility entities.

Vendors already registered on the UVDB must ensure that their registration details are up to date in order to remain visible to the utility entities subscribing to UVDB. This can be done by visiting http://one.achilles.com and logging in using their unique login details.

Contracts let by one or more of the utility entities subscribing to UVDB may be financed by EU funds.

UVDB registration will be the first stage of qualification. You can join via https://one.achilles.com/Registration/Index?CID=C5ws5jefQVcRZvh8aWV9Qw%3d%3d

Having completed the registration you will be asked to pay your annual subscription to UVDB. The current subscription rates are available at the following URL: http://www.achilles.com/uvdb

After your payment, your account will be activated providing you access to the full pre-qualification questionnaire.

Vendors of products considered to be high risk may be required by individual subscribing utility entities to undergo an independent audit covering health, safety, environment and quality systems under the verify scheme. Further information, including the types and costs of audit are available via: https://pages.achilles.com/uvdb_verify_audit?hs_preview=pyvNPuTw-12661344369

In appropriate circumstances some utility contracting entities will apply a minimum scoring mechanism. Verify is not independent and vendors must have a subscription to UVDB.

Scottish Power, SSE plc, Northern Powergrid and National Grid have an additional level of risk assessment via their own systems, which link directly to UVDB.

Scottish Power:http://www.scottishpower.com/pages/becoming_a_scottishpower_supplier.asp

SSE:http://sse.com/potential-suppliers/

Northern Powergrid:https://northernpowergrid.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/163

National Grid:https://www.nationalgrid.com/group/suppliers/new-suppliers

Where relevant, such conditions will be stated in the procurement documents.

The subscribing utility entities reserve the right to conduct procurements under UVDB using electronic auctions.

Contact details for each individual procurement will be provided by the subscribing utility entity in the specific procurement documents.

Information referenced in Section III.2) of this notice will, where relevant, be provided in the specific procurement documents by the subscribing utility entity.

The award criteria as referenced in Section II.2.5) may for certain procurements covered by this notice be on a price-only basis.

Electronic workflows, as referenced in Section VI.2) may be employed by some or all of the subscribing utility entities.

Subscribing utility entities may reserve contracts as referenced in Section III.1.5).

Details of the contact for review procedures covered by Section VI.4.1) will be provided by the subscribing utility entity.

UVDB may be used by subscribing utility entities to establish dynamic purchasing systems.

This notice cancels and supersedes all previous qualification system notices for supplies for UVDB.

For contracts subject to the EU Procurement legislation, utilities are required to incorporate a standstill period at the point information on the proposed award of the contract is communicated to tenderers. That notification is required to provide full information on the award decision. The standstill period, which will be for a minimum of 10 calendar days, provides time for unsuccessful tenderers to challenge the award decision before the contract is entered into.

Where the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 (SI 2016 No 274) apply, provision is made for aggrieved parties who have been harmed or are at risk of harm by a breach of duty under the regulations to take action in the High Court (England, Wales and Northern Ireland).

Where the Utilities Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2016 (SSI 2016 No 49) apply, provision is made for aggrieved parties who have been harmed or are at risk of harm by a breach of duty under the regulations to take action in the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.