VP524971—EOI: NS2703 Underground Civil Construction (UCC)

This EOI seeks to identify suppliers with the capability, capacity, resources and operational presence required to deliver underground civil construction services supporting Energy Queensland’s electricity networks across Queensland.

Services may include trenching, conduit installation, cable hauling and placement, construction of pits, joint holes and bays, and specialist activities such as Horizontal Directional Drilling where integrated into a broader Underground Civil Construction work package.

This open EOI covers the following proposed delivery tiers:

• Tier 1: Suppliers with an established or substantively committed operational presence in South East Queensland and the capability to deliver higher-value, higher-risk and more complex Transmission and Distribution civil construction works statewide. Tier 1 suppliers will be appointed as Principal Contractor for all work undertaken through this tier. Where electrical supervision is required, it must be provided through electrical workers directly employed by the appointed contractor.

• Tier 2: Suppliers with an established or substantively committed operational presence in major regional centres capable of delivering moderate to higher-value Distribution civil construction works across areas in which the supplier demonstrates an operational presence and delivery capability. Tier 2 suppliers will be appointed as Principal Contractor for all work undertaken through this tier. Where electrical supervision is required, it may be provided through directly employed, labour hire, subcontracted or related-entity personnel, provided the appointed contractor retains responsibility and effective control over the safe planning, supervision, management and delivery of the work.
Subject to the outcomes of the EOI and subsequent tender process, Energy Queensland may also appoint up to one Tier 2 supplier to support Distribution works in South East Queensland.

This EOI is the first stage of a multi-stage procurement process comprising EOI evaluation and shortlisting, a selective tender process, and capability assessment before any appointment to the future UCC framework.

Energy Queensland will determine the number and mix of suppliers required to support its operational delivery program. Appointment decisions will consider anticipated work demand, demonstrated capability and capacity, geographic coverage, competition and value for money, and Energy Queensland’s capacity to onboard, assure and manage contractors.

Energy Queensland may appoint fewer suppliers than the number assessed as capable of meeting the relevant tier requirements. Satisfying the evaluation criteria does not create an entitlement to shortlisting or appointment.

Appointment to the framework will not guarantee:

• any minimum volume or value of work;
• an invitation to quote for every work package relevant to the contractor’s appointed tier; or

Energy Queensland will determine which contractors are invited to quote for each work package. Tier and operational location will inform that decision but won’t create an automatic entitlement to participate or receive work. Energy Queensland will also consider the contractor’s capability, capacity, availability and mobilisation arrangements, the risk and requirements of the work package, competitive pricing and overall value for money.

Out of Scope:

Tier 3 does not form part of this open EOI. Tier 3 is intended to provide a separate participation pathway for regional Queensland small and medium enterprises currently delivering relevant activities through Energy Queensland’s 1628 Minor Works arrangement

Tier classification and EQL discretion:

Proponents may nominate Tier 1, Tier 2 or both tiers when responding to the open EOI.

Energy Queensland will determine whether a Proponent is suitable to progress for the nominated tier, or another tier where appropr