External Resource – Associate Model

The purpose of this requirement

Energy Systems Catapult are looking for additional external support for a variety of projects many of which are classed as Research & Development. The Catapult is seeking to become more flexible and proactive and have an extended network of pre-approved expert Contractors to enhance what we can offer clients. This is especially important where, on occasion, the Catapult does not have the capacity to cover all parts of new projects.

Although Energy Systems Catapult has existing procurement frameworks, we still require further support from a number of Contractors who have the skills, experience, expertise and capacity to support and meet the needs of the Catapult and its clients.

While, in general, we have good sightlines about many projects coming over the next 1 to 2 years that will need additional support, there are some limitations to consider:

• Projects often have very short lead times due to the way they are funded and administered, and we need to be able to bring in additional support in quickly.
• The full scope/specification of each project may need to be developed or will not be known until the projects are being finalised and will be detailed once we understand the level of support required.
• In order to have a high degree of flexibility and be able to react as quickly as is practicable, the Catapult needs to create an extended approved list of contractors we can call upon.

New preferred list of Approved Contractors

Energy Systems Catapult’s ultimate aim is to create a new preferred list of Approved Contractors, and over time to develop some of the Approved Contractor’s into partners who can supplement the Catapult’s own work and the existing framework of suppliers/contractors to meet the future requirements of projects in the pipeline.

Please note that projects will normally fall under Research & Development or those which are fully funded through successful tendering opportunities.

Areas of Impact

This is not a comprehensive list, it does however provide an overview of the areas in which ESC work.

• Net Zero Homes We help home energy innovations grow fast… delivering peerless real-world testing, and driving skills and investment for zero carbon homes.
• Net Zero Sites – Net Zero sites made simpler… we help you to make energy savings and cut emissions across public, commercial or industrial estates with award-winning teamwork, ground-breaking guidance and the latest innovative thinking.
• Net Zero Places – We empower and advise Local Authorities, Network Operators, and Central & Devolved Governments to take Net Zero action… mobilising the plans, projects, processes and partners you need to decarbonise local areas.
• Whole Systems & Networks –We equip you with the evidence, insights and innovations needed to deliver the future Net Zero energy system.
• Energy Launchpad & International – Energy Launchpad opens doors at home and abroad to create your start-up success story… making connections to domestic and international partners to help your business thrive.

Our Areas of Expertise

We will be looking for partners and or sub-contractors to complement our existing skills and expertise detailed below.

• Consumer Insight and Proposition Design – Independent consumer experts helping innovators – large and small – see beyond what people say to understand what they do.
• Business Model Innovation – Drawing on market evidence, systems engineering and consumer insight to create innovative businesses models that make Net Zero innovations financially viable.
• Harnessing Digital and Data – Independent expertise, tools and labs for collaborating with innovators, industry, government and regulators delivering evidence and insights that shape policy, regulations, business strategy and best practice.
• Test and Demonstration – Helping innovators overcome barriers to Net Zero innovation with independent performance validation, real-world consumer insights, business model analysis and system integration.
• Delivering Large Scale Innovation Trials  – Trusted experts in running collaborative innovation trials at scale to tackle the hardest consumer and system integration challenges on the way to Net Zero.
• Whole System Modelling – Independent and technology-agnostic modelling of the physical, digital and market systems to help design and deliver the future energy system and target effective innovation investment.
• Systems Engineering – Applying world-class systems thinking to remove barriers to the physical, digital and market integration of zero carbon innovations across the whole energy system.
• Clean Tech Engineering – Offering technical expertise and practical experience in development and deployment, considering the technological, engineering, economic, regulatory and policy implications for innovations and investment decisions.
• Integrating the Transport and Energy Systems – Offering a whole systems approach to helping the transport and energy sectors integrate their physical, market, digital, and policy systems.
• Markets, Policy and Regulation – Independent energy policy, regulatory, and market design expertise that combines deep understanding of technology, economics, and policy, informed by cutting-edge modelling and evidence-based analysis.

Project Approach

Projects will be led by Energy Systems Catapult, with a key contact from the appropriate team being the main client interface. All work delivered should be in line with the Catapult’s brand guidelines. Most projects will require collaboration with internal Catapult teams and other external project partners.

Capability and Skills Required

We are looking for organisations or individuals who have the following experience:

• Experience in working in the sectors and areas detailed above
• A strong background in Product Management, Commercial Development or Strategy
• Experience of working with SMEs and innovation
• Experience of launching new products and services in the energy industry or similar regulated markets (telecoms, finance, etc)
• Commercial acumen and experience building investment cases / business cases
• Worked in a consultancy or client led environment

Application

If you would like to know more or request the “Associates application pack”, please email: procurement@es.catapult.org.uk

We are committed to procuring all our requirements in an efficient, fair, equitable, safe and environmentally conscious way.

Equal opportunities

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are keen to work with suppliers that not only abide by equal opportunities legislation, but are delivering best practice in this area.

Environmental policies

As an environmentally conscientious business, we strive to work with suppliers that deliver services with the least possible impact on the environment. We purchase fewer environmentally damaging products, promote greater use of renewable sources, and work with suppliers who adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Health and safety

We are committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our employees, and those who work for us. We will only award contracts to organisations who can prove they meet the required health and safety standards.

Complying with rules and regulations

Our policies and procedures comply with the appropriate UK and EU law, which governs our contracting activities for obtaining quotations and tenders, and awarding contracts. As a result of this we:

• follow processes that are ethical and compliant with legal obligations
• aim to achieve value for money, based on whole life costs regarding quality of goods and services
• help to improve the competitiveness of suppliers and support the local economy

All Energy Systems Catapult procurement exercises are conducted through our procurement portal, ProContract. To receive notifications regarding future tender opportunities, please click here to register for an account free of charge. User guides are available on the portal. If you are already registered, please ensure your contact information is up to date.

Supplier Terms & Conditions

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