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 appropriate, based on the EOI and subsequent tender assessments. This may include consideration of demonstrated capability, experience, workforce and supervision model, operational presence, geographic coverage, capacity and applicable safety requirements. Nomination of a tier does not guarantee shortlisting, progression or appointment to that tier.

Refer to Section 2 Scope to review the full Scope of Works.

Background information / Compatibility requirements

Energy Queensland is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified contractors for appointment to a future panel arrangement for the provision of Underground Civil Construction services supporting its electricity distribution and transmission networks.

The future UCC framework will replace the existing PCP125 Underground Distribution Civil arrangement and provide an appropriate contractual pathway for applicable underground civil Core Work activities currently delivered through the 1628 Minor Works arrangement.

This procurement is intended to test and refresh the market and align contractor capability with the proposed tiered delivery model. Energy Queensland isn’t forecasting a material increase in UCC work as a result of this procurement and is subject to limitations in visibility of the detailed forward program because demand is influenced by customer, operational, maintenance and capital delivery requirements.

Energy Queensland does not intend to grow the supplier panel beyond what is required to support its delivery program. The number and mix of suppliers appointed will be determined by Energy Queensland based on anticipated work demand, required capability and geographic coverage, competitive tension, and its capacity to onboard, assure and manage contractors.

Desired Outcomes ('Nice to haves', Conditions & Warranties, SLA's, Project benefits): Refer Section 1 - Invitation for Expression of Interest.

Questions asked by the buyer:

Refer Section 1 - Invitation for Expression of Interest

Updates made to this request:

Please note: The following attachment has been recently added.

1. Added: UCC EOI Pack.zip

Please consider this attachment when responding.

Buyer: Energy Queensland Limited

Buyer location: 157 Bunda St, Parramatta Park, Queensland 4870, Australia

VendorPanel reference: VP524971

Buyer's reference: NS2703

Opens: Wednesday 23 September 2026 (E. Australia Standard Time)

Closes: Monday 12 October 2026 02:00 PM (E. Australia Standard Time)

Supplier query cut-off: Wednesday 07 October 2026 02:00 PM (E. Australia Standard Time)

Expected decision: Monday 02 November 2026 (E. Australia Standard Time)

Categories: Construction & Operation; 1: Building Construction Materials & Services; 2: Other Civil Construction Materials & Services; 3: Underground Services Regions of service: Queensland; 1: Brisbane; 2: Central West; 3: Darling Downs; 4: Far North; 5: Fitzroy; 6: Gold Coast; 7: Mackay; 8: North West; 9: Northern; 10: Offshore (QLD); 11: South West; 12: Sunshine Coast; 13: West Moreton; 14: Wide Bay-Burnett; All Regions of Service locations are within Australia.

Tender documents: 1

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