ICF Legal Services

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is seeking to re-procure its legal support services contract through an open competition. The initial contract value is estimated at £800,000 (excl. VAT) for 2 years with two one-year extension options, each with a value of £400,000.

DESNZ requires a Supplier to provide legal advice and support for the development and delivery of its International Climate Finance (ICF) portfolio of programmes. This support will be required on an ad hoc and project-specific basis, complementing the legal advice currently obtained through the Government Legal Department.

The Supplier will be expected to provide expertise in foreign, corporate, and commercial law, particularly in areas where DESNZ lacks specialist legal expertise or capacity through the Government Legal Department. This includes drafting legally binding contracts and funding arrangements governed by foreign law, advising on complex commercial or financial investment vehicles, and providing guidance on non-legally binding arrangements with international organisations.

Additionally, the Supplier will provide knowledge sharing - and develop guidance documentation in cases of common issues - for DESNZ staff on common legal issues. This will enable DESNZ staff to make informed assessments of legal risk when drafting project business cases or amendments to template terms and conditions, prior to review by the Supplier or the Government Legal Department. The Supplier will also provide updates on upcoming changes in law affecting ICF programmes.

The current contract, awarded to TLT LLP is due to expire within the next year. The new contract will ensure continuity of legal support services for DESNZ’s ICF portfolio, which aims to drive urgent action to tackle climate change by supporting low carbon growth in developing countries.