Tender

ECITB ACE Card Production and Digital Environment

ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

09 Dec 2025 at 17:22

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

09 Dec 2025 at 17:06

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) seeks to appoint a provider for ACE card production and an accompanying digital system as part of the "ECITB ACE Card Production and Digital Environment" project. This procurement falls under the goods category, particularly targeting "Printed matter and related products" and "Database and operating software package," with an estimated contract value of £100,000. The project is set to modernise the ACE scheme to ensure compliance with future standards and enhance user experience. The initial contract period spans two years from April 2026, with optional extensions up to two additional years. Interested parties should submit their applications by 17:00 on 22 January 2026, with clarifications accepted until 15 January 2026. The tender process follows an open procurement method and aims to support business growth in the UK region.

This tender offers significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in secure card production, digital system integration, and those familiar with quality assurance in engineering construction. Companies capable of delivering Smart, compliant card-issuing systems while adhering to detailed technical and cost criteria will find this project particularly fitting. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to apply, as the contract is suitable for them. The procurement process prioritises technical quality, evaluated at 70%, and competitive pricing, evaluated at 30%, making it an attractive opportunity for businesses that can balance innovation and cost-efficiency.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Start Free Trial Book a Demo
All Features Pricing

Notice Information

Notice Title

ECITB ACE Card Production and Digital Environment

Notice Description

The ECITB wishes to appoint a provider to fulfil its requirement for ACE card production and accompanying digital system. The Assuring Competence in Engineering (ACE) scheme is operated by ECITB to assure that workers in engineering construction hold the appropriate training, qualifications and competence to work safely and effectively. The ACE card is a key tool used across the industry to evidence this competence and supports ECITB's wider strategy of raising standards, improving workforce mobility and enabling safe and efficient project delivery. The ACE card function sits within ECITB's quality-assurance and standards activity. It underpins the industry's ability to verify skills quickly and reliably, whether on site or through employer checks, and is a critical part of maintaining confidence in the engineering-construction workforce. The scheme is currently undergoing a major programme of reform to modernise processes, strengthen governance and improve the user experience. This contract therefore requires a supplier to deliver not only secure card production and distribution but also a Smart compliant card-issuing and data-management system that keeps ACE aligned with The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) requirements and future standards. The current annual volumes for ACE cards are c. 2500 cards. The contract will run for an initial period of two (2) years, from April 2026 (post implementation), with the option to extend for up to two (2) additional one-year periods (2 + 1 + 1) under the ECITB Service Provision Agreement, shared as part of the procurement pack. **Tenderers should register their interest in this opportunity via procurement@ecitb.org.uk after download of the documents from Find a Tender Service, to ensure they are included within the clarification process. The ECITB does not use an e-procurement system and therefore ALL correspondence must be via the email address stated. Please quote reference: P2510-3 ACE Cards. *** About the ECITB The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is the employer-led skills, standards and qualifications body for the development of the engineering construction workforce of Great Britain. An arms-length body of the UK Government, the ECITB reports to the Department for Education. Our vision is a trailblazing Engineering Construction Industry where critical infrastructure, energy security and net zero ambitions are achieved. The ECITB works with employers and training providers to attract, develop and qualify the engineering construction workforce in a wide range of craft, technical and professional disciplines. We invest about PS28 million each year to support skills development within the industry. Thank you for your interest in the ECITB.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: Contract allows for future scope to include increased ACE card volumes and the addition of other, ECITB card schemes (subject to estimated values, governance, PA23 and all by agreement under formal variation only).

Renewal: Optional extensions to a maximum of two years (1+1) subject to ECITB full discretion.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f234
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081240-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

22 - Printed matter and related products

48 - Software package and information systems

CPV Codes

22000000 - Printed matter and related products

48600000 - Database and operating software package

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£100,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£100,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
22 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Apr 2026 - 5 Apr 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@ecitb.org.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
KINGS LANGLEY
Postcode
WD4 8LZ
Post Town
Watford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH27 South West Hertfordshire
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Three Rivers
Electoral Ward
Gade Valley
Westminster Constituency
South West Hertfordshire

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05f234-2025-12-09T17:22:23Z",
    "date": "2025-12-09T17:22:23Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05f234",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-CHC-264506",
            "name": "ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-CHC",
                "id": "264506"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PPPJ-1399-NBBQ"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Kings House Business Center, Home Park Business Estate, Station Road",
                "locality": "Kings Langley",
                "postalCode": "WD4 8LZ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKH23"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement@ecitb.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://ECITB.org.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-CHC-264506",
        "name": "ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "P2510-3",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "ECITB ACE Card Production and Digital Environment",
        "description": "The ECITB wishes to appoint a provider to fulfil its requirement for ACE card production and accompanying digital system. The Assuring Competence in Engineering (ACE) scheme is operated by ECITB to assure that workers in engineering construction hold the appropriate training, qualifications and competence to work safely and effectively. The ACE card is a key tool used across the industry to evidence this competence and supports ECITB's wider strategy of raising standards, improving workforce mobility and enabling safe and efficient project delivery. The ACE card function sits within ECITB's quality-assurance and standards activity. It underpins the industry's ability to verify skills quickly and reliably, whether on site or through employer checks, and is a critical part of maintaining confidence in the engineering-construction workforce. The scheme is currently undergoing a major programme of reform to modernise processes, strengthen governance and improve the user experience. This contract therefore requires a supplier to deliver not only secure card production and distribution but also a Smart compliant card-issuing and data-management system that keeps ACE aligned with The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) requirements and future standards. The current annual volumes for ACE cards are c. 2500 cards. The contract will run for an initial period of two (2) years, from April 2026 (post implementation), with the option to extend for up to two (2) additional one-year periods (2 + 1 + 1) under the ECITB Service Provision Agreement, shared as part of the procurement pack. **Tenderers should register their interest in this opportunity via procurement@ecitb.org.uk after download of the documents from Find a Tender Service, to ensure they are included within the clarification process. The ECITB does not use an e-procurement system and therefore ALL correspondence must be via the email address stated. Please quote reference: P2510-3 ACE Cards. *** About the ECITB The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is the employer-led skills, standards and qualifications body for the development of the engineering construction workforce of Great Britain. An arms-length body of the UK Government, the ECITB reports to the Department for Education. Our vision is a trailblazing Engineering Construction Industry where critical infrastructure, energy security and net zero ambitions are achieved. The ECITB works with employers and training providers to attract, develop and qualify the engineering construction workforce in a wide range of craft, technical and professional disciplines. We invest about PS28 million each year to support skills development within the industry. Thank you for your interest in the ECITB.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "22000000",
                        "description": "Printed matter and related products"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "48600000",
                        "description": "Database and operating software package"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 100000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "aboveThreshold": false,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "www.ecitb.org.uk All clarification questions and correspondence including tender submissions MUST be via the ECITB Procurement email: procurement@ecitb.org.uk",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed"
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-01-22T17:00:00Z"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-01-15T17:00:00Z"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 100000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-06T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-04-05T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2030-04-05T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Optional extensions to a maximum of two years (1+1) subject to ECITB full discretion."
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "Contract allows for future scope to include increased ACE card volumes and the addition of other, ECITB card schemes (subject to estimated values, governance, PA23 and all by agreement under formal variation only)."
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "description": "Award criteria is as outlined within the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and in summary includes a combination of mandatory criteria (Pass/fail) and scored, weighted criteria: Quality/Technical (70%), Price (30%)."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "A-8963",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "P2510-3 ITT ECITB ACE Cards V1.1 Invitation to Tender (For response please)",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-8963",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "A-8964",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "P2510-3 Schedule of Prices V1.1 (For response please)",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-8964",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet"
            },
            {
                "id": "A-8965",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "P2510-3 ECITB Service Provision Agreement",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-8965",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "A-8967",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "P2510-3 ECITB ACE Card Provider Procurement Specification V1.1.",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-8967",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "081228-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081228-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-12-09T17:06:51Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "081240-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081240-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-12-09T17:22:23Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}