Scope
Reference
P2510-3
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 £28 million each year to support skills development within the industry.
Thank you for your interest in the ECITB.
Total value (estimated)
- £100,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2028
- Possible extension to 5 April 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Optional extensions to a maximum of two years (1+1) subject to ECITB full discretion.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
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).
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 22000000 - Printed matter and related products
- 48600000 - Database and operating software package
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
15 January 2026, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
22 January 2026, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
All clarification questions and correspondence including tender submissions MUST be via the ECITB Procurement email: procurement@ecitb.org.uk
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
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%).
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
P2510-3 ITT ECITB ACE Cards V1.1.docx
P2510-3 ITT ECITB ACE Cards V1.1
Invitation to Tender (For response please)
P2510-3 Schedule of Prices V1.1.xlsx
P2510-3 Schedule of Prices V1.1 (For response please)
P2510-3 ECITB Service Provision Agreement.docx
P2510-3 ECITB Service Provision Agreement
P2510-3 ECITB ACE Card Provider Procurement Specification V1.1.docx
P2510-3 ECITB ACE Card Provider Procurement Specification V1.1.
Contracting authority
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD
- Charity Commission (England and Wales): 264506
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPPJ-1399-NBBQ
Kings House Business Center, Home Park Business Estate, Station Road
Kings Langley
WD4 8LZ
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@ecitb.org.uk
Website: http://ECITB.org.uk
Region: UKH23 - Hertfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government