The five suppliers chosen to work with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) and to deliver the National Identity Scheme (NIS) were named today.

CSC, EDS, Fujitsu, IBM, and Thales have been invited to sign framework contracts and form a Strategic Supplier Group for the scheme.

The group will then compete in a series of mini-competitions to win specific contracts for the various projects which will deliver the National Identity Scheme over the next five to ten years. The first projects will be to replace existing contracts that are due to expire. These include services for issuing UK Passports and Immigration and Asylum fingerprint processing for the UK Border Agency.

IPS Executive Director Bill Crothers said:

"Today’s announcement is a major milestone in the work we are doing to make the National Identity Scheme a reality.

"I am confident our chosen suppliers have the capability to help deliver a solution that will create a universal and simple proof of identity which brings real benefits.

"I am very proud of what has been achieved. This contract is both innovative and protective of the public purse and all five suppliers have agreed to provide a co-operative working environment."

The use of a Strategic Supplier Group enables IPS to carry out shorter procurement processes, meaning contracts for services can be issued more quickly and easily.

By inviting suppliers to sign up to a single framework contract it ensures common terms and conditions and pricing structures are in place across all parts of the scheme.

The group of suppliers under the framework contract can also be accessed by other agencies. The UK Border Agency has been involved in the procurement process to date, and has now confirmed that it will use the framework contract to procure services for the improvement of its case work operations.

Mr Crothers added:

"We have worked with our suppliers in an open and transparent way throughout the procurement establishing the foundation for positive long term relationships.

"We will continue to make co-operation and engagement at a senior level between IPS and the suppliers group a top priority."

IPS is also pleased to announce that 3M-SPSL has been appointed to manufacture and supply identity cards for the roll-out to critical workers, including those employed airside at airports, starting in 2009. 3M-SPSL currently produces the biometric passport.

Starting in November this year compulsory identity cards will be introduced for foreign nationals. From late 2009 cards will be rolled out to those employed in sensitive roles or locations where identity assurance is important to public protection, such as airside workers.

From 2010 identity cards will be available on a voluntary basis to young people to assist them in proving their identity as they start out on their independent life in society.

The enrolment of British citizens at high volumes will start from 2011/12, offering everyone a choice of receiving a separate identity card, passport or both.
NOTES TO EDITORS

1.

The process of appointing suppliers to the NIS started in August 2007. Since then, IPS has conducted a Competitive Dialogue procurement between a group of companies interested in signing a framework contracts.

Competitive Dialogue is designed to ensure bidders understand IPS’ needs and the framework contracts when they submit tender documents.
2.

The five suppliers announced today will now be invited to formally sign framework contracts in early June.
3.

Suppliers will then be invited to take part in mini-competitions for specific contracts which will deliver the various projects making up the National Identity Scheme.
4.

The first mini-competition, to identify which supplier will support the delivery of identity cards for airside workers, will start soon after the framework contracts are signed.
5.

The UK Border Agency has been kept involved in the procurement process to date, and has confirmed that it will use the framework contract to procure services for the improvement of its case work operations.
6.

Further information about the procurement process can be found on the IPS website at:
 http://www.ips.gov.uk/identity/working-suppliers-framework.asp
7.

The National Identity Scheme Delivery Plan 2008 was laid out by the Home Secretary on 6 March. Details can be found at:
 http://www.ips.gov.uk/identity/downloads/national-identity-Scheme-delivery-2008.pdf

Supplier Details

CSC

CSC is one of the world’s largest global IT services companies providing technology-enabled business solutions and services, with specific expertise in delivering identity management and security value-added services to government.

Nick Wilson, President of CSC's European Northern Region operations said: "CSC is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the UK Government on this important programme. Building on our track record in identity management across the world and existing work with the UK Government in UKvisas, the NHS and Network Rail."

EDS

EDS is a leading global technology services company delivering business solutions to its clients. EDS founded the information technology outsourcing industry more than 45 years ago. Today, EDS delivers a broad portfolio of information technology and business process outsourcing services to clients in the manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, communications, energy, transportation, and consumer and retail industries and to governments around the world.

Sean Finnan, managing director, EDS UK and Ireland, said: “We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to support the delivery of the National Identity Scheme. EDS already has vast experience in securely processing transactions and data on behalf of millions of UK citizens annually. Internationally, EDS has a strong track-record in large-scale, highly secure identity management schemes, such as with the US Department of Defence’s advanced smart card programme where we have delivered more than 16 million common access cards to date.

We understand the critical need to provide a consistent and extremely secure system of personal identification for adults living within the UK, and will use our experience to manage the required elements of the National Identity Scheme."

Fujitsu

Fujitsu Services is a leading European information technology services company. Its business is helping its customers realise the value of information technology through the application of consulting, systems integration and managed service contracts. It serves customers in the private and public sectors across Europe including retail, financial services, healthcare and Government.

"Fujitsu Services is pleased to be one of the suppliers awarded a place on the National Identity Scheme procurement framework by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS). We are looking forward to working with IPS and other government departments and agencies on the next stages of the procurement process."

IBM

For more information about IBM in the UK public sector, please visit ibm.com/easyaccess/publicsector.

"IBM can confirm it has been selected as a member of the Strategic Supplier Group (SSG) for the National Identity Scheme (NIS). IBM will work closely with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS)."

Thales

Thales is a leading electronics and systems group, addressing security, defence and aerospace markets worldwide. Thales UK employs 9000 staff based at more than 50 locations. In 2007 Thales UK's revenues were over £1.2bn.

Alex Dorrian, CEO Thales UK says: “Thales brings a unique capability to this programme based on over 20-years experience of delivering national identity schemes around the world, and our UK Government prime contracting expertise.

"The NIS represents a key strategic programme for Thales, as a major UK civil Government programme. We are fully committed to supporting the IPS in the delivery of the National Identity Scheme."