UK IDENTITY & PASSPORT SERVICE (IPS) May 23 - 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.

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.”

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.


About CSC

Computer Sciences Corporation is a leading information technology (IT) services company. CSC’s mission is to be a global leader in providing technology-enabled business solutions and services.

With approximately 91,000 employees, CSC provides innovative solutions for customers around the world by applying leading technologies and CSC’s own advanced capabilities. These include systems design and integration; IT and business process outsourcing; applications software development; Web and application hosting; and management consulting. CSC reported revenue of $16.1 billion for the 12 months ended Dec. 28, 2007. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at home page