Centro Smartcard Framework
Introduction
Centro has been successfully implementing Smartcard into the West Midlands over the past three years. Elements of the Centro implementation contracts required retendering, primarily those relating to the Bureau based card production and the supply of ITSO certified blank smartcards. Centro recognised that other authorities and organisations may have similar requirements with similar timescales and has therefore put in place a framework agreement that other organisations are able to call off from. These arrangements will lead to benefits such as economies of scale and more efficient joint working and development.
The Framework
Centro has put in place a framework with the following lots:
| Lot | Purpose | Provider | ||
| 1 | Card Management System |
|
Unicard | |
| 2 | PersoPOST | Allows local card printing and encoding | Unicard | |
| 3 | Bureau | Allows remote card printing, encoding and distribution, usually for bulk card issue |
| |
| 4 | Card media | Plastic cards incorporating a writeable microchip | Ecebs |
The framework is open to all local authorities and bus operators in the UK
Timescales
Speed and efficiency of implementation were a key factor in assessing the bids for this framework. As such, suppliers are able to start providing services to framework participants in 2 - 12 weeks in most cases, dependant on the lots required and incumbent systems.
Process for accessing the framework
Interested parties should contact smartsolutions@centro.org.uk in the first instance for more details of the framework including costs.
Other Services
Centro has a number of years experience in the ITSO smartcard world, and is able to offer chargeable advisory services to local authorities and bus operators wanting to implement smartcard schemes, procure smartcard services, or carry out testing on new systems. Interested parties should contact smartsolutions@centro.org.uk in the first instance.
