Supplier sought for hardware and software platform
Credit: Pete/Public domain
HM Revenue and Customs is seeking a supplier of IT hardware and software to enable it to read and process cheques.
The tax authority is seeking a supplier that can provide scanning hardware to be installed at HMRC offices in Shipley in West Yorkshire and Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire. The technology should be “capable of scanning and extracting data from cheques and supporting payment documentation” including payslips, the department said.
HMRC will consider both capital purchases and leasing options.
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Alongside this hardware, the chosen supplier will also be tasked with supplying a software-as-a-service offering. The department requires programs capable of performing six tasks: “reconciling cheques and payslips; validating HMRC reference numbers; handling exceptions; sending cheque image files for clearing; uploading [information] on to the authority infrastructure; [and] providing management information”.
The tax agency is looking to appoint a supplier to a three-year contract, with up to two 12-month extensions thereafter. For the duration of the engagement – which is forecast to be worth about £1.5m to the winning bidder – the chosen firm will be expected to provide all the necessary “support service requirements” to maintain the hardware and software.
“The supplier must work with the authority’s IT infrastructure team and the authority’s banking provider, during the implementation phase of the project,” HMRC added.
Bids are open until 28 May, with a contract scheduled to commence on 4 August.
