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CEA begins independent tender process for CESAR Scheme contract

The CEA (Construction Equipment Association) has commenced the formal process to retender the delivery contract for the CESAR Scheme, which is due for renewal in early 2028.

CESAR is the official construction and agricultural equipment security and registration scheme owned by the CEA. Since its launch, it has become widely recognised across the industry as a proven deterrent against theft, helping to protect machinery, support police identification and recovery, and give owners, manufacturers, dealers, insurers, hirers and equipment users greater confidence in equipment security.

More recently, the scheme has been extended with the optional addition of ECV (Emissions Compliance Verification), helping owners and operators clearly identify a machine’s engine emissions stage.

The existing CESAR delivery contract is due to expire in early 2028. As the contract is for a fixed term, the CEA is required to retender the delivery of the scheme in line with good governance and procurement practice. The current delivery arrangements remain in place throughout the process.

The process is being started well in advance to allow sufficient time for expressions of interest, technical discussions, stakeholder engagement, questions from interested parties and a full, structured review of the market.

The CEA will approach selected suppliers in due course, inviting organisations identified as having the capability to deliver the service, or key aspects of it, to take part in the tender process.

To support this, the CEA has appointed independent procurement specialist PLG Procurement Solutions Limited to run the tender process and ensure it is managed in a fair, transparent and impartial way.

A key part of the process will be impartiality. The tender platform will be structured so that, at the scoring stage, submissions are assessed without the review panel knowing the companies' identities. This will ensure responses are judged on merit, capability, value, technical strength, and suitability for the scheme's future.

The CEA will also speak with key stakeholders as part of the process, with interviews expected to help shape the requirements and priorities for the next phase of CESAR.

The full process, including any transition period, is not expected to conclude before the summer of 2027.

Viki Bell, CEO of the CEA, said: “CESAR is an important scheme for our sector, and its value is increasingly recognised across adjacent industries, from agriculture and power generation to powered access and beyond. It is essential that the renewal process is handled properly from the outset. We are starting early because we want to give the process the time it deserves, including engagement with stakeholders, technical discussions, and a clear route for interested parties to participate.

“The current contract runs until early 2028, so it is right that we begin the retender process now and give it the time and structure it needs. The current delivery arrangements remain in place, and this process is about good governance, transparency, and ensuring CESAR continues to serve the industry effectively.

“Independence and impartiality are central to this tender. By appointing an external procurement specialist and using an anonymised scoring process, we are taking a considered approach, looking carefully at evidence, capability, and what will best support the future of the scheme.

“CESAR has built a strong reputation over many years, and as we look ahead to the next contract period, the CEA has a responsibility to ensure the scheme continues to serve the industry, the police, insurers, manufacturers, dealers, hirers and equipment owners effectively.

We also want to recognise the important role Datatag has played as our delivery partner under the current and previous contracts. Their work has helped CESAR grow into the scheme it is today, and that contribution is fully acknowledged as we consider how the scheme continues to meet the needs of the sector in the years ahead.”

Paul Baker of PLG Procurement Solutions Limited said: “We are pleased to be supporting the CEA with this important procurement process. CESAR is a well-established scheme with a significant role in equipment security, and the tender will be structured to ensure fairness, clarity and impartiality throughout.

“Our role is to help the CEA run a robust process that gives interested parties the opportunity to present their capabilities while giving the review panel a clear and consistent basis for assessment.”

Further details on the expressions of interest process will be announced in due course.

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