The Home Office has announced that PA Consulting has won the deal to help the government design and implement its ID cards scheme, as Computing reported two weeks ago.

The company will work on a business case for the programme, including developing the detailed specification and running the procurement for suppliers to implement it.

Sources close to the deal suggest it is likely to be worth around £10m over 18 months.

Supplier trade body Intellect held a conference this week to provide and opportunity for potential suppliers to engage with the government for the first time since the scheme was announced.

'Only through a comprehensive understanding of the industry, its capacity and its capabilities will the Government be in a position to develop an IDs card scheme capable of delivering on its promises,' said director general John Higgins.