If you’re working through your G-Cloud 15 application, you’ll eventually come across something called the Technical Ability Certificate, or TAC.
If it sounds a bit formal but the process is actually very straightforward. This article walks you through what the TAC is, why you need it, and the exact steps to complete it on the Digital Marketplace platform.
What the TAC Is (and Why It Matters)
The TAC is simply a way for Crown Commercial Service (CCS) to check that you’ve successfully delivered similar work before. It’s basically a reference. You choose a past contract, provide a few details, and nominate a customer who can confirm you did what you said you did.
A TAC must be pending or completed before you can submit your G-Cloud 15 application. And for each lot you want to deliver services under, you’ll need a signed TAC.
Step-by-Step Guide: Completing Your TAC
By this point, you should already have your supplier details and declaration completed, and your service listing (for example, Lot 1a) ready to go. On your dashboard, you’ll see the TAC status listed as Not started.
Here’s how to complete it.
1. Start the TAC
Click the Start TAC button.
This takes you into the form, which will already be pre-filled with your organisation name and DUNS number.
2. Enter Your Contract Details
Click Edit to add the contract date and contract value.
If anything doesn’t meet the system’s requirements, you’ll get a validation prompt so you can correct it.
Once everything looks right, click Save and continue.
3. Confirm Your Technical Ability
You’ll now see a series of checkboxes confirming that the contract you’re referencing meets the TAC criteria. Tick the appropriate boxes and click Save.
4. Add Your Customer’s Information
Next is the customer information form.
Make sure the name, email, and other details are accurate, as this is the person who will receive the signature request.
Important:
Tell your customer to watch for an email from:
digital.marketplace.ccs@notifications.service.gov.uk
If they don’t receive it right away, they may need to check their spam or junk folder.
When everything is correct, click Submit.
What Happens After Submission
The system immediately sends an email to your customer. It includes:
- A secure link
- A unique passcode
Your TAC status will now show Submitted, and your main dashboard will update to Pending, meaning you’re waiting for the customer’s signature.
The Customer’s Part of the Process
When your customer opens the email, they’ll follow the secure link and enter the passcode provided.
This takes them to the TAC page on the Digital Marketplace where they can review all the information you’ve submitted.
If they’re happy with it, they:
- Tick a confirmation box
- Type their full name
And that counts as their legal signature.
Once they’ve completed this step, their part is done.
Final Confirmation: Signed and Completed
As soon as your customer signs, your supplier dashboard updates automatically.
Your TAC will now display as Completed, and the dashboard will show Signed.
From this point, you can still view the TAC, but you can no longer make changes, which is exactly what CCS requires.
