EPC qualification: requirements and documents for supplier companies

Key points

Working with the most important Italian EPC contractors in the energy and oil and gas sector is a strategic objective for many companies, especially foreign ones, that want to enter the Italian energy market. However, access to these projects is not immediate: it is necessary to obtain qualification as a supplier, demonstrating technical expertise, financial soundness and regulatory compliance.

This article explores what qualification for large EPCs is, what the requirements are, the key documents to be submitted and why it is essential to work with EPC contractors and, through them, with the major energy players.

Index

• What is EPC qualification?
• Why is it essential to obtain qualification for large EPCs?
• Typical requirements for obtaining EPC qualification
• Key documentation packages for qualification
• What EPCs and energy companies look for in suppliers
• Qualification with the most important Italian EPCs in the oil and gas sector: what you need to know
• S.I Company’s support in acquiring EPC qualification

What is meant by EPC qualification

EPC qualification is the evaluation process that an Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor applies to potential suppliers or subcontractors in order to select those suitable for participating in projects.

In the energy and industrial sector, EPC contractors manage complex turnkey projects and, in order to guarantee quality and operational continuity, they only work with already qualified suppliers. The qualification process includes technical, economic, documentary and regulatory verification of the candidate.

Why it is essential to obtain qualification for large EPCs

Qualification for large EPCs is a prerequisite for participating in tenders, receiving orders or being included in supplier registers. For many foreign companies in particular, obtaining this qualification represents:

• entry into the Italian oil & gas and energy market;
• the opportunity to work indirectly with large clients (energy companies and utilities);
• a competitive advantage over other unqualified suppliers;
• greater visibility on international procurement portals.

Typical requirements for obtaining EPC qualification

Requirements may vary from one contractor to another, but among the most common are:

• previous experience in the industrial sector and references on similar projects
• quality, safety and environmental certifications (e.g. ISO 9001, 14001, 45001)
• economic and financial soundness (financial statements, solvency)
• legal and administrative compliance
• organisation and production capacity (personnel, facilities, technologies)
• reliability in the supply chain (timing, logistics, subcontractors)

Key documentation packages for qualification

During qualification, contractors require a series of technical and administrative documents. Among the most frequent are:

• Chamber of Commerce registration and corporate documents;
• financial statements for the last 3 years;
• ISO certificates;
• company organisation chart;
• quality manuals and internal procedures;
• technical data sheets for products/services offered;
• references and project list;
• HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) policies.

These packages are generally uploaded to dedicated portals, such as SupplHi or other e-procurement systems.

What EPCs and energy companies look for in suppliers

EPC contractors do not just assess technical capacity, but also look at:

• alignment with end customer standards;
• compliance with national and international regulations;
• track record in the energy sector;
• ability to integrate into large multi-stakeholder projects;
• risk and emergency management;
• sustainability and energy transition policies.

Qualification with the leading Italian EPCs in the oil and gas sector: what you need to know

Qualification with the leading Italian EPCs active in the energy and oil & gas sectors follows structured and differentiated procedures, but with some common elements to be aware of:

• Management via dedicated digital platforms: many EPCs use proprietary portals or supplier management platforms to register suppliers. The process involves classifying the product or service offered, uploading company documentation and, in some cases, completing self-assessment forms, including ESG aspects.
• Pre-qualification by invitation: for some EPCs, access to qualification is by direct invitation only. In these cases, a thorough verification of company requirements, references (often international) and compliance with the operational standards required by the contractor is required.

In both cases, once the qualification procedure is complete, the company is entered into an official supplier register, which can be consulted by buyers and project managers for future tenders, requests for quotations or direct assignments.

SI Company’s support in acquiring EPC qualification

Obtaining EPC qualification is not a simple bureaucratic requirement, but a strategic step towards becoming competitive in the energy and Oil & Gas market. For foreign companies, it represents a gateway to the Italian market and a concrete opportunity to collaborate with large contractors and multinationals in the sector.

Knowing the requirements, preparing the documentation packages correctly and understanding the expectations of EPCs is the first step to entering this complex but highly rewarding ecosystem.

For more information or for business advice to support your company’s entry into the Italian market, contact SI Company.