Below is the list of procurements carried out by ESO in the past:  Calls for Tenders and Preliminary Inquiries expected to exceed 150,000 EUR.

For new procurements, please visit the new ESO Procurement Portal, using the link mentioned above.

For information or questions, please contact cp-garching@eso.org for Europe or cp-chile@eso.org for Chile.

Upgrade of the HVAC system for the Main and Satellite Buildings at ESO Vitacura

Call for tender (CFT) for the upgrade of the HVAC systems installed at the Main and Satellite buildings in ESO Vitacura, Santiago.

The scope of work includes the renewal of equipment, considering the introduction of green energy by the installation of photovoltaic cells, and also the adoption of post Covid-19 measures, such as the use of HEPA filters and the implementation of proper exchange of internal/external air systems.

The scope also considers civil works such as roof insulation and ventilation shafts.

Activities will need to be carried out in buildings continuously in use, so high standard mitigation measures, in particular with flexible working schedules, should be put in place.

CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2023 to potential suppliers in Chile.

Contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2024, to the Bidder that has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

4th Qtr. 2023

ON HOLD

further information will be published on the ESO Procurement Portal

ESO needs to solve the obsolescence of the DWDM solution used for the fibre connection between the ALMA and La Silla Paranal Observatories, located in northern Chile, and its premises in Santiago de Chile.

The Scope of the Request for Information (RFI) is to investigate the potential solutions and define the procurement strategy as well as the terms for the frame contract for the provision of DWDM equipment.

The RFI will be released during Q3/2022 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and in Chile. Based on the outcome of the RFI, ESO will define the procurement strategy. The exact dates for the release of the Call for tender will be defined along with such procurement strategy and communicated to interested suppliers accordingly. Nevertheless, the estimation is a release in Q4/2022.

3rd Qtr. 2022

merged with 270

Call for tender (CFT) covering the manufacturing of a unit to wash and chemically remove (strip) the coating of the ELT large mirrors:

·      convex M2 mirror, 4200 mm outer diameter, Zerodur^®, ~3500 Kg.

·      concave M3 mirror (4,000 mm outer diameter, Zerodur^®, ~3300 Kg.

·      flat M5 mirror (2700 x 2100 mm elliptical), SiC, ~400 Kg.

The design of the unit will be developed in house by ESO, after which the contract will be placed for its manufacturing according to the detailed drawings and specifications (built-to-print contract).

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2023 to companies in the ESO Member States and Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2023 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

RFI

Release date: 25.07.2024

Closing date: 04.09.2024

Call for tender

1st Qtr. 2025

further information will be published on the ESO Procurement Portal

Request for information (RFI) to investigate different solutions available on the market for the implementation of the Integrated Operations processes for the ESO Observatories at Paranal.

The RFI will be released within Q1/2022 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States, Chile and Australia.

The RFI foresees the organisation of one or more Industry Day/s for the exchange of information between ESO and interested suppliers. The exact dates and number of Industry Days will be communicated to interested suppliers during the RFI.

Based on the outcome from the RFI ESO will define procurement strategies for the award of relevant contracts in order to implement industrial technology solutions, supporting the efficiency and effectiveness of the Observatory’s operation processes. The estimated dates for the release of the relevant Call for Tenders will be defined along with such procurement strategies and communicated to interested suppliers accordingly.

The preliminary scope of operation processes considered for this RFI would include, among other:

-        Intelligent Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for data driven condition-based maintenance

-        Smart Metering of industrial facilities

-        Intelligent operations planning tools, connecting various task disciplines

-        Centralised management of electric power for distributed sites

-        Central security and safety management for large scale multi-facility sites

-        Integrated operations planning and taks scheduling

-        Inter-site logistics solutions

-        Central smart building management systems for large scale multi-facility sites

-        IoT technology supporting large and distributed facility operations

1st Qtr. 2022

ON HOLD

further information will be published on the ESO Procurement Portal

Price Inquiry (PQ) to cover the service for the renewal of the certification of the LPG tanks used to fuel the power turbines at ALMA Observatory, located 32km south-east of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

All the services, procedures, tests and inspections to be performed must comply with the Chilean regulations, namely Decreto 108, NCh2427, as well as with the API510 international regulations.

The contract shall be performed between September and November 2021.

The PQ is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2021, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the lowest price.

2nd Qtr. 2021

The process was VOID

Price Inquiry covering supply of additional capacity, maintenance and support for the backup infrastructure.

The Price Inquiry is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2021 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of work includes maintenance and support for the following backup infrastructure:

EMC Networker backup Software Quantum Scalar i6000 Tape Library

Supply of additional capacity for Data Domain Appliance.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

The HR department at ESO is preparing the scope of work for a call for tender for a “Career Path and Talent Development” project.

The aim of this procurement process is to examine and secure an external consultant/consultancy company that can analyse, design and suggest a career path and talent development model which will help the organisation to follow a more systematic approach.

The end product should be a clear and transparent career framework and job architecture which establishes a value to each job at ESO as well as its possible progression.

The supplier is expected to start the consultancy exercise in January/February 2020.

The Call for tender will be issued to companies in the relevant area of expertise in the ESO Member States and is planned to be released in Q4 2019.

The contract is expected to be awarded to the bidder, which has submitted a compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

The purpose of this Price Inquiry is to procure consultancy services for support services for the set-up and maintenance of a quality assurance infrastructure.

The tasks are defined for one (1) specialist for the following activities:

Integration and adaptation of the version control, issue management, documentation management, continuous integration, model management, automated inspection and code review systems. The following skills are required: Java, XSLT, Unix programming (scripting languages), Maven, Gradle, Puppet, and user level knowledge of Eclipse or IntelliJ. The following experience is desirable: SVN administration, JIRA administration, Jenkins administration, Web development with Grails, usage of UML descriptive models, testing, DOORS usage.

The effort is expected to represent 1 FTE over three years, with an option for an extension of up to two years. The contract is expected to start on 1 June 2017.

The Price Inquiry is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2017 to companies in ESO Member States and Brazil.

ON HOLD

further information will be published on the ESO Procurement Portal

Request for Information

4^th  Qtr. 2015

Call for tender

ON HOLD

further information will be published on the ESO Procurement Portal

Call for tender (CFT) covering the provision of customs broker services for ESO and ALMA in Chile.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of the services includes carrying out for ESO the customs formalities with the Chilean authorities, related to import and export of goods and international household goods.

The contract will start on 1 of March 2023 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 17.01.2023

Closing date: 13.03.2023

The contract was awarded to Agencia de Aduanas Juan Gatica Yesurun y Cia Ltda (CL)

Call for Tender (CFT) covering the scope of the services and work required for the design, manufacture, assembly, certification and delivery of the ELT Internal Transporter.

The scope of work includes the design, manufacture, assembly, certification and delivery of a transporter intended to lift and transport delicate and heavy optical units over short distances within either the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) building or the ELT Technical Facility (ETF) building which are both located in the vicinity of Cerro Armazones and Cerro Paranal, Chile, South America.

The ELT Internal Transporter shall comply with the following requirements:

-        Handling of equipment with a mass up to 35 tonnes;

-        Maximum dimension 7000x2900x800 mm (LxWxH);

-        Electrically self-propelled.

The CFT will be released in Q1/2023 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO considering the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 11.01.2023

Closing date: 17.02.2023

The contract was awarded to SEAQX (BE)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the monitoring construction activities during the On-Site Erection and Commissioning phase of the ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) Dome and Main Structure (DMS) Project.

This phase covers the complete erection of the Dome and Main Structure, furnished and commissioned to the level at which the DMS can undergo Acceptance Testing with ESO. It encompasses all mechanical, alignment, electrical, hydraulic, and commissioning activities for installing and delivering an operational DMS.

The scope of services of the QA consultant is the verification of the conformity with the design documentation during the construction and the control of the quality of the execution of the erection activities by the DMS Contractor.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The service will cover a firm duration of three years and include an option for extension on a year by year basis, for an initial period of two years (i.e. a total  duration of five years) and if needed for an additional period up to the full completion of Phase 7 of the ELT DMS project.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 03.01.2023

Closing date: 17.02.2023 postponed to 21.02.2023

The contract was awarded to CyD Ingeniería Ltda. (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the selection of a contractor for the provision of Brokerage services for ESO insurances.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2023 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of the services includes:

·     ESO property insurance (all sites: Europe Headquarters (Garching near Munich, Germany), Chile Paranal/La Silla telescopes/facilities, ALMA telescopes/facilities, Santiago offices);

·     ESO Transport insurance;

·     ESO Public Liability insurance;

·     ESO private cars on duty trips insurance.

The services will consist mainly in:

1)   yearly brokerage support;

2)   competitive renewal process by the broker, offer process, placement, policies issuing;

3)   premiums and tax invoicing;

4)   reporting and service level provision by the broker;

5)   claims protocol and claims handling within defined timeframes;

6)   organisation of risk management and site evaluations and related services and support.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/Q3/2023 to the bidder which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 12.01.2023

The contract was awarded to Marsh

Call for tender (CFT) covering the water transport service by truck from water plants close to Paranal Observatory to the Observatory (2,500 m.a.s.l). The origin of the water is currently Taltal or Antofagasta (II Region, Northern Chile) but other sources could be identified in the future.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2023 to companies to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract will start on 1 July 2023 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2023, to the Bidder, which offers the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date: 07.02.2023

Closing date: 06.03.2023 postponed to 16.03.2023

The contract was awarded to Transportes y Logística Perucci y Finger (CL)

all for tender (CFT) covering the supply of a Power Conditioning System (PCS), consisting of 2 identical redundant units for the CTA South Observatory, located at the Paranal Observatory, 130 kms south of Antofagasta, Atacama Region in Chile.

The scope of work includes the design, fabrication, testing, transport to site, installation and commissioning of a power conditioning system with 2 identical units of 1.250 KW.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2023 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 30.06.2023

Closing date: 11.08.2023

postponed to 03.11.2023

2^nd CFT ongoing on the ESO Procurement Portal

FOR PUBLIC INSTITUTES ONLY

ALMA development studies aim at informing and developing technologies to implement the ALMA development roadmap. These studies will be expected to produce documentation and possibly prototype hardware or software components to evaluate and demonstrate scientific and technical specifications, readiness level, timeline and costing for ALMA upgrade projects.

This call is aimed only towards ESO Member State institutes, proposals from industry will not be accepted.

Call for proposal: 28.10.2022

Closing date: 24.01.2023

Seven study agreements were awarded, to the following institutes respectively: Centro Nacional de Información Geográfica (ES), NOVA/Kapteyn Astronomical Institute (LN), University of Manchester (GB), ASTRON-Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (NL), DTU-Space, Technical University of Denmark (DK), Chalmers University of Technology (SE). The latter was assigned 2 separate study agreements.  

Call for tender (CFT) covering the security services for the ESO Paranal Observatory, located 130 km south of Antofagasta.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of the services includes a 24 hr/day access control and a 12hr/night shift patrol on the Observatory site.

The contract will start on the 1st of July 2023 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 13.12.2022

Closing date: 31.01.2023

The contract was awarded to ISS Servicios Integrales Ltda (CL)

Preliminary Inquiry followed by a Call for Tender:

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of providing software development services for the development of front-end and back-end scientific operation dataflow software for the ESO observatories.

The PI will be released in Q4/2022 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and will be followed by a Call for tender planned to be issued at the end of Q4/2022.

The Call for Tender (CfT) will cover software development and testing services of operational dataflow software applications for ESO VLT/ELT/ALMA Observatories.

Service Contract:

The contract will start on 1 January 2024 (with a phase-in period as of 2023 Q4), for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2022 to companies in the ESO Member States.

Scope:

The scope of work includes the development of front-end and back-end scientific operation dataflow software for the ESO observatories. It covers design, implementation, and testing of operational dataflow software applications for ESO VLT/ELT/ALMA Observatories.

The contract will be structured around clearly defined deliverables using an agile process with roughly one to two months iteration cycles. At the end of each cycle the product for the next cycle will be agreed.

The technical focus of this contract is on developing and testing REST and GraphQL APIs in Java with a database backend (both SQL and noSQL) and web interfaces in Angular/TypeScript.

The contractor should have as a minimum the following experience/capabilities:

·         Proven professional experience developing software in Java.

·         Proven experience interfacing Java to relational databases (JDBC, JPA, Spring).

·         Proven experience developing Java web applications.

·         Proven experience with software architecture and API specification

·         Proven experience with RESTful and GraphQL API development.

·         Proven experience with test automation of APIs and web user interfaces.

·         Proven experience with Angular JS.

·         Familiarity with Agile software development process.

·         Solid practical familiarity with modern software engineering practices and tools, including configuration control tools, incremental & iterative development, unit and integration testing and the Linux environment.

·         Experience in the development and maintenance of software products in the science domain will be an asset.

·         The company shall use the development infrastructure to be provided by ESO (for version control, issue management, etc..).

·         The software shall be developed in a continuous integration system provided by ESO, building a running demonstration of the application.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Preliminary Inquiry

Release date: 19.12.2022

Closing date: 10.02.2023

The contract was awarded to University of Groningen (NL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the supply of diesel, gasoline and lubricants to Paranal and La Silla Observatories, respectively located 130 km south of Antofagasta and 60 km north of La Serena, Chile.

The contract will start on 1^st of April 2023 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date: 27.10.2022

Closing date: 27.11.2022

The contract was awarded to Compañía Petróleos de Chile Copec S.A. (CL)

A Request for information (RFI) covering the manufacturing of the ELT M5 Commissioning Mirror will be issued in Q4 2022.

The M5 Commissioning Mirror is a flat, Zerodur® lightweight, 2.2 x 1.8 m mirror.

The project covers the following activities and aspects:

·      Grinding, polishing, mounting of interfaces and delivery of the M5 Mirror (Zerodur® substrate delivered by ESO),

·      Design, manufacture and supply of the auxiliary equipment needed for handling, storage, and transport

·      Development of the metrology test bench to measure the mirror shape during manufacturing.

The purpose of the RFI is to identify the companies and/or consortia that have an interest and the capabilities to perform the above contract, and to receive ROM (rough order of magnitude) prices and an estimated schedule.

Based on the outcome of the RFI, issued to potential suppliers worldwide,  ESO is planning to release the corresponding Call for Tender (CFT) in Q2 2023, with the aim to award the contract in Q4 2023.

Request for information

Release date: 12.12.2022

Closing date: 16.01.2023

CFT2 ongoing on the ESO Procurement Portal

The Contract was awarded to Glyndŵr Innovations Ltd (GB)

Call for Tender (CFT) covering build-to-print manufacturing and machining of mechanical parts.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2022 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of work includes manufacturing and machining of mechanical parts according to ESO 2D drawings, 3D CAD data and ESO specifications, and their agreed upon on-time delivery to ESO Headquarters in Garching (near Munich), Germany.

The contractor(s) shall be capable to provide standard and precision machining processes such as milling (3-axis and 5-axis), turning and cutting to be applied on typical construction materials such as aluminium alloys, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, plastics and epoxies. Special materials such as Invar, Molybdenum (TZM) and ceramics are not excluded.

Main requirements on contractor(s) (minimum):

·       CAD/CAM systems;

·       ISO 9001:2015 certified;

·       15 machines 3-axis CNC-milling;

·       7 machines 5-axis CNC-milling;

·       15 machines CNC-turning;

·       1 Flat grinding machine; and

·       Stock of raw materials.

The multiple suppliers frame contracts are expected to be awarded in Q4/2022, for a firm period of three years (frame contracts start date Q1/2023), to two Bidders, which have submitted fully compliant Tenders and offer the lowest prices.

Call for tender:

Release date: 22.11.2022

Closing date: 03.01.2023

The Multiple Suppliers Frame Contracts were awarded to Alsymex (FR) and Entleutner GmbH (DE)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the ground transport services for ALMA Observatory.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2022.

The scope of services includes the ground transport services of personnel within the ALMA site near San Pedro de Atacama, and to/from Calama, in Chile.

The contract will start on 01 July 2023 for a firm period of three years, with the option to extend it by up to two more years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release dtae: 12.10.2022

Closing date: 24.11.2022

The contract was awarded to Empresa de Buses Hualpen Ltda (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) procuring software development services for the development of control software for ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) which is currently under construction.

The ELT control system is a distributed system of Linux servers connected over Ethernet. The service contract shall contribute to existing in-house software projects developing various components of the ELT control software.

The applications are typically multi-threaded C++ applications on Linux, with Python/Qt and Python user interfaces. Development will be carried out following an agile process with one-month iterations. The company shall use the development infrastructure and tools provided by ESO.

Mandatory skills for the service company:

·       Proven professional experience developing software in C++/Linux and Python;

·       Solid practical familiarity with modern software engineering practices and tools, including configuration control tools (git), debuggers and profilers, incremental & iterative development, unit and integration testing on Linux;

·       Good command of the English language, both oral and written;

·       Experience with DDS, ZeroMQ and multicast UDP beneficial; and

·       Experience with OPC and TwinCAT for Beckhoff PLCs beneficial.

The work shall be carried out primarily at the contractor premises, accessing ESO development infrastructure remotely. Occasional onsite visits to ESO (Garching) may be required.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2022 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile. The service contract shall have an adaptable Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) envelope of around four FTEs per year. The service will cover an initial duration of two years and includes an option for extension on a year by year basis, up to a further three years (i.e. a maximum duration of five years).

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2023 to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO considering the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 09.11.2022

Closing date: 07.12.2022

The Contract was awarded to N7 Space in Consortium with ITTI (PL)

Price Inquiry (PQ) covering the service of oils sampling and analysis at the ALMA Observatory, located 32km south-east of San Pedro de Atacama, in Chile.

The PQ is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of the service includes:

·       the annual sampling of the oil of the 88 distribution transformers located at the Antennae Operation Site (AOS) at 5,000 meters above sea level; and

·       the oil analysis, to be performed at the contractor's laboratories.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2022, for a firm period of three years, with the option to extend it by up to two more years to the bidder which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the lowest price.

Price inquiry  

Release date: 21.09.2022

Closing date: 03.11.2022

The contract was awarded to Jorpa Ingeniería S.A. (CL)

Call for Tender (CfT) covering the reconversion of the garden of ESO premises in Vitacura, Santiago de Chile. The scope of services includes the installation and testing of a high efficiency irrigation system and the removal and replacement of species and grass according to the design developed by ESO’s external consultant for reduced water consumption.

The contract performance will start on Q1/2023 and will be performed by stages over a period of one year.

The CfT is scheduled to be released in Q3/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2022, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO considering the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender N°1:

Release date: 25.04.2023

Closing date: 25.05.2023 declared VOID

Call for tender N°2:

Release date: 26.10.2023

Closing date: 01.12.2023

The contract was awarded to:

- MS Riego E.I.R.L. for Lot 1

- RRV Ingenieria SpA for Lot 2

Call for tender (CFT) for the provision of a software license management service. Software license management shall include providing a software inventory and building a contract inventory. The expected service is to deliver regular compliance reports for software licenses of a defined number of software manufacturers such as Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, VMware, Adobe, IBM and Autodesk.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be issued in Q3 2022 to potential suppliers in ESO Member States for a contract period of three years.

The contract will be awarded to the bidder which offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 07.10.2022

Closing date: 18.11.2022

Start date of the contract postponed to Q1 2024 - contract not yet signed

Request for information (RFI) to investigate the solutions available on the market for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The options range from a fresh implementation of the existing Microsoft Dynamics NAV system to MS Business Central, or the implementation of a completely new solution with additional capabilities.

The RFI will be released in Q3/2022 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States.

Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender (CFT) in either Q4/2022 or Q1/2023, for an implementation where certain modules are required by the end of 2024.

The scope of the system would consider:

• Finance (including public sector accounting);
• Controlling;
• Human capital management and payroll;
• Sales order management;
• Procurement and contract management;
• Project and portfolio management;
• Integrated business planning;
• Plant/asset management;
• Travel management;
• Risk management;
• Business intelligence, reporting and analytics.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2023 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

RFI

Release date : 02.09.2022

Closing date : 13.10.2022

RFI-2

Release date: 17.10.2023.  

Closing date: 01.12.2023

postponed to 15.01.2024

CFT

Release date: 24.08.2024

Closing date: 11.10.2024

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of manufacturing the Liquid Nitrogen (LIN) infrastructure for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and installing it at ELT site in northern Chile, at ca. 3,000 meters above sea level.

The PI will be released in Q3/2022 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile and will be followed by a Call for tender planned to be issued in Q4/2022.

The scope of work includes system design, manufacture, verification testing and transportation to the ELT site in Chile. It also includes installation and acceptance testing at the ELT Observatory in collaboration with ESO, anticipated to take place in the first half of 2026.

The LIN infrastructure system is spread over various locations inside of the multi-storey ELT building. It is an automated closed circuit distribution system, composed of cryogenic industry standards such as pressurized LIN phase-separators and storage tanks (3000-4000 L volume), several hundred metres of vacuum-insulated interconnection piping (size DN 20-63), automatic LIN supply and level control, Nitrogen gas exhaust system with gas heaters, cryogenic valves and safety installations.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2023 to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO, taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Preliminary Inquiry

Release date : 19.09.2022

Closing date : 14.10.2022

Call for tender

Release date: 05.12.2022

Closing date: 13.02.2023

Contract awarded to AS Sceintifics Ltda

Updated Request for Information (RFI), with a revised scope. Originally published under Advance Info No. 272. The RFI is followed by a Call for Tender (CFT) for the manufacturing of the powered optics of the Phasing and Diagnostics Station (PDS) of the ELT. Other related optical components for the ELT PDS will be published under separate procurements (see in the relevant Advance Informations).

The purpose of this RFI is the identification of potential bidders, information on manufacturing constraints, and preliminary cost and schedule estimate.

The scope of the contract covers the manufacturing, polishing, (AR) coating, and testing of the IR and VIS optical elements, including the design of the mechanical housing of the lenses.  The PDS powered optics comprise of 26 lenses, all spherical with diameters from 25 mm to 80 mm, mounted in 13 lens barrels, with a staged delivery in 3 batches, each 2 months apart.

The RFI will be released in Q2/2022 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for Tender in Q4/2022.

Contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2023 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and

offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

The expected lead time of the first batch is 13 months after contract kick-off with the last lens barrel delivered after 17 months.

Request for information

Release date: 10.10.2022

Closing date: 02.12.2022

postponed to: 04.05.2023

The contract was awarded to Bertin Winlight (FR)

The scope of this Call for Tender is to procure outreach and communications services for ESO’s Department of Communication during the timeframe from 01.01.2023 until 31.12.2024. An extension of the contract is not foreseen.

The scope of work, which is estimated to require approximately 6.880 hours per year, covers regular support in the following areas:

- web content support (1800 hours/year)

- web development support (900hours/year)

- graphic design support (1600 hours/year)

- community coordination and engagement support (1500 hours/year)

- community management Chile (780 hours/year)

- copyediting & proofreading support (300 hours/year)

The above are estimates only and in the course of the contract flexibility it is required to delete and add services according to the need of the department.

The Frame Contract is for 24 months.

The services are expected to start on 01.01.2023.

The work packages are to be performed remotely, with some exceptional meetings at ESO sites or travel to international conferences or partner institutions.

The Call for Tender is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2022 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2022 to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO, taking into account the quality and price of the Tender.

Call for tender

Release date: 09.06.2022

Closing date: 21.07.2022

The Contract was awarded to:
Design and Data GmbH (DE)

Call for tender (CFT) FT) covering the manufacturing of a unit to wash and chemically remove (strip) the coating of the ELT large mirrors:

·      convex M2 mirror, 4200 mm outer diameter, Zerodur^®, ~3500 Kg.

·      concave M3 mirror (4,000 mm outer diameter, Zerodur^®, ~3300 Kg.

·      flat M5 mirror (2700 x 2100 mm elliptical), SiC, ~400 Kg.

The design of the unit will be developed in house by ESO, after which the contract will be placed for its manufacturing according to the detailed drawings and specifications (built-to-print contract).

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2023 to companies in the ESO Member States and Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2023 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Request for Information (RFI)

Release date : 25.07.2024

Closing date : 04.09.2024

Call for Tender (CFT)

1st Qtr. 2025

Call for tender (CFT) covering the facilities operations support services for La Silla Observatory, located 160 km form La Serena, Chile.

The CFT is scheduled to be released in Q2/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of the services includes:

·             Catering;

·             Cleaning;

·             Accommodation arrangements;

·             Vehicles maintenance;

·             Driving services;

·             Reception and administrative duties.

The contract will start on 01.01.2023 for a firm period of three years, with an option to extend it by up to two more years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2022, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 22.07.2022

Closing date: 17.08.2022

The Contract was awarded to Newrest Chile Soporte Ltda (CL)

Price inquiry (PQ) covering the maintenance services of Heat ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration equipment at  ALMA Observatory, located 32km south-east of San Pedro de Atacama, in Chile.

The PQ is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of the work includes:

·         Preventive and corrective maintenance of HVAC for offices, workshops, storage spaces, dormitories etc.

·         Preventive and corrective maintenance of kitchen refrigeration equipment and cold stores;

·         Supply of spares, consumables and related materials.

The contract will start on 01.07.2022 for a firm period of one year with an option to extend by up to one more year.

Price Inquiry

Release date: 05.05.2022

Closing date: 03.06.2022

The Contract was awarded to:
Linkes Chile S.A.

Request for information (RFI) to investigate the solutions available on the market and to identify companies that are interested in and capable of providing inland transport and warehousing services for ESO and ALMA goods in Chile.

The RFI will be released in Q2/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The preliminary scope considered for this RFI would include, among other:

·         Regular transport of goods, by truck between Santiago, Antofagasta, Coquimbo and Valparaiso Regions of Chile, delivering to all ESO/ALMA sites;

·         Warehousing in Santiago and in Antofagasta cities;

·         Pick up of goods within Santiago, Antofagasta and in the main harbours in Chile.

Based on the outcome of the RFI , ESO will define procurement strategy for the award of the relevant contract(s) in order to comply with each observatory requirements.

The exact dates for the release of the Call for Tender(s) will be defined along with such procurement strategy and communicated to interested suppliers accordingly. Nevertheless, the estimation is a release in Q2/2022 to potential bidders in Chile.

Request for Information

Release date: 04.11.2022

Closing date: 09.12.2022

After RFI no CFT will follow

Call for tender (CFT) for the supply of the network connections between the LPO sites in Chile (La Silla and Paranal) and the ESO premises in Santiago and the supply of the phone connection in each LPO site.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of services includes:

·         Access to the public telephone network through dedicated links at Paranal and La Silla Observatories; maintaining their current local phone numbers;

·         Dedicated highly available link from La Silla Observatory to ESO premises in Santiago;

·         Dedicated backup link from Paranal Observatory to ESO premises in Santiago.

ESO expects a configuration minimising the number of connection points in Santiago.

The contract will start on 01.01.2023 for a firm period of three years, with the option to extend it by up to two more years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2022, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date : 06.05.2022

Closing date : 28.06.2022

The contract was awarded to Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones – ENTEL (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the travel agency services for ESO users in Chile in an implant mode based at the ESO office in Santiago, (or via a dedicated team in a remote location), with an option to move to a non-implant service provision.

Future options may also be inclusive of an Online Booking Tool (OBT).

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of services includes the arrangements and bookings of flights and taxis corresponding to the travels of staff and visitors as required by ESO, including the commuting of staff to the observatories and the international or national duty travels.

The contract is expected to start on 1 October 2022 for a firm period of two years, with three options to extend by one year each.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2022, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 25.05.2022

Closing date: 13.07.2022

The contract was awarded to Sociedad de Turismo e Inversiones Inmobiliarias Ltda (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering  the travel agency services for ESO users in Garching in an implant mode based at the ESO office in Garching (or via a dedicated team in a remote location), with an option to move to a non-implant service provision.

Future options may also be inclusive of an Online Booking Tool (OBT).

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2022 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of services includes the arrangements and bookings of flights, rail and car hire corresponding to the travels of staff and visitors as required by ESO, including the international or national duty travels.

The contract is expected to start on 1 November 2022 for a firm period of two years, with three options to extend by one year each.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2022, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer

Call for Tender

Release date: 25.05.2022

Closing date: 13.07.2022

The contract was awarded to CWT Deutschland GmbH (DE)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the supply of a prefabricated MV Substation for Paranal Observatory

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of work includes the design, engineering, construction, shipment, installation on-site, connection to earth electrodes, connection to supply and load sides and energising of an outdoor medium-voltage (23/10 kV, 2 MVA) prefabricated substation (S/S) required for the connection of Paranal Observatory power system to the Chilean 23 kV grid.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2022, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for Tender

Release date: 27.04.2022

Closing date: 02.06.2022

The contract was awarded to Rhona S.A. (CL)

The project aims at the research and development of a next generation calibration system for ESO’s high resolution spectrographs.

The goal is the development of a reliable, turn-key calibration system, which covers the optical and NIR spectral range (0.37-1.8 µm) offered by ESO’s instruments with (tens of) thousands of unresolved spectral lines. The wavelengths of the individual calibration lines should be known from first principles to an accuracy equal or better than 1cm/s.

The immediate objectives of the project are to determine the most promising technology and technical implementation of such a calibration system, based on one or two design studies and to increase the technical readiness through prototyping where necessary. The long-term goal is the development, production and delivery of the system. The contract covering this latter phase may be placed without further competition.

According to the current plan, the design studies should start in Q4 2022. The initial design studies should take approx. 12 months, starting right after the contract award.

The goal is to kick-off the development/production contract about one year after concluding the study contracts.

ESO intends to release a RFI in Q1/Q2 2022.

Call for Tender

Release date: 21.10.2022

Closing date: 19.12.2022

The contract was awarded to CSEM - Centre Suisse d'Électronique et de Microtechnique (CH)

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) followed by a Call for tender to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of providing technical and logistical support services for the APEX Observatory, located at San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The PI will be released in early Q2/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile and will be followed by a Call for tender also planned to be issued in Q2/2022.

The scope of work includes the predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance of the observatory’s telescope and its infrastructure, as well as the support of various engineering projects. It also includes driving services for staff commuting and general errands in close by cities.

The contract will start on 01 January 2023 for a firm period of three years and an option to extend by up to two more years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2022, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO considering the quality and price of the offer.

Request for Information

Release date: 09.05.2022

Closing date: 07.06.2022

Call for tender

Release date: 11.07.2022

Closing date: 18.09.2022

The contract was awarded to OHB Chile (CL)

Request for information (RFI) to investigate different solutions available on the market for the implementation of the Integrated Operations processes for the ESO Observatories at Paranal.

The RFI will be released within Q1/2022 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States, Chile and Australia.

The RFI foresees the organisation of one or more Industry Day/s for the exchange of information between ESO and interested suppliers. The exact dates and number of Industry Days will be communicated to interested suppliers during the RFI.

Based on the outcome from the RFI ESO will define procurement strategies for the award of relevant contracts in order to implement industrial technology solutions, supporting the efficiency and effectiveness of the Observatory’s operation processes. The estimated dates for the release of the relevant Call for Tenders will be defined along with such procurement strategies and communicated to interested suppliers accordingly.

The preliminary scope of operation processes considered for this RFI would include, among other:

-        Intelligent Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for data driven condition-based maintenance

-        Smart Metering of industrial facilities

-        Intelligent operations planning tools, connecting various task disciplines

-        Centralised management of electric power for distributed sites

-        Central security and safety management for large scale multi-facility sites

-        Integrated operations planning and taks scheduling

-        Inter-site logistics solutions

-        Central smart building management systems for large scale multi-facility sites

-        IoT technology supporting large and distributed facility operations

Request for information

Release date: 11.04.2022

Closing date: 10.08.2022

Price inquiry to cover auction services for properties belonging to ESO and ALMA in Chile but not anymore in use.

The scope of services includes the preparation of the auctions, the publication, the adjudication, the administrative and legal management and the delivery of the units auctioned.

The properties to be sold are distributed along all ESO and ALMA sites (APEX Observatory and ALMA OSF close to San Pedro de Atacama, Paranal Observatory close to Antofagasta, La Silla Observatory close to La Serena and ALMA/ESO premises in Santiago).

The PQ is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2022 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Call for Tender (CFT) covering consultancy services for the maintenance of VLT and VLTI Common Software Infrastructure and instruments code at the observatory.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2022 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of the work includes corrective, preventive and adaptive maintenance.

Senior-level skills in programming C, C++, Python in a Linux environment are mandatory.

Real time programming under VxWorks and with Beckhoff PLCs is also required.

Expertise in modern astronomical interferometry is a must for the maintenance of the VLTI infrastructure, as well as a deep knowledge of Tcl/Tk for maintenance of GUI interfaces.

The effort is expected to represent up to 4 FTEs over 2 years with an option for an extension of up to a total of 5 years. The contract is expected to start on 1 October 2022.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2022, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 05.04.2022

Closing date: 16.05.2022

The contract was awarded to Observatory Sciences Ltd. (GB).

Call for tender (CFT) covering the works for the optic fibre routing modification at Armazones.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of work includes:

-          Civil works in preparing the ducting for the fibre installation and preparation of a foundation for a pre-fabricated building.

-          Procurement and delivery of a pre-fabricated building for housing communication hardware.

-          Installation and termination of fibre optic cabling.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2022, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for Tender

Release date: 14.04.2022

Closing date: 26.05.2022

The contract was awarded to CCP Ingeniería S.A. (CL)

Call for tender for the production and verification of digital electronic cards for Band 2 of ALMA.

The scope of supply includes:

-      Production and assembly of digital electronic cards in accordance with the design and the fabrication files that will be provided;

-      Verification tests of the digital electronic cards.

The CfT will be released in Q4/2021 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2022 to the Bidder, who has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO considering the quality and price of the offer.

Call for Tender

Release date: 12.01.2022

Closing date: 23.02.2022

The contract was awarded to Cmass Ltd (GB)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the supply and maintenance of the Cisco networking components for the following ESO sites in Chile:

-       ESO offices located in Vitacura, Santiago;

-       Paranal Observatory located 130 km south of Antofagasta;

-       La Silla Observatory located 160 km north of La Serena.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2021 to Cisco Gold Partner companies with presence in Chile.

The Contractor shall provide the supply of Cisco hardware, software (including licenses) and consultancy services for the ESO networks and security infrastructure.

The services are required for the following types of devices:

-       Catalyst switches and routers;

-       Nexus switches;

-       ASA and Firepower firewalls and other security appliances;

-       Wireless infrastructure (access points, wireless LAN controllers);

-       Other related appliances (such as ISE).

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2022 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

The contract will start on 1 July 2022 for a firm period of three years, with the option to extend it by up to two more years.

Call for Tender

Relaease date: 10.01.2022

Closing Date: 17.02.2022

The contract was awarded to NTT Chile S.A. (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the provision and maintenance of hardware and software for the ESO Science and Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) data processing clusters.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2021 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of work includes maintenance, support and potential procurement for the following clusters:

The ALMA lustre environment is composed of 28 compute nodes, 7 lustre server, 1 metadata server, 1 management server and 2 InfiniBand switches.

The Science lustre environment is composed of 2 compute nodes, 2 lustre server, 1 metadata server, 1 management server and 1 InfiniBand switch.

Potentially future systems (such as compute nodes or lustre server).

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2022, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer

Call for tender

Release date: 16.03.2022

Closing date: 14.05.2022

Revised Call for tender

Release date: 12.07.2022

Closing date: 22.07.2022

The Contract was awarded to Megware Computer Vertrieb und Service GmbH (DE)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the Supply and Maintenance of the Cisco networking and security infrastructure at ESO HQ.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2021 to Cisco Gold partner companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of service includes the supply and maintenance of Cisco hardware and software (including licenses) for the network and security infrastructure at ESO HQ.

The maintenance and supply required is for the following types of devices:

-        Catalyst switches/routers;

-        Nexus switches/FEXs (NX-OS);

-        ASA/Firepower firewalls;

-        ISE servers; and

-        APs and WLC.

Procurement and maintenance of additional devices also for the ELT.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2022 for 3 years with the option to extend it up to 2 years, to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for Tender

Release date: 12.01.2022

Closing date: 15.02.2022

Contract awarded to NTT Germany AG & Co. KG (DE)

A Call for tender covering the Manufacture, according to ESO’s design, verification and delivery of different types of Wavefront Sensing Cameras for the ELT will be issued in Q2 2021.

These cameras will be used for a variety of Adaptive Optics applications at the ELT, both for the telescope and its instrumentation.

The cameras consist of the detector and its mount, read-out Front-End board, Main Control board, Power Regulator board, Peltier Controller/Cryostat, main structure and cooling system.

The detectors types will be electron multiplying CCD and CMOS, these will be supplied by ESO.

The cameras will be developed in house by ESO, after which the contract(s) will be placed by ESO for their production (built-to-print contract).

The Call for tender is planned to be issued to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile, with the aim to award the contract in Q4 2021.

Preliminary Inquiry

Release Date: 10.06.2021

Closing date: 01.07.2021

Call for Tender      

Release Date: 15.03.2022

Closing Date: 14.06.2022

The Contract was awarded to: Thales Alenia Space España S.A. (ES)

Call for tender (CFT) covering consultancy services to support the development of an operations model for the integrated operations of the ELT and the VLT comprising:

1.    Mapping and characterising the existing operations processes of the VLT;

2.    Mapping and characterising the operations processes for the ELT operations, based on vendor documentation and scaled from VLT processes;

3.    KPI based development of operations processes for an integrated operations model;

4.    On request support to the Integrated Operations Programme with consultancy expertise covering:

a.    Process Engineering,

b.    Operations Engineering,

c.    Project Management.     

The CfT will be released in Q4/2021 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Australia.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2022 to the bidder, who has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO considering the quality and price of the offer.

Call for Tender

Release date: 22.10.2021

Closing date: 30.11.2021

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of providing the services to the ESO Paranal Observatory, located 130 km south of Antofagasta, in Chile.

The Department is responsible, amongst others, for providing the commuting, board & lodging services to all Paranal staff, visiting astronomers, contractors’ personnel, media and other VIP visitors.

The PI will be released in Q4/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile and will be followed by a Call for tender planned to be issued in Q1/2023.

The contract will start on 1 August 2023 for a firm period of three years, with the option to extend it by up to two more years.

The scope of work includes various activities required to plan, book and control the travel and accommodation arrangements, support the Department Head in the coordination with other service providers, provide monthly statistics on the activities of the department.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2023, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 05.12.2022

Closing date: 07.02.2023

The contract was awarded to Luis Novion y Compañía Ltda. (CL)

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of providing security services for the ALMA Observatory, located 18 km from San Pedro de Atacama, for the ESO Paranal Observatory, located 130 km south of Antofagasta, for the ESO La Silla Observatory located 160 km north of La Serena and for the ESO Premises located at Vitacura, in Chile.

The scope of the services includes:

For ALMA, the scope of the services primarily covers a 24 hr/day access control at the main entrance on the public road CH23, the base camp buildings and main access gate to the high site, at buildings and secondary access to the ALMA high site (at 5,000 meters above sea level) and regular patrolling of the site.

For Paranal, the scope of the services primarily includes a 24 hr/day access control and a 12 hr/night shift patrol on the Observatory site.

For La Silla, the scope is primarily the security of the site at night.

For Vitacura, the scope of the services includes a 24 hr/day access control at the entrance gate.

The services dedicated to ALMA, Paranal and Vitacura shall start on 1 December 2022 for a period of 31 months with options to extend it by up to 24 months more.

The services dedicated to La Silla shall start on 1 July 2022 for a period of 36 months with options to extend it by up to 24 months more.

The PI will be released in Q3/2021 to potential suppliers in Chile and will be followed by a Call for tender planned to be issued in Q4/2021.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2022, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

The Contract was awarded to:

For Vitacura & La Silla: ISEG Chile SpA (CL)

For ALMA: Sociedad de Mantención, Conservación y Reparacion - Somacor (CL)

For Paranal: the CFT was declared void and a new one will be launched (see entry 327)

Price Inquiry (PQ) to cover the supply and delivery of two Manlifts to the ALMA Observatory, located 32 km south-east of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

-     1 Electrically powered model for operations at 3,000 meters above sea level (masl), with a maximum working height of ca. 14 m;

-     1 Diesel powered 4x4 model for operations at 5,000 masl, with a maximum working height of ca.18 m.

The PQ is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2021 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded by beginning of Q4/2021, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the lowest price.

Price Inquiry

Release date: 06.09.2021

Closing date: 28.09.2021

Process was declared VOID

This Price Inquiry (PQ) relates to the supply of a multipurpose truck to move/lift heavy loads within the Paranal Observatory's concession.

The articulating crane shall have the capacities to lift cargoes of 6.5 tons at 2.3 mt and a vertical reach of 12.7 mt. The truck shall allow transport cargoes of 10 tons as a minimum, and be able to move a Gross Combined Weight Rating of 45 tons.

The PQ is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2021 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2021, to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Price Inquiry

Release date: 12.08.2021

Closing date: 31.08.2021

The contract was awarded to Comercial Kaufmann S.A. (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the supply of Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) and rental of a cryogenic station for ESO Observatories in Chile:

- Lot 1: for the Paranal Observatory located 130 km south of Antofagasta.

- Lot 2: for the La Silla Observatory located 160 km north of La Serena.

The contract will start on 1^st of March 2022 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Call for Tender

Release date: 12.07.2021

Closing date: 12.08.2021

The contract was awarded to Messer Chile (CL)

In order to test sensitive instruments in the Large Integration Hall (LIH, size: L 21.5 x W 16.2 x H 13.7m) of the Technical Building (construction from 2014) at ESO premises in Garching the existing HVAC-installations need to be re-designed. Therefore it needs to be checked if existing components need to be retrofitted or complemented or – more likely – a completely new HVAC-system needs to be installed after removing the old equipment. Involved trades are HVAC, electrical works and measurement, control and regulation technology.

Ventilation and refrigeration technology have to be changed in a way that pre-defined room conditions can be achieved at all times during the year. (temperature and humidity, air flow, cleanliness aspects have to be considered as well)

Additional process cooling for cooling instruments also has to be provided in the same course.

Several smaller works such as a new ventilation system in the basement and an exhaust extraction system in a workshop also have to be realized.

The project is divided into two parts:

1. the complete planning work, including cost-calculations, a detailed planning and construction management including the support during the complete warranty period

2. the whole construction works, consisting works on HVAC-system, electrical works and management and control system that will remain in place and only has to be complemented.

Two possible models regarding the construction works are considered:

2.1. General Contractor including all three trades as well as smaller structural works

2.2.  Several single contracts, where HVAC will be the major one.

The PI/CFT for the planning work will be released in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and will be followed by a CFT for the construction planned to be issued in Q4/2021.

The project will be awarded to Bidders, which have submitted a fully compliant Tender and offer the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

2nd Qtr. 2021

and

4th Qtr. 2021

The contract for the planning work was awarded to Drees & Sommer SE (DE)

The contract for the construction work was awarded to Burkhardt GmbH (DE)

Request for information (RFI) to investigate different solutions available on the market for the supply of travel management services.

The RFI will be released in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States.

Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender in Q3/2021.

The scope of work shall include, among other:

-         E-booking solution/s of transport and accommodation services,

-         Management of reservations,

-         Compliance with Travel Policy and Regulations,

-         Passenger Support and Assistance,

-         General Consultation and Support,

-         Service provider management, rate negotiation, invoicing support, etc.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO considering the quality and price of the offer.

Request for information

Release date: 01.07.2021

Closing date: 31.07.2021

After the RFI no CFT will follow

Call for tender (CFT) covering the supply of diesel, gasoline and lubricants to ALMA and APEX observatories, both located close to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The scope also covers the operation and maintenance of the ALMA fuel dispensing station.

The contract will start on 1st of January 2022 and last:

-        for ALMA: for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years,

-        for APEX for a firm period of 1 year, with the option to extend it by up to 3 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Call for Tender

Release date: 16.06.2021

Closing date: 19.07.2021

The contract was awarded to COPEC Chile SA (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the supply of a tool to handle individually the ELT M2 and M3 mirrors.

The size of these M2 and M3 mirrors is 4.25 and 4 meters respectively and their weight is 3500kg each.

The scope of work includes the manufacture according to the design and detailed drawings provided by ESO, the verification and the certification of this mirror handling tool.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2021 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for Tender

Release date: 01.06.2021

Closing date: 28.06.2021

The contract was awarded to: Mecanicas Bolea S.A. (ES)

Request for information (RFI) to investigate the technological solutions available on the market and identify companies that are interested in and capable of supplying and installing a new chiller system at Paranal Observatory, 130 kms south of Antofagasta, Atacama Region.

The RFI will be released in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and in Chile. Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender in Q3/2021.

The scope of this procurement consists in the supply of a new chiller system with a cooling power of 900 kW on a high load scenario and 200 kW on a low load scenario. This new system shall be installed on the chillers plant existing at Paranal Observatory, at ca. 2,5000 masl.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2021 to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date: 02.06.2022

Closing date: 08.07.2022

The CFT has been declared void.

Call for tender (CFT) covering the provision of the overhaul of six (6) European Antennas, at ALMA Observatory, located close to San Pedro de Atacama, northern Chile.

The scope of work includes the preparation, completion and proper management and documentation of the on-site overhaul activities. The overhaul activities consists in preventive and corrective maintenance tasks (electrical, mechanical, HVAC, paint touch up) of the antennas as well as implementation of upgrades.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in the Member States and Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in the beginning of Q3/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

The contract performance is expected to start in August 2021.

Call for Tender

Release date: 20.05.2021

Closing date: 29.06.2021

The contract was awarded to OHB Chile SpA (CL)

Request for information (RFI) to identify companies that are interested in and capable of providing communication services for the ALMA sites.

The RFI will be released in Q1/2021 to potential suppliers in Chile to validate technical feasibility and reliability of the potential solutions and possible installation schedule. Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender in Q2/2021.

The scope of work includes the provision of the following key communication services:

- High speed direct Internet access at ALMA Central Office (SCO) in Santiago;

- Direct Internet access ALMA Operation Support Facility (OSF) near to San Pedro de Atacama;

- Access to Public Telephone network (aiming SIP Trunk where feasible) from ALMA sites (SCO, OSF);

- Secondary dedicated link between OSF and SCO to allow data transport (science, operations) and IT services (email, Videoconference, etc.).

Services will be provided on a “turnkey” basis for every component of the solution, which considers: provision, installation, configuration and testing of the required components, as well as the support service (call center 7x24x365), corrective maintenance (repairs and maintenance of the devices) for each service.

The Service Contract shall start on 01.02.2022 after the proper installation and testing period (1 month – starting 01.01.2022) of the required components and shall consider a firm period of 3 years with the option to extend it for 2 more years.

Request for Information

Release date: 08.04.2021

Closing date: 13.05.2021

After the RFI no CFT will follow

Request for information (RFI) to identify companies that are interested in and can deliver the scope of work required for the Armazones Internal Transporter.

The RFI will be released in Q2/2021 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile.

Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender in Q2/2021.

The scope of work includes the design, manufacture, assembly, certification and delivery of a transporter intended to lift and transport delicate and heavy optical units over short distances within either the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) building or the ELT Technical Facility (ETF) building which are both located in the vicinity of Cerro Armazones and Cerro Paranal, Chile, South America.

The Armazones Internal Transporter shall comply with the following requirements:

• Handling of equipment with a mass up to 35 tonnes;
• Maximum dimension 7000x3000x500 mm (LxWxH) ;
• Electrically self-propelled.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO considering the quality and price of the offer.

Based on the outcome of the RFI, the Internal Transporter will be mainly intended for the ETF and therefore renamed as the ETF Internal Transporter.

Request for Information

Release date: 31.03.2021

Closing date: 28.04.2021

Call for tender

Release date: 24.01.2022

Closing date: 07.03.2022

The contract was awarded to SEAQX (BE)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the Garbage Removal Services at the Paranal Observatory, located 150 Km South of Antofagasta, Chile, to an authorized dumping site or landfill.

The contract will start on the 16^th of June 2021 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2021 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope of services includes:

- The handling of domestic garbage, non-dangerous industrial garbage; and occasionally dangerous industrial garbage, metal scrap, construction debris, and liquid waste.

- The removal and transport of the garbage from Paranal storing area using certified equipment.

- The disposal of garbage and waste material into a certified final destination.

Call for Tender

Release date: 12.04.2021

Closing date: 17.05.2021

The contract was awarded to Limfosep S.A. (CL)

A Preliminary Inquiry (PI) will be issued in Q1/2021 to identify the companies that have interest and capabilities to perform the design and construction of approximately 3 Kms of asphalt paved road from the future junction with the public road B710 to the CTA-South site, located at the Paranal Observatory, 130 kms south of Antofagasta, Atacama Region.

The subsequent Call for Tender is planned for  Q2/2021.

The scope of work will cover the following tasks:

- identify the most appropriate trajectory of the road, from an economical and safety perspective mainly;

- perform topography and geotechnical analysis (test pits and laboratory material analysis);

-  develop basic and detailed design of the road following the Chilean Standard Manual de Carreteras;

- construct the road according to the previously approved design. The structure of the road shall be calculated according to standard load profiles, and is most likely expected to be done of stone layers with an asphalt top cover (cap seal).

The Contractor shall be enrolled in the list of companies approved by the Chilean Road authority (Vialidad, a department of the Ministerio de Obras Publicas).

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2021 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Preliminary Inquiry

Release date: 20.04.2021

Closing date: 06.05.2021

Call for Tender

Release date: 02.06.2021

Closing date: 06.08.2021,
extended by 16.08.2021

The contract was awarded to SOCIEDAD INGENIERIA CONSTRUCCION Y MAQUINARIA SpA (CL)

The project aims for the development of dispersive photonic chips (e.g. arrayed waveguide gratings) working at near infrared wavelengths. Depending on the technical feasibility the chips shall work in the bands (J-band) 1.1-1.3 µm and (K-band) 2.05-2.45 µm. The spectral resolution shall be between 5000 to 10,000 (i.e. 0.1-0.2nm at 1200nm and 0.2-0.4nm at 2200nm). The chip shall have at least three input channels that can be fed with single-mode fibers. The output spectrum shall be in free space and it shall be possible to reimage the spectrum on a detector.

According to the current plan, the procurement should be released in Q4 2020 and use the Best Value for Money adjudication system. The project activities should take 2 years, starting right after the contract award.

Price Inquiry

Release date: 17.12.2020

Closing date: 27.01.2021 extended by 12.03.21

The contract was awarded to VLC Photonics S. L. (ES)

Request for information (RFI) to investigate the solutions available on the market for an electronic tendering system.

The RFI will be released in Q4/2020 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States.

Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender (CFT) in Q1/2021, for an implementation completed at the end of 2021.

The scope of the system includes:

·  The management of the ESO Suppliers database;

·  The publication of the coming procurements;

·  The management of the procurement processes (requests for information, price inquiries, CFTs, questions and replies, submission of offers, clarifications, evaluations).

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2021 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer

Request for Information

Release date: 19.11.2020

Closing date: 14.12.2020

Call for Tender

Release date: 25.03.2021

Closing date: 10.05.2021

The contract was awarded to In-tend Ltd (UK)

Request for information (RFI) to identify companies that are interested in and capable of producing some or all of the required optics and to get a preliminary non-binding cost estimate.

The RFI will be released in early 10/2020 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile. Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender in Q4/2021.

The scope covers the design, manufacturing, polishing and coating of the optical elements, including the mechanical housing for some units, of the Phasing and Diagnostic Station (PDS) of the ELT consisting of ~75 lenses (diameter range 13mm – 100mm, one lens 240mm), 22 flat mirrors (diameters up to 180mm, some rectangular with 75x280mm side length), 6 lenslet arrays (3x 13,5mm diameter, 3x 40mm diameter), 2 cube beam splitters (40mm side length), 6 flat beam splitters (70mm diameter, one 240mm diameter), 8 phase masks (50mm diameter), 1 pyramid (10mm thick, 3.3deg face angle), as well as 80 custom color and neutral density filters (diameter range from 25mm to 70mm).

The contract(s) is(are) expected to be awarded in Q4/2021, to the Bidder(s), which has(ve) submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Request for Information

Release date: 13.11.2020

Closing date: 04.12.2020

merged with CFT 312

Call for tender (CFT) covering the provision of the facilities management services at the ESO and ALMA premises, located in Vitacura, Santiago de Chile.

The scope of the services includes three lots:

Lot 1: reception services and administrative support to the Logistics and Communication departments at ESO Vitacura premises.

Lot 2: cleaning, gardening and other general services at ESO Vitacura premises consisting of 7,900 m² of built areas and 24,000 m² of gardens.

Lot 3: cleaning, minor maintenance and administrative support services at ALMA Vitacura premises consisting of a 3,000 m² building.

The process may result in a single contract for the three lots, in two or in three contracts.

The contract(s) will start on 1 June 2021 for a firm period of three years, with the option to be extended by up to two more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2020 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract(s) is(are) expected to be awarded in Q1/2021, to the Bidder(s), which has(ve) submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for Tender

Release date: 20.10.2020

Closing date: 14.01.2021

The contract was awarded to ISS Servicios Integrales Ltda (CL) for Lots 1 & 2  and to PG Corp Servicios S.A. (CL) for Lot 3

Request for information (RFI) to investigate the solutions available and to identify companies that are interested in and capable of providing optical based dedicated communication channels of at least 100Gbps bandwidth, to connect the Paranal Observatory located 120km south of Antofagasta, in the Atacama region, and the ESO offices in Vitacura, Santiago RM. The provision is intended for a reference period of 10 years and includes the operational costs, starting from December 2021.

The RFI will be released in Q3/2020 to potential suppliers in in Chile. Based on the outcome of the RFI, ESO plans to issue the Call for Tender (CfT) end of Q4/2020.

The exact scope of work of the CfT will be defined after completion of the RFI.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

After the RFI results the following procurement strategy and plan were established:

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of providing optical based dedicated communication channels of at least 40Gbps bandwidth, to connect the Paranal Observatory located 120km south of Antofagasta with the ESO offices in Vitacura, Santiago de Chile.

The PI will be released in Q3/2022 to potential suppliers in Chile and will be followed by a Call for tender planned to be issued in Q4/2022.

The scope of work includes the optical based dedicated communication channels of at least 40Gbps bandwidth, the provision of DWDM equipment, the maintenance and operation of the infrastructure.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2023, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Request for Information

Release date: 11.09.2020

Closing date: 29.10.2020

Preliminary Inquiry

3rd Qtr. 2022

Call for tender

Release date: 04.05.2023

Closing date: 20.06.2023 postponed to 20.07.2023

the contract was awarded to Corporación Red Universitaria Nacional (REUNA)

ESO is looking for a commercial-off-the-shelf Online Performance Management and Professional Development (PMPD) tool to be tailored to the needs of the organisation and which allows for a flexible, continuous staff performance as well as learning and development process.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2020 to potential software manufacturers within ESO Member States.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2020.

The contract will be awarded to the bidder which offers the best value for money for ESO, taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Release date: 16.11.2020

Closing date: 05.01.2021

The contract was awarded to Cogendo Limited (GB)

Price Inquiry covering supply of additional capacity, maintenance and support for the backup infrastructure.

The Price Inquiry is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2021 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of work includes maintenance and support for the following backup infrastructure:

EMC Networker backup Software Quantum Scalar i6000 Tape Library

Supply of additional capacity for Data Domain Appliance.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Price Inquiry:

Release date: 25.11.2021

Closing date: 10.12.2021

The contract was awarded to MTI Technology GmbH (DE).

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of delivering the following services:

Lot 1: technical maintenance and engineering support services for daily operations of the Observatory, including:

A. Regular services for :

-        Preventive maintenance of technical infrastructure including telescopes and astronomical instruments;

-        Basic corrective maintenance;

-        Support to engineering activities linked to operations in general.

B. Variable services for:

-        Emergency support;

-        Projects related to the Paranal Observatory operations;

-        Projects related to the Extremely Large Telescope Assembly-Integration-Verification phase at Paranal and Armazones.

Lot 2: operation of the Observatory Warehouse, which manages the consumables and spares required for all activities on site, including:

-        Reception and storage of goods;

-        Customer service at warehouse;

-        Stock and inventory management;

-        Procurement of goods under stock control;

-        Miscellaneous additional services on-site (e.g. storage area inspections).

All services are to be performed on site, 365 days a year, in a shift system.

The PI will be released in Q3/2020 to potential suppliers in Chile and will be followed by a Call for tender planned to be issued in Q4/2020.

The process may result in a single contract for the 2 Lots or in two contracts.

The contract(s) shall start on 01 July 2021 for a firm period of 3 years, with options to extend by up to 3 more years.

The contract(s) is (are) expected to be awarded in Q1/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Preliminary Inquiry

Release date: 26.08.2020

Closing date: 24.09.2020

Call for Tender

Release date : 21.10.2020

Closing date: 02.12.2020

The contract was awarded to Linkes Chile S.A.

The scope of this Request for Information (RFI) is to investigate the availability of companies that can provide combined services including printing, distribution, packaging and postage for the five core printing products of ESO: The Annual Report, The Messenger, Calendar, Posters and Business Cards.

The contract and service period would run for 2+1 years, starting from 01.01.2021.

The products are:

-   Annual Report: Produced once per year. Services required include printing, packaging, national & international shipping + delivery to ESO Garching, Germany.
https://www.eso.org/public/products/annualreports/

-   Calendar: Produced once per year. Services required include printing, packaging, national & international shipping + delivery to ESO Garching.
https://www.eso.org/public/products/calendars/

-   The Messenger: Four issues/year: Services required include printing, packaging, national and international shipping + delivery to ESO Garching
https://www.eso.org/public/products/messengers/

-   Posters: Several times throughout year. Services required are printing and delivery to ESO Garching.
https://www.eso.org/public/products/print_posters/

-   Business cards: Several times throughout year. Services required include printing and delivery to ESO Garching.

The RFI is scheduled to be issued in Q3 2020 to companies in the ESO Member States that are able to provide the above services.

Depending on the outcome of the RFI, ESO might release a Call for Tender in Q3 with an award in Q4 2020 to the bidder that has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO, taking into account the quality and price of the Tender.

Request for Information

Release date: 19.08.2020

Closing date: 02.09.2020

After RFI no CFT will follow

Call for tender (CFT) for the upgrade of the HVAC systems operating at the Main and Satellite buildings in Vitacura.

The scope of work includes the provision of approx. 70 HVAC equipment, the maintenance of those units in good shape as well as the replacement of old, blocked and damaged piping, according to a review of the current system done by experts in the field.

Works will need to be carried out in buildings continuously used, so high standard mitigation measures, in particular with flexible working schedules, should be put in place.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2020 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2020, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Release date: 09.10.2020

Closing date: 17.11.2020

Extended by: 01.12.2020

The CFT has been declared void

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of designing the ELT M1 segments Local Coherencer, delivering one Validation Model during the design phase, and producing six measuring heads mounted on a supporting structure, to be attached to the “M1 segment manipulator” (see related Advance information No. 207).

The Local Coherencer is a non-contact metrology system, which consists of  6 measuring heads which optically sense with nanometer accuracy the relative height of an hexagonal segment with respect to its (up to) 6 neighbours.

The PI will be released in Q3/2020 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile and will be followed by a Call for Tender (CFT) planned to be issued in Q4/2020.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2021 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Released date: 02.09.2020

Closing date: 30.09.2020

Call for tender

Release date: 22.10.2020

Closing date: 12.01.2021

Extended by: 08.02.2021

The contract was awarded to IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture, S.A.U.

Call for tender (CFT) covering the provision of the facility operations support services at the APEX Observatory, located close to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The scope of the services, which are required to be performed 365 days a year, includes:

-        On-site catering; and

-        Cleaning.

The size of the Sequitor facilities is around 900m2, including 18 bedrooms, offices and common areas. The average occupancy is 13 people per shift.

The contract will start on 01.01.2021 for a firm period of 2 years, with the option to extend it by up to 3 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2020 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2020, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer

Release date: 02.07.2020

Closing date: 18.08.2020

The contract was awarded to Newrest Chile Soporte Limitada (CL)

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable to provide maintenance services for the water treatment plant and water transportation services for the ALMA Observatory, located close to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The scope of the services includes 2 lots:

Lot 1: Water transportation services, including:

-    Transportation of potable water required for the operation of the Observatory from Calama and/or San Pedro de Atacama.

-    Transportation of Industrial water from Calama and/or San Pedro de Atacama to the Observatory.

Lot 2: Water treatment plant maintenance, including:

-    Operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant.

-    Sanitising of water storage tanks.

-    Corrective maintenance of the potable water distribution pipes and wastewater pipes.

-    Extraction from pits, sludge removal, cleaning of grease chambers, supply and cleaning of chemical toilets.

-    Analysis of potable and waste water according to the norm Nch 409 and NCh 1333.

-    Testing and certification of sludge from the water treatment plant.

The contract will start on the 1st of January 2021 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The Preliminary Inquiry is expected to be issued in Q1 2020 to potential suppliers in Chile, and will be followed by a Call for Tender that is scheduled to be released in Q2 2020.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4 2020, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Preliminary Inquiry

Release date: 13.04.2020

Closing date: 08.05.2020

Call for Tender

Release date: 11.01.2021

Closing date: 23.02.2021

Extended by: 24.02.2021

The contract was awarded to Resiter S.A. (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the delivery of a plant that is capable of coating mirrors of a diameter between 0.7 and 4.3 meters.

The scope of work includes the design, manufacturing, assembly and testing of the plant at the contractor’s facilities, installation of the plant in Paranal, Chile and, as an option, the provision of remote assistance services.

The CFT will be released in Q3/2020 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/2021 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO, taking into account the quality and price of the tender.

Release date: 07.09.2020

Closing date: 08.12.2020

Extended by: 19.01.2021

The contract was awarded to AGC Glass Europe SA

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and  capable to provide maintenance services for the roads of the  ALMA Observatory, located close to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The scope of the services include:

- road surface replacement;

- base material supply / transportation / preparation;

- road moistening/sweeping;

- snow clearance and rainwater drainage improvements;

- culverts maintenance;

- road safety devices maintenance;

- quality control: topography, technical inspection, trial laboratory services, etc.

Additional optional scope includes:

- civil works to perform detailed design to enhance existing or construct new drainage culverts.

The Contractor shall provide the required supervision, operators, materials, machinery and equipment to perform the maintenances and construction.

The total amount of road kilometres to maintain is around 122 Km, considering  the access road, internal roads at 2,900 meters above sea level, the road to get access to the Antennae Operations Site (AOS) and other internal roads at 5,000 meters above sea level.

The contract will start during Q2/2021, for a period of 5 years (to be confirmed in CFT release)

The Preliminary Inquiry is expected to be issued in Q2 2020 to potential suppliers in Chile, and will be followed by a Call for tender that is scheduled to be released in Q3 2020.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2021, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Preliminary Inquiry

Release date: 26.06.2020

Closing date: 14.08.2020

Call for tender     

Release date: 27.05.2021

Closing date: 09.07.2021

The contract was awarded to San Felipe (CL)

This Price Inquiry (PQ) relates to the supply of a multipurpose truck to move/lift heavy loads within the ALMA observatory's concession.

The crane shall have the capacities to lift cargoes of 6 tons to 7 mts. The truck shall allow transport cargoes of 6.5 Tons as a minimum and allow access to remote and difficult locations, with enough ground clearance to traverse rough terrain (off road capability) 

The PQ is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2020 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2020, to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Release date: 01.07.2020

Closing date: 22.07.2020

The contract was awarded to Porsche Chile SpA (CL)

Price Inquiry (PI) covering a frame contract for the manufacturing and machining of mechanical parts according to ESO 2D drawings, 3D CAD data and ESO specifications, and their delivery to ESO Headquarters in Garching (near Munich).

The scope of work includes standard machining processes like milling (3-axis and 5-axis), turning and cutting to be applied on typical construction materials such as aluminum alloys, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, plastics and epoxies. Special materials like Invar, Molybdenum (TZM), ceramics are not excluded.

The PI is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2020 to suppliers in the ESO Member States.

The frame contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2020 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years, to the bidder which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the lowest price.

Release day: 12.08.2020

Closing date: 02.09.2020

Contract was awarded to Mecanitzats Privat S.L. (ES)

The scope of this Call for Tender is to outsource software testing services for the VLT/ELT/ALMA dataflow software.

The scope of the work is the software testing of science operations dataflow applications for the ESO Observatories VLT/ELT/ALMA within a service contract. Specifically, the scope of the work is for dataflow applications related to Program Preparation, Program Selection, Observation Preparation, Operations Support and Science Archive.

The contract will be structured around defined testing services using an agile process with roughly one to two months iteration cycles. At the end of each cycle the testing service for the next cycle will be agreed.

The technical focus of this service contract is on testing Java and web-based applications for the VLT/ELT and ALMA dataflow systems.

The contractor should have as a minimum the following experience/capabilities:

·         Familiarity with Agile software development process

·         Solid practical familiarity with modern software engineering practices and tools, including configuration control tools, incremental & iterative development, unit and integration testing and the Linux environment

·         Demonstrated experience with configuration management tools, preferably SVN and Git

·         Demonstrated experience with issue management systems, and continuous integration systems (e.g. Jenkins)

·         Proven experience of Unit test frameworks like Junit or TestNG

·         Very good knowledge of testing REST API applications

·         Good knowledge of Java software development

·         Good knowledge of testing dynamic web applications, including Javascript-centric single page applications (e.g. Angular applications)

·         Good experience in testing tools like Selenium

·         Significant experience with relational databases and SQL

·         Good knowledge of test automation

·         Good knowledge of testing Java Desktop GUIs under Linux and/or MacOS

·         Good knowledge of scripting languages, preferably Groovy and/or Python

The contract is foreseen to have an initial duration of three years, with an option for an extension of up to two years. The estimated effort is about 4 FTEs per year for the initial 3 years period.

The Call for Tender/Price Inquiry is scheduled to be issued in Q1/Q2 2020 to companies in ESO Member States.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2020, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Release date: 09.04.2020

Closing date: 28.05.2020

The contract was awarded to: Consortium consisting of Arghos Technical Assistance S.A. (ES) and Globetesting S.L.U. (ES)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the transport service of UTs M1 Mirror and Mirror cell (and its service equipment: dummy cell, dummy mirror and lifting platform) and Auxiliary Telescopes at Paranal Observatory, located 130 km south of Antofagasta in Chile.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2020 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The scope includes the truck transportation forward and backward on a 4 km trip within Paranal of a maximum load of 76 ton on a max. slope of 12% of unique optomechanical equipment.

The contract will start during Q2/2020 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2020 to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Release date: 06.07.2020

Closing date: 20.08.2020

extended by: 15.10.2020

The contract was awarded to Ingeniería y Montaje Ferrovial S.A. (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering  the provision of Apple hardware for ESO in Germany and Chile.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2020x to suppliers in the ESO Member States.

The scope of work includes the provision of standard models of Mac Laptops, Desktops and accessories, as well as the provision of Apple Business and Device Enrolment Program services.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2020, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the lowest price.

Release date: 19.02.2020

Closing date: 10.03.2020

The contract was awarded to: Alpha Computer Sales GmbH (DE)

Call for tender (CFT) for the transport of passengers to/from airports in view of establishing Framework contract(s).

ESO requires a reliable, flexible and efficient “taxi” service for staff and visitors of the Observatories in Chile, preferably by means of 100% electric and/or hybrid vehicles with customer service support 24/7.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4 2019 to potential suppliers in Chile and split in 4 lots as follows:

-       Lot 1: to/from Santiago airport

-       Lot 2: to/from La Serena airport

-       Lot 3: to/from Antofagasta airport

-       Lot 4: to/from Calama airport

The proposed Framework contract(s) duration is 3 years, with the option to extend for an additional 2 year-period.

The contract(s) is/are expected to be awarded in Q2/2020, to the Bidder(s), which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer

Release date: 03.06.2020

Closing date: 06.07.2020

The contract was awarded to Empresa de Transporte Transvip SpA (CL)

The ESO ERP system went through a rapid evolution that led to the current structure and complexity of the system. The ERP is now at the stage when further developments are needed and considered in terms of integrating third party software into the system. However, as in the meantime the Organisation and its processes developed and grown as well, ESO management would like to assess all possible ways forward, including the further development of the current system, or changing the system to an alternative software solution, to ensure the future fit-for-purpose, resilience, long-term maintainability, efficiency and data accuracy of the system.

The scope of the consultancy is to provide an assessment of the best fit ERP solution for ESO’s long-term plans. By long-term plans ESO means the coming 15 years. This includes the evaluation of the current ERP system with its projected development needs, in comparison to introducing a new system to define an overall best fit solution.

The contract is expected to be awarded to the Bidder, which has submitted a compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Release date: 20.02.2020

Closing date: 19.03.2020

The contract was awarded to Lumenia (IRE)

Procurement for the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of storage racks for the ELT M1 segments (inside their storage containers) and other M1 related items, inside the ETF storage area.

The scope of work includes:

-       the design of the racks within the storage area, with the objective to maximise storage space;

-       the above needs to be done taking into account the access and handling space for the storage operations, and the required safety for equipment and personnel, given known seismic loads;

-       the transport of the racks and related components to Paranal;

-       the installation and commissioning of the racks in the ETF storage area.

ESO plans to release a Request for Information (RFI) to potential suppliers in Chile during the second half of October 2019 and the subsequent Call for tender by end of Q4 2019.

Request for Information

Release date: 17.10.2019

Closing date: 12.11.2019

Price Inquiry

Release date: 25.07.2020

Closing date: 10.09.2020

extended by: 22.10.2020

The Price Inquiry was declared void and a new one was launched

Price Inquiry

Release date: 11.03.2021

Closing date: 20.04.2021

The contract was awarded to AR Sistema de Almacenaje Ltda (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) and included Preliminary Inquiry (PI) covering the Freight Forwarding services for ESO Logistics including the ESO ELT Programme.

The contract will start on 01 August 2020 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2020 to companies in the ESO Member States.

The scope of work includes the provision of Freight Forward services for Air- and Sea-Freight, within EU or to/from Chile Air-/Sea- Freight, at firm fixed agreed pricing rates for the various types of transports ESO normally requires to be covered, including some more specific requirements for transports for the ELT project with specific items.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2020, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Release date: 08.01.2020

Closing date: 21.02.2020

The contract was awarded to DSV Air & Sea SA (CL)

The scope of this Call for tender (CFT) is to provide services aiming at supporting the municipal school system of the commune of San Pedro de Atacama in general, and the Toconao School in particular, especially in relation with science teaching. It includes the following activities:

a)    assess the educational offer in Escuela E-21 of Toconao;

b)    supply the materials to Escuela E-21 of Toconao for science teaching;

c)    provide technical pedagogical support to the science teachers network in the area of San Pedro de Atacama;

d)    improve the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) networks within the Antofagasta Region educational system, especially in the commune of San Pedro de Atacama.

The contract will start on 1 February 2020 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued end of Q3/2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Release date: 24.12.2019

Closing date: 31.01.2020

The contract was awarded to Fundación Allende Connelly (CL)

Price Inquiry for the supply of purified drinking water in bottles of 500cc, drums of 12 Lts and drums of 20 Lts for the staff consumption at the ALMA Observatory, located at 2900m above sea level, near San Pedro de Atacama, in the Antofagasta Region of Chile.

The Contract shall start on 1 October 2019 for a firm period of 3 years with the option to extend by up to 2 more years.

The Price Inquiry is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded to the Bidder which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the lowest price.

Request for information

Release date: 27.08.2019

Closing date: 10.09.2019

The contract was awarded to:
Aguas Rio Cristal Ltda (CL)

Call for Tender (CfT) to be issued in January 2020 (and Qualification by Preliminary Inquiry) to potential bidders in the ESO Member States, with the scope of work of fulfilling the ESO requirements for Out-tasking services on Database Content Management, services for processing and storing Astronomical data, and services on Archive Science for maintaining operations and archive access interfaces (web and programmatic). The potential Contractor shall deliver these services to ESO at the ESO Headquarters in Garching near Munich, as a partner/provider who is responsible for the services under the relevant agreements and service levels.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2 2020, to the bidder that will have submitted a fully compliant tender and  offers the best value for money for ESO, taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

1^st Qtr. 2020

Release date: 19.12.2019

Closing date: 13.02.2020

The contract was awarded to: Terma GmbH (DE)

This Call for tender relates to the supply contract for the 132 M1 electronics cabinets.

The 798 mirror segments of the ELT primary mirror are actively controlled to maintain their relative position. The control system coordinating this positioning requires electronics, communication and cooling infrastructure housed in a distributed array of electronics cabinets (M1 electronics cabinets) in the back structure of the primary mirror.

The cabinets are closed, 800x800x800mm in size and house electronics, power supplies and heat exchangers.

The cabinet design is completed and ready for manufacture.

The supplier shall procure the cabinets and other components, receive delivery of key components from ESO, and assemble, integrate and verify the cabinets functions. Finally packaging the cabinets for transportation to Chile.

The contractor shall deliver (Ex Works) all cabinets as assembled and verified units containing all internal equipment, electronics, cooling elements and interfaces for mounting and connection to infrastructure (power, data, cooling).

The Call for tender is expected to be issued in Q4/2019 to companies in ESO Member States and Chile.

Call for Tender

Release date: 28.11.2019

Closing date: 21.02.2020

Contract awarded to Procon Systems S.A.

This Call for tender relates to the supply contract for the 132 pairs of liquid cooled heat exchangers for the M1 electronics cabinets.

The 798 mirror segments of the ELT primary mirror are actively controlled to maintain their relative position. The control system coordinating this positioning requires electronics, communication and cooling infrastructure housed in a distributed array of electronics cabinets (M1 electronics cabinets) in the back structure of the primary mirror.

A completed and demonstrated liquid-cooled, pin heat exchanger design extracts the heat from the cabinets. The heat exchangers are approximately 520mm by 620mm in size, weighing around 21kg.

The supplier shall manufacture 264 heat exchanger units, matching ESO’s final design.

The contractor shall deliver the heat exchangers to ESO’s Garching premises, or other address in Europe.

The Call for tender is expected to be issued in Q4/2019 to companies in ESO Member States and Chile.

Call for Tender

Release date: 06.12.2019

Closing date: 11.02.2020

Revised Call for Tender

Release date: 24.04.2020

Closing Date: 15.06.2020

Extended to: 22.06.2020

Contract awarded to Aavid Thermalloy S.r.l. (IT)

Request for information (RFI) to identify companies that are interested in and capable of performing the full maintenance services of the ALMA Multi-Fuel Power Generation System (MFPGS), located at ALMA Operations Site Facilities (OSF), close to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, as well as to gather information about the solutions available on the market.

The RFI will be released in Q3/2019 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and in Chile. Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender in Q4/2019.

The MFPGS mainly consists of 3 Turbomach/Solar Taurus 60 turbines. The scope of services covers preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, provision of spares/consumables, remote monitoring, hotline support, upgrade/updates, generator maintenance and overhaul in order to ensure the availability of the system.

The contract will start on 15.06.2020 for a firm period of 10 years.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2020, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Request for Information

Release date: 18.07.2019

Closing date:
14.08.2019

The contract was awarded to Solar Turbines International Company

Call for tender (CFT) for the provision of a software license management service. Software license management shall include providing a software inventory and building a contract inventory. The expected service is to deliver regular compliance reports for software licenses of a defined number of software manufacturers such as Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, VMware, Adobe and Autodesk.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be issued in Q2 2019 to potential suppliers in ESO member states for an initial contract period of two years with the option to extend it three times by one year.

The contract will be awarded to the bidder which offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for Tender

Release date: 18.07.2019

Closing date: 23.08.2019

Extended to 02.09.2019

The contract was awarded to B-lay BV (NL)

Call for tender (CFT) for the  maintenance and repair of ALMA vehicles and equipment, aiming at ensuring a high level of availability and reliability of those assets in order not to disrupt the operational activities.  

The list of assets to be maintained is mainly composed of light vehicles, trucks, road maintenance machinery, portable gensets and diesel engine pumps.

The contractor shall perform the services at the ALMA Operations Support Facility (OSF), located 18 km from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, where a vehicle workshop will be made available by ALMA. When needed the contractor shall coordinate the service performance by an external and authorized workshop.

The scope of services also includes the administrative management of the fleet and the workshop and the spares management.

The contract will start on 1 March 2020 for a firm period of 34 months, with the option to extend it by up to 24 more months.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2019, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Release date: 14.10.2019

Closing date: 15.11.2019

The contract was awarded to Martinic Ingenieria y Servicios Ltda (CL)

Call for tender for the construction of new offices as an extension to Vitacura´s Main Building.

Such extension will take advantage of the roofed parking space located in front of the building and will consist -among others- of at least 12 offices with 22 working places, restrooms, showers and a new reception area, totalizing a surface of approximately 350 m².

The scope of work includes the construction and related specialties projects, such as electricity, sewage, HVAC, fire sensors and alarms.

The CFT is scheduled to be launched in Q2/2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded end of Q3/2019 to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Construction is expected to start during Q4/2019 and extend until Q2/2020.

Call for tender

Release date: 18.10.2019

Closing date: 28.11.2019 extended by: 06.12.2019

The contract was awarded to Empresa Constructora RS SpA (CL)

Call for tender for facility management services, which include tasks such as cleaning, security, reception service, gardening, janitors support as well as other services upon request of the ESO Headquarters.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be issued in the second half of 2019 to potential suppliers in ESO member states for an initial contract period of three years with the option for extension by further two years.

The contract will be awarded to the bidder which will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offered the Best Value for Money for ESO, taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date:
10.07.2019

Closing date:
22.08.2019

The contract was awarded to Caverion Deutschland GmbH (DE)

Request for Information (RFI) to identify companies that are interested in and capable of providing for La Silla Observatory:

•        all the maintenance activities, preventive and corrective, on a 24x7 basis;

•        the engineering support for the day to day operations;

•        the engineering support for major events and new projects on an as-needed basis.

The RFI is intended to be issued in April 2019 to potential companies in Chile, and based on its outcome, the RFI will be followed by a Call for Tender (CFT)  scheduled to be released during Q2 2020 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2020, to the Bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Request for information

Release date:
21.06.2019

Closing date:
02.08.2019

Call for tender

Release date: 25.06.2020

Closing date: 12.11.2020

The contract was awarded to OHB Chile SpA (CL)

The purpose of this Call for tender is to provide ESO with an advanced telescope mirror silver coating recipe with the highest overall reflectivity from 330 nm to 24 µm while offering long-term durability, although it can be easily stripped.

The scope of work of this contract includes the preparation of silver coated mirror samples and extensive characterization of their quality. Some of the samples will be provided to ESO for testing at our premises.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be issued in Q2/2019 to companies in ESO Member States.

The contract is planned to be awarded in Q3/2019 to the bidder which will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offered the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer

Call for tender

Release date:
01.07.2019

Closing date:
16.09.2019

The contract was awarded to Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (IOF), (DE)

Request for Information (RFI) to identify companies / institutes that are interested in and capable of providing a system for the forecast of the turbulence and meteorological conditions at the Paranal Observatory.

The system to be procured should perform the prediction of the conditions for the next 3 nights, with a higher accuracy expected for the coming night. The forecast can be done using the existing meteorological and turbulence sensors at the Paranal Observatory, data from external meteorological services, or specific hardware part of the proposed solution.

The RFI is intended to be issued in April 2019 to potential companies and institutes in ESO Members States, Australia and Chile. The RFI will be followed by a Call for Tender (CFT) sent to companies or to institutes, exclusively depending on the RFI outcome.

The CFT is scheduled to be released in January 2020. For the CFT, ESO will provide  the exact parameters to forecast with the expected accuracy, as well as the criteria used to assess the quality of the prediction.

The contract will be awarded to the bidder which offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Request for information

Release date:
26.06.2019

Closing date:
17.07.2019

Call for tender

Release date: 08.01.2020

Closing date: 26.02.2020

The contract was awarded to Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri

Procurement for the design, manufacture, and supply of the ELT Laser Projection Subunits (LPS). The Laser Projection Subunits are precision opto-mechanical systems that condition and control the optical beams of the laser guide stars and project them onto the sky.

The scope of work includes:

-        Preliminary and final design;

-        Manufacturing, assembly integration and test;

-        Delivery of the LPS to ESO HQ in Garching;

-        Support for the first reintegration of a LPS system in Chile after shipping (carried out by ESO) to the ELT telescope site.

ESO plans to release a Request for Information (RFI) followed by a Preliminary Inquiry and a Call for tender (the two latter phases of the procurement might be combined). According to the current plan, the Preliminary Inquiry and Call for tender should be released in Q2 2019. The contract will be awarded to the bidder which will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the Best Value for Money for ESO, taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Request for Information

Release date:
02.07.2019

Closing date:
06.09.2019

Call for tender

Release date: 07.11.2019

Closing date: 05.02.2020 postponed to 05.03.2020

Contract awarded to TNO (NL)

ESO is about to run a procurement to identify a supplier able to conduct an independent benchmarking to compare in detail the financial and social employment conditions at ESO as required under ESO’s Staff Rules and Regulation. With the regular review ESO aims at benchmarking itself against other organisations and companies to determine where ESO is standing in terms of family-friendliness and attractiveness for potential employees.

The result of the benchmarking conducted by the provider will be delivered to an ESO internal Regular Review Working Group which will conduct a final analysis and issue conclusions to the Director General of ESO.

The supplier is expected to start the benchmarking exercise in April/May 2019.

The adjudication system applicable to this procurement will be Best Value for Money.

The Call for tender will be issued to companies in the relevant area of expertise in the ESO Member States, and is planned to be released in Q1 2019.

Call for tender

Release date:
04.03.2019

Closing date:
02.04.2019

The contract was awarded to Willis Tower Watson (DE)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the construction of new offices at Paranal Observatory, considering 1,065 m² to be located at the current observatory parking area.

The construction consists of a two-floor building based on a modular design.

The scope of work includes all architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire-fighting works.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2019 to the bidder which will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offered the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date:
18.01.2019

Closing date:
25.02.2019

The contract was awarded to Comercial e Industrial CO-OL Ltda. (CL)

The scope of work includes:

·        the replacement of the existing B grade diesel storage tank and handling infrastructure at Chajnantor (5,100 masl) and at Séquitor (2,400 masl) APEX sites;

·        the elimination of the existing gasoline dispensing system at Séquitor APEX site.

The contractor must provide the new equipment, its installation and commissioning and the corresponding SEC certification.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded end of Q1/2019 to the bidder which will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offered the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date:
27.12.2018

Closing date:
14.02.2019, extended by:
22.02.2019

The contract was awarded to ASSA Ingeniería SpA. (CL)

Price Inquiry (PQ) covering sampling and analysis of oil for the distribution transformers for the ALMA Observatory.

The scope of the services includes the annual oil sampling of the 88 distribution transformers located at the Antennae Operation Site (AOS) at 5,000 meters above sea level and the oil analysis, to be performed at the contractor's laboratories.

The contract will start on 1 February 2019 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.
The PQ is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2018 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q1/2019, to the bidder who will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offered the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date:
19.11.2018

Closing date:
05.12.2018

The contract was awarded to INGESAT Ingenieria y Servicios de Alta Tension (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the water transport by truck (approximately 60 m³ a day) from the water plants to the Observatory. The origin of the water is currently San Pedro de Atacama and Calama and the destinations are ALMA OSF (32 Kms from San Pedro - 2,950 m.a.s.l) and ALMA AOS (62 KM from San Pedro – 5,050 m.a.s.l).

The contract will start on 1 September 2019 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2018 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2019, to the bidder who will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offered the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date: 08.01.2019

Closing date: 29.01.2019

The contract was awarded to Tratamientos del Pacifico S.A (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the following services for the ESO Paranal Observatory:   

Lot 1: operation and maintenance of the observatory facilities, including infrastructure, utilities and performance of minor civil works.

Lot 2: preventive maintenance and repairs of the observatory vehicles and heavy equipment used in the operation and maintenance of the facilities.

All services are to be performed on site, 365 days a year, on a 24/7 basis. Companies shall consider the performance using a Computerized Maintenance Management System.

The contract(s) shall start on 01 July 2019, for a period of 3 years with the option to extend by up to 2 more years.

The contract(s) will be awarded to the bidder which will have offered the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

The CFT is expected to be issued in Q1 2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

Call for tender

Release date:
15.05.2019

Closing date:
27.06.2019

The contract was awarded to Luis Novion y Compañía Ltda. (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the first aid services for ESO observatories in Chile:

-        Lot 1: for ALMA Observatory, at the Operations Support Facility (OSF) site (at 2,900 meters above sea level) and at the Antennae Operation Site (AOS) site (at 5,000 meters above sea level).

-        Lot 2: for Paranal and La Silla Observatories, at 2,500 meters above sea level.

For both lots, the scope of services includes the administration and operation of the first aid stations, the supervision of a visiting physician and the continuous training of the resident paramedics and nurses.

The first aid stations and its operation must comply with the national Chilean legislation for first aid stations.

The contract will start on 1 October 2019 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2018 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2019, to the bidder who will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date: 28.12.2018

Closing date: 20.02.2019

The contract was awarded to Empresa de Servicios Externos Asociados Chilena de Seguridad S.A., ESACHS (CL)

Call for tender (CFT) covering the procurement of a video surveillance system for the area where the ALMA Array is located at the Chajnantor Plateau at 5,000masl in the Andean Region close to San Pedro de Atacama. The area is approximately a 10km radius circle centred on the AOS Central Cluster. The system will operate 24x7 and shall cover also night surveillance for selected accesses.

The scope of work includes the provision and installation of video cameras, archiving and image analysis software, maintenance and training. Depending on the position of the cameras, there may be the need to also provide civil work and power installation.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q4/2018 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q4/2018 to the bidder who will have submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.

Call for tender

Release date: 31.10.2018

Closing date: 04.12.2018

The Contract was awarded to Axys S.A. (CL).

Call for tender (CFT) covering the provision of butane Liquid Petroleum Gas to fuel the power turbines operating at ALMA Observatory located 18 kms from San Pedro de Atacama.

The scope of services covers the supply of butane as well as the training of ALMA staff regarding the Chilean decree-law No.108, the maintenance of ALMA’s storage facilities and the gas tank certification.

The contract will start on 1 July 2019 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in Q1/2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

The contract is expected to be awarded in Q2/2019, to the bidder, which has submitted a fully compliant tender and offers the lowest price.

Call for tender

Release date: 03.01.2019

Closing date: 24.01.2019

The contract was awarded to Abastible SA

Call for tender (CFT) for the overhaul of the 8-meter coater control system, at Paranal Observatory, located 130km south of Antofagasta in northern Chile.

Lot 1: control system replacement.

The existing system controls the overall sputtering process (rough and high vacuum, cold trap, cooling system, glow discharge cleaning and sputtering, air/argon injection and venting)

Lot 2: motion control replacement.

The motion control system consists of the following sub-systems:

-   the rotary device which is used to rotate the glass substrate during the coating process;

-   the cart designed for the transport of substrates/mirrors after their integration;

-   the lower vessel which is also part of the coating cart;

-   the shutters.

For both lots, the scope of services includes the replacement of the existing system based on Siemens S5 by Siemens S7 technology, the installation and commissioning of the agreed architecture and the design and implementation of a new operator interface. In addition, for lot 2, it covers the replacement of the Sinumerik control used for the in-vacuum one-axis rotation.

The contract to be awarded also includes the procurement of Siemens equipment in line with the approved design.

The CFT is scheduled to be issued in October 2018 to potential suppliers in ESO Member States and Chile specialized in Siemens technology. The contract is expected to be awarded end of November and performed from the second half of December 2018.

Call for tender

Released: 31.10.2018

Closing date: 23.11.2018

The contract was awarded to Procon Systems (ES)

The relocation services will be needed for the moving of newly recruited or reassigned personnel to the Munich area from abroad or other areas of Germany. The actual moving is not part of the required services because it will be dealt with by ESO’s Facility Logistics and Transport department. A relocation service on termination of the assignments will also not be part of the requested services. The exact number of cases cannot be foreseen but the bidders will need to have the capability to provide services for up to 35 cases per contractual year.

The contract is expected to start beginning of November 2018 for a period of 2 years, plus options to extend it yearly for up to additional 3 years, i.e.2+1+1+1.

The Call for tender will be issued to companies in the relevant area of expertise in the ESO Member States, and is planned to be released in Q3 2018.

Call for tender

Released 20.09.2018

Closing date 19.10.2018

The contract was awarded to Elisabeth Sommer Relocation (GB) but currently in place with Clapham GmbH (GB)  

Request for information (RFI) to investigate the solutions available on the market for the provision of multifunction printers/scanners/ copiers, the corresponding supplies and the on-site maintenance.

The service shall be delivered for roughly 40 devices distributed among the following ESO sites in Chile:

• ESO and ALMA offices located in Vitacura, Santiago;
• Paranal Observatory located 120 km south of Antofagasta;
• La Silla Observatory located 160 km from La Serena;
• ALMA Observatory located 18 km from San Pedro de Atacama.

The RFI is expected to be issued during September 2018 to potential suppliers in Chile, and based on its outcome the RFI will be followed by a Call for tender that is scheduled to be released in Q4/2018.

Request for information

Release date: 04.10.2018

Closing date: 05.11.2018

Contract awarded to Canon Chile S.A.

Call for tender for the construction of three concrete platforms and three steel towers at La Silla Observatory, located 160 km north of La Serena.

The platforms will support three steel towers, each of which consists of an internal cylinder supporting a telescope mount and an external cylinder supporting the telescope enclosure.

The works include the realization of ducts connecting the platforms to a separate building, through which power, network, and cooling lines will be deployed.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be released in Q3/2018 to potential bidders in Chile.

Call for tender

Release date:
09.10.2018

Closing date:
16.11.2018

The contract was awarded to
CCP Ingenieria (CL)

Call for tender for the provision of facility operations support services required for the ESO Guesthouse located in Santiago, Chile.

The scope of the services, which are required to be performed 365 days a year, includes:

1. Reception and administrative duties;
2. On-site catering;
3. Cleaning;
4. Gardening;
5. Minor maintenance.

The Contract shall start on 01 June 2019 for a period of 2 years with 3 options to extend it by 1 more year.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be released in Q3/2019 to potential suppliers in Chile.

Call for tender

Release date: 12.09.2018

Closing date: 31.10.2018

The contract was awarded to Servicios Integrales Nomade Chile (Cl)

Price Inquiry for the maintenance of 5 elevators and lifts at La Silla Observatory, located 160 km north of La Serena.

The Contract shall start on 15 October 2018 for a period of 3 years, with 2 options to extend it by one year each, until 14 October 2023 maximum.

The service must be performed by a certified company and comply with the related Chilean regulations.

The Price Inquiry is scheduled to be released in Q3/2018 to potential bidders in Chile.

Call for tender

Released 20.08.2018

Closing date 13.09.2018

The contract was awarded to Transve S.A (CL)

Ground Transportation Services for the ESO staff and visitors to and from the Paranal Observatory, located 120 km south of Antofagasta

Call for tender to cover the surface transport services from Antofagasta to Paranal Observatory and vice versa. In addition, optional services to transfer ESO staff & visitors to/from Paranal Observatory to/from the other ESO sites in San Pedro de Atacama and La Serena, to/from Calama airport and to/from Taltal.

The contract shall start on 01 April 2019 for a firm period of 3 years, with the option to extend it by up to 2 more years.

A Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to identify and select companies that are interested in and capable of performing the services is foreseen to be issued during August 2018.

The Call for tender is foreseen to be issued in September 2018 to potential suppliers in Chile only.

Preliminary Inquiry

Released
13.09.2018

Closing date
09.10.2018

Call for tender

Release date:
06.11.2018

Closing date:
03.12.2018

The contract was awarded to Tandem Industrial (CL)

Call for tender

Release date: 25.10.2018

Closing date: 30.11.2018

The scope of this Call for tender includes:

·     Management of the bookings and arrangements of public visits through the existing ESO system;

·     Provision of qualified guides to host the public tours, in Spanish and English, at ESO’s La Silla and Paranal Observatories;

·     Provision of qualified guides to host media, VIP or other special visits to La Silla and Paranal Observatories upon ESO’s request;

·     Advertising of the ESO’s public visits programme, in coordination with ESO ePOD.

The contract shall start on February 1^st, 2019.

The proposed contract duration is 3 years, with 2 options of yearly extensions.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be issued in Q2 2018 to potential suppliers in Chile.

Call for tender

Release date: 13.07.2018

Closing date: 20.08.2018

The contract was awarded to
Globalis (CL)

The scope of this Price Inquiry is to procure the design, manufacture, assembly, and certification of a handling tool.

This tool is intended to support and transport the ERIS Instrumentation System over short distances, and then lift and provide fine positioning during the integration with either the Very Large Telescope (VLT) or a telescope simulator.

The handling tool will be used during initial testing in Europe and then inside the VLT enclosure at Paranal in Chile during initial integration and subsequent maintenance activities.

The scope of work includes the following tasks:

-         The design the handling tool in accordance with the technical requirements.

-         The manufacture and assembly of the handling tool

-         To provide all necessary certification and documentation.

-         Delivery of the handling tool to ESO headquarters.

Some very basic information regarding the handling tool is as follows:

-         The ERIS instrument to be handled is approximately 3 tonnes

-         The handling tool shall be capable of lifting the ERIS instrument by a minimum height of 600mm.

-         The handling tool itself shall remain with a volume measuring approximately 3184x2900x450mm when in its lowered configuration

The contractor providing the services should have prior experience in the design, manufacture, and certification of specialized lifting and handling equipment.

The contract shall last 6 months, the contract is expected to start in August 2018.

The Price Inquiry will be issued to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Australia.

Price Inquiry

Released  10.07.2018

Closing date 03.08.2018

The contract was awarded to
Langa Industrial S.A. (ES)

Request for information (RFI) to identify consulting companies that are interested in and capable of providing software maintenance and development support for the Paranal Observatory site, located 130 km south of Antofagasta in Chile.

The technological platform is Linux based, main programming languages used are C/C++ and TCL/Tk. The development framework used is proprietary, written in the aforementioned languages.

The services to be outsourced consist in:

·              On call 24/7 technical software support for the observatory operations;

·              Solving software problems reported by the observatory users;

·              Software application development;

·              Software application support;

·              Deployment support for the new release of middleware software used at the observatory;

·              Software integration and deployment support for the new control systems provided by consortiums.

The RFI is expected to be issued in May 2018 to potential suppliers in Chile, and based on its outcome the RFI will be followed by a Call for tender that is scheduled to be released in July 2018.

RFI Release date:06.07.2018

RFI Closing date:16.08.2018

The forthcoming CFT has been cancelled

Preliminary Inquiry covering the Design, Production, Verification and Delivery of the M1 Segment Assembly Manipulator.

The M1 Segment Assembly Manipulator is the tool used to extract and integrate the M1 Segment Assembly within the M1. The Segment Assemblies are extracted from above the optical surface.

The M1 Segment Assembly Manipulator is connected to the M1 Bridge and moved to the desired segment or parking position by the bridge. The M1 Segment Assembly Manipulator is controlled from a terminal implemented close to the telescope.

Capabilities required by the companies: mechanics, mechatronics, automation engineering, industrial handling.

The purpose of the Preliminary Inquiry is to qualify for the forthcoming Call for Tender companies and/or consortia within ESO Member States (+ Chile) being interested in and having the expertise required for the manipulator alone.  

The Contract is expected to be awarded in Q3/Q4 2019 to the bidder having submitted a fully compliant tender and offering the best value for money.

Preliminary Inquiry

Released
07.01.2019

Closing date
01.02.2019

Call for tender

Released
01.04.2019

Closing date
14.06.2019

Revised Call for tender

Release date: 20.04.2020

Closing date: 12.06.2020

Extended to: 10.07.2020

The contract was awarded to SENER AEROSPACIAL S.A. (ES)

Competitive procurement to identify companies and/or consortia that are interested in and capable of developing, building and testing the M5 Cell of the ELT.

The M5 Cell is part of the M5 Unit, whose role is to reject residual image motion beyond the correction capability of the telescope drives, down to a tolerance of a few tens of milli-arcsec accuracy, within a 10 Hz bandwidth.   

The M5 Cell is composed of the M5 Cell Structure and the M5 Tip-tilt stage. The M5 Cell Structure provides a rigid interface between the telescope structure and the tip-tilt stage.

The tip-tilt stage is composed of a base frame and three tip-tilt actuators. The tip-tilt stage interfaces with the M5 Mirror Assembly (made of the mirror with its mounting fixtures).

The M5 Cell will be delivered with its Local Control System controlling the actuators and interfacing with the telescope Central Control System.

The potential supplier shall perform the following activities at his own premises: design, analyse, fabricate, assemble, and verify the M5 Cell and its Local Control System. Upon successful acceptance by ESO, the supplier shall dismount the M5 Cell and pack it ready for shipment to Cerro Armazones in Chile.

Preliminary Inquiry

Released 31.08.2018

Closing date 05.10.2018

Call for tender

Released 06.12.2018

Closing date 22.02.2019

The contract was awarded to SENER AEROSPACIAL, SAU (ES)

ALMA/ADE/IMG

Call for tender for the Maintenance Services of the Fire Detection and Suppression Systems at ALMA Observatory, located 18 Km from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The service covers the preventive and corrective maintenance of all the fire systems installed at ALMA Operations Site Facilities (OSF - 2,900 m.a.s.l.) and at ALMA Array Operations Site (AOS - 5,000 m.a.s.l.).

All the services to be performed shall comply with the National Fire Protection Association regulations.

The Contract shall start on 1 July 2018 for a period of 3 years with 1 option to extend it by 2 years.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be released in Q4/2017 to potential bidders in Chile.

Release date: 26.07.2019

Closing date: 30.08.2019

The contract was awarded to Tyco Services S.A. for Lots 1 & 2 and Wilug Ltda  for Lot 3.

Call for tender for the Garbage Removal Services at the ALMA Observatory, located 18 Km from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The Contract will cover the activities associated with the handling of domestic garbage, non-dangerous industrial garbage, dangerous industrial garbage and liquid waste.

The scope of the services required for each activity includes:

-        the supply of the containers for garbage storage;

-        the removal and transport of the garbage from ALMA storing area using certified equipment;

-        the disposal of garbage and waste material into a certified final destination.

The ALMA storing area is located at Operations Site Facilities (OSF) 2,900 m.a.s.l.

All the services to be performed must comply with the Chilean regulations for transport and final disposal of waste and garbage.

The Contract shall start in Q4/2018 for a period of 3 years with 1 option to extend it by 2 years.

The Call for tender is scheduled to be released in Q3/2018 to potential bidders in Chile.

Call for tender

Release date:
18.07.2018

Closing date:
01.10.2018

The contracts were awarded to:

Lot 1: Domestic garbage: DISAL Servicios Sanitarios Portables Ltda. (CL)

Lot 2: Industrial garbage: Sociedad Comercial Alvarez y Alvarez Ltda. (CL)

Lot 3: Hazardous garbage: Algorta Ltda. (CL)

Request for information (RFI) to identify companies that are interested in, and capable of, providing an effective Electronic Document Management System for the ALMA Observatory.

The system shall comply with technical requirements such as document creation properties, revision control, powerful search engine, privilege restrictions, and workflow production.

The RFI is scheduled to be issued in Q3/2016 to potential suppliers in ESO Member States, Brazil and Chile.

Based on the outcome of the RFI, ESO is planning to release a Preliminary Inquiry in Q4/2016, which will be followed by a Call for tender planned to be released in Q1/2017.

Request for Information

Released 14.11.2016

Closing date 09.12.2016

ON HOLD