Opportunity for Industry – SKA-Low Antenna Assembly & Deployment

Oct 8, 2025 | All, Industry, SKAO

08/10/25

Opportunity Description

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) continues to progress the construction of the SKA-Low telescope, located at Inyarrimanah Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO’s Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in Western Australia. To meet delivery milestones and optimise internal resources, the SKAO intends to award a contract for the assembly and deployment of approximately 50,000 lightweight aluminium SKA-Low antennas to a suitably qualified contractor. The estimated contract value is AUD $5 million (€2.8 million), with commencement expected in early 2026 and a duration of 12–24 months, covering full assembly and deployment within the central core area. The SKAO will retain technical oversight of specialised activities such as Power and Signal Distribution (PASD), integration, and system-level commissioning.

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will be responsible for:

• Assembling and deploying antenna stations within the designated core area.
• Coordinating with SKAO-provided antenna assembly facilities on site.
• Managing and transporting personnel, including provision of light vehicles.
• Complying with SKAO’s QA/QC and technical specifications.
• Adhering to site Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) requirements.

The SKAO will provide:

• Assembly facilities and ergonomic tools.
• Detailed technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Detailed technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Detailed technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Each SKA-Low antenna stands approximately 2 metres tall, weighs around 11 kg, and consists of:

• 4 aluminium antenna arms
• 3 plastic spacers
• 2 Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs)
• 2 coaxial cables
• 1 motherboard

All fasteners, fixings, and ergonomic assembly tools will be provided by SKAO to support on-site work.

Commitment to Local and Indigenous Engagement

The SKAO is committed to supporting economic participation and development opportunities for the Wajarri Yamaji, the Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of the lands on which the observatory is being built. Local and Indigenous businesses and consortia are especially encouraged to apply, particularly those demonstrating one or more of the following elements:

• Businesses that are at least 50% Wajarri-owned, and registered with the Wajarri Business Directory, the Aboriginal Business Directory WA, or Supply Nation.
• Proposals that include subcontracting or partnering with local and Indigenous businesses.
• Initiatives that deliver sustainable economic and social benefits to the Indigenous community, such as employment, training, or community engagement programs.

Important Dates

• Notice publication period: 8 September – 3 November 2025
• Application deadline: 3 November 2025 (23:59:59 CET)
• Expected contract start: early 2026

Call link

Official qualification notice and documentation available on the SKAO procurement portal..

Opportunity for Industry – Power Supply for the SKA-Low Telescope (Phase 2)

Oct 8, 2025 | All, Industry, SKAO

08/10/25

Opportunity Description

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) has published a Market Survey Notice for the SKA-Low Central Power Station Phase 2 project, located at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (Inyarrimanah Ilgari Bundara) in Western Australia.

The objective of this survey is to gather input from the market on the readiness, capability, and interest of potential suppliers to design, build, and operate a remote hybrid power station that will supply electricity to the SKA-Low telescope site under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will be responsible for:

• Designing, building, and operating a hybrid power station (diesel / solar photovoltaic / battery).
• Integrating the existing Phase 1 diesel system into the new Phase 2 infrastructure.
• Integrating the existing Phase 1 diesel system into the new Phase 2 infrastructure.
• Maximising the contribution of renewable energy sources, with an estimated photovoltaic capacity between 8 and 16 MWp.
• Ensuring reliable and efficient power delivery to the SKA-Low telescope through the existing 11 kV network.

Key Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in the design, construction, and operation of hybrid energy systems.
• Technical and financial capability to undertake a long-term PPA.
• Understanding of the regulatory and operational environment in Western Australia.
• Interest and availability to participate in the forthcoming Invitation to Tender (ITT) process to be launched by SKAO.

Commitment to Local and Indigenous Engagement

The SKAO is committed to supporting economic participation and development opportunities for local and Indigenous communities, particularly the Wajarri Yamaji, the Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of the lands where the observatory is located. Participation is especially encouraged from local and Indigenous companies and consortia that include one or more of the following elements:

• Businesses that are at least 50% Wajarri-owned, and registered with the Wajarri Business Directory, the Aboriginal Business Directory WA, or Supply Nation.
• Proposals that include subcontracting or partnering with local and Indigenous businesses.
• Initiatives that deliver sustainable economic and social benefits to the Indigenous community, such as employment, training, or community engagement programs.

Important Dates

• Preliminary publication of specifications: 8 September 2025
• Planned start of ITT process: to be announced soon

Call link

Official documentation and Market Survey Notice available on the SKAO procurement portal..

Opportunity for Industry – Quality Control Inspection Services in China

Aug 12, 2025 | All, Industry, SKAO

11/08/25

Opportunity Description

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) has launched a Market Survey Notice for the provision of inspection and quality control services for large precision metal structures manufactured in China. The work is linked to the production of critical components for the SKA-Mid radio telescope, located in South Africa.

Scope of Work

The contractor will be required to:

• Carry out inspections of materials and components at source.
• Verify measurements and tolerances during production.
• Oversee quality testing and dimensional control.
• Review and approve shipments, including supervision of loading.
• Prepare technical reports and follow up on any issues.
• Support visits by SKAO personnel to suppliers in China.

Key Requirements

• Specialised personnel based in China, available at short notice for on-site inspections.
• Chinese nationality for assigned personnel (security requirement).

Important Dates

• Planned procurement process start date: 18 August 2025
• Deadline to express interest: 15 September 2025

Call link

Market survey and official documentation available on the SKAO procurement portal.