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..