Replacement Telescope Solution Airdrie Library Observatory

Tender description

As part of the preparatory work for a potential future procurement procedure, North Lanarkshire Council (the “Council”) is looking to engage with the market for the purchase and installation of telescopes within Airdrie Observatory. The telescopes may be used by both the public and local partners. Training must be provided for council staff and partners (where applicable). Lot 1: Within any potential future contract, services required would involve the provision of an 8” aperture refractor telescope, robotic telescope mount, all sky telescope and solar telescope. Installation of the equipment and staff training will also be required as will any and all additional resources such as a high specification computer designed specifically for astronomy use that will be used to remotely control the telescope and an APS-C sized colour sensor for live stacking and longer exposure imaging use. There will also be a requirement to enable live streaming of telescope images to the immersive room onsite and to the three other immersive rooms situated across the authority. The ability to record live stream sessions is also required. To enable the Council to plan and prepare for any future procurement procedure, the Council would like to invite interested parties to complete and return the attached Market Engagement Questionnaire as instructed within. The main objectives of this PIN and any future contract are to develop options to: -Replace the existing 6-inch equatorial refractor telescope with a modern larger aperture refractor telescope with digital capability. -Develop custom mounting hardware and brackets to adapt the mount to the existing pier and to mount the new telescope. -Install a solar telescope. -Install an all-sky camera. -Working with partners support and develop options for linking the telescopes to the onsite immersive room and the three other immersive rooms situated across the authority. -Install all relevant equipment and deliver onsite training to staff. These improvements will enable the service to: -To improve access to and use of an upgraded telescope, particularly for those users who are not able to access it in person, by linking an upgraded offer to the new immersive room. -To better foster, promote and encourage astronomical observations, the science of astronomy, spaceflight and related sciences to all members of the public. -To improve knowledge and understanding of the historic legacy of the current and previous telescope by developing a permanently mounted exhibition, within the library, as part of the Rediscovering Airdrie project. -To work with partners to improve the use of the observatory throughout the year and increase the scope of science and other activities that are delivered.