CERN
Overview
CERN is the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, based in Geneva. It is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and offers many opportunities for UK companies to supply the products and services it requires. CERN spends in the region of £500 million annually on procurement.
In addition to the development of new technologies and new facilities, CERN is a large site with around 14,000 people so it has civil engineering requirements to maintain and develop infrastructure. CERN has broad requirements, including superconducting magnets, data storage and computing, cabling, office and laboratory equipment, financial, and legal and consulting services.
The UK ILO advertises opportunities are advertised via STFC’s Tender Opportunities Service, which you can register with to receive details of opportunities by sector.
How to access opportunities at CERN
CERN have two main processes for advertising tender opportunities. Price enquiries are for tenders values between 50 kCHF and 200 kCHF. Tenders valued above 200 kCHF have a two step process: first a market survey to identify potential suppliers, followed by an invitation to tender. Market surveys are published openly on CERN’s website, price enquiries are only distributed through the UK Industrial Liaison Office.
CERN’s technical and procurement staff propose suppliers for tender opportunities. It is therefore important for UK companies to build relationships with those staff, and our team can assist with this.
Procurement staff can select companies from CERN’s supplier database. To be selected, you need to register and keep your company’s contact information up to date.
The UK Industrial Liaison Office can also put forward additional companies to CERN. Opportunities are advertised through the STFC Tender Opportunities Service – register to receive tender announcements by sector for all facilities. We encourage you to talk to a member of the team to discuss your bid,
Support for UK companies
The UK Industrial Liaison team can support you by:
- providing advance notice of upcoming tenders
- offering support and advice on the tender process
- running targeted events to link UK companies with key staff at CERN
- working with CERN to improve procurement practices and processes.
- a part-time staff member based in Geneva who can assist with site visits and introductions to key staff.
Interested? Contact us to set up a meeting, or register on our database.
