The project “3rd round of modernization of Irbene radio telescope complex” (No. 1.1.1.4/17/I/010) is based on the VIRAC development strategy for 2016-2020. The project was primarily intended for the modernization of the Irbene radio telescope complex, implementing the activities not implemented in the 2nd round of modernization and arranging the operation of the radio telescopes.

On July 28, 2020, amendments to the project agreement were approved, which envisage abandoning the previously planned purchase of a multifunctional mobile laboratory, the purchase of equipment necessary for the construction of the engineering infrastructure of the Short Base Interferometry Radio Astronomical System Control System and DBBC new generation equipment,, by allocating the funding for these activities to the purchase of broadband cryogenic receiver components for VLBI and single antenna observations, the costs of which have significantly increased, as well as by building a receiver booth for the RT-32 radio telescope.

The amendments also extended the project implementation period by six months, i.e. until 31 July 2021.

After several unsuccessful procurements, on July 28, 2020, a repeated procurement of construction works was announced for the repair of premises in the radio telescopes RT-16 and RT-32, which envisaged reducing the volumes of construction works in order of priority to fit into the project budget. However, after receiving the bids and evaluating the costs of other concurrent and planned procurements, on 17 September the procurement was terminated and at the end of September it is planned to announce the procurement of new works with even reduced volumes, planning repairs only in the RT-16 radio telescope.

On September 9, 2020, the decision on the results of the procurement “RT-32 mirror surface adjustment accuracy study, adjustment service and purchase of microwave holography system for RT-32 mirror surface control” (procurement ID No. 2020/09 / ERDF) was announced. No tender was received for the first part of the procurement “RT-32 mirror surface accuracy study and adjustment service”, thus in accordance with the procurement regulations for this part the procurement was terminated and due to limited project funding this part will not be performed. 

For the second part of the procurement tenderer “Purchase and delivery of microwave holography system RT-32 for regular control of mirror surface errors and training of the personnel of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Institute of Engineering Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” (hereinafter - VIRAC), The only tenderer to be awarded the contract was MT Mechatronics, a company established in Germany.

On September 17, 2020, an open tender was announced “Purchase of Broadband Cryogenic Receiver Components for VLBI and Single Antenna Observations” (Procurement ID No. VeA 2020/07 / ERDF) for purchase of RT-32 cryogenic and vacuum system components and cooling low-noise amplifier RT-32 Purchase of L / S range receiver.
Application deadline - October 15, 2020

Project manager: Baiba Reimane