Stargazing Development Partner - Initial Market Testing

Descriptions

Swansea Council is a unitary authority in South West Wales serving a population of 240,000 people,. Gower Activity Centres are a department of Swansea Council which offers positive life experiences to young people and families through residential trips and outdoor activity provision. Gower Activity Centres would like to develop its provision to include stargazing as an activity to both internal subsidised customers such as local schools, young people services, and pupil referral units, as well as developing a commercial product and client base through stargazing themed events and activities.In order to develop a stargazing product Gower Activity Centres have already hosted a number of stargazing events, are involved in an application to gain the Gower region an international dark sky designation, and are about to carry out a feasibility study on their facility at Rhossili in order to best factor stargazing into its future provision. Therefore Gower Activity Centres are looking for a development partner to work collaboratively an all of the above elements.We would be interested in hearing from you if you:* Are an organisation with astronomy and its associated activities as its primary purpose* Have a proven track record in delivering astronomical training and services* Have a proven track record of delivering astronomical activities with an educational framework* Have a proven track record of delivering astronomical activity as a commercial offering* Have a proven track record of working with the International Dark Sky Association* Have experience of working on dark sky designation applications* Have experience in carrying out dark sky reports and assessments* Have experience in working collaboratively with public body organisationsAt this stage the Council is seeking to determine the most appropriate approach to any future procurement exercise and therefore seek the views of interested parties to help inform the process. To this end, interested parties are invited to initially submit responses on why they would be interested in this opportunity and how they meet the above criteria's.Responses are to be sent to goweractivitycentres@swansea.gov.uk no later than 27/07/2018 with the subject line stating 'Stargazing EOI' and covering the following points.1.Name of your organisation and brief description of its background and experience.2.Would you be interested in tendering for the opportunity described above? If so , please provide brief details of what you are able to provide.3.Any other comments/suggestions i.e. possible value-adds and information on any contractual considerationsNOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=83620.