Eight companies have applied for the construction of the TUL laboratories

Liberec - Eight Czech companies have applied for the tender for a half-billion crown contract for the construction of new laboratories at the Technical University in Liberec. This was reported today by university spokesperson Jaroslava Kočárková to ČTK. The companies' bids are not yet known; the opening of the envelopes is scheduled for the end of next week.
Rector Zdeněk Kůs told ČTK today that he is pleased with the interest of companies in the contract. "Given the strict rules we have set, the level of interest is relatively high," he said.
The complex of new laboratories will be created thanks to support from the Operational Program for Research and Development for Innovation, from which the Liberec university has received 800 million crowns. However, only about half is intended for the construction of the new building; additional funds will go towards equipment and instruments. "The project is planned for four years, but the new laboratories must be completed by June 2012," Kůs said. The project is one of eight that received funding from the research and development program last year.
The modern laboratory complex will serve technical fields and research in the area of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. The facility will be built near Studentské náměstí on the university campus on unused land and will partially replace aging buildings. The construction of the new seven-story complex will be preceded by the demolition of old buildings. Work is expected to start this year. According to Kůs, the competition was open to all candidates from both Czech Republic and abroad. The university required experience with buildings of this type and size. Price and delivery timeline are decisive factors. "The price and completion time are binding; we do not expect reimbursement for so-called extra work, and for each day of delay, the contractor will pay substantial penalties," Kůs emphasized.
The laboratories represent the largest investment project in the 55-year history of the Liberec university. The goal of the project is to improve conditions for research and development, as well as for studies. The university will also gain space for further development thanks to them. "This is a project that in the first four-year phase entails construction and the acquisition of equipment, while simultaneously initiating research activities. After four years, it will need to generate funds not only for salaries but also for the renewal of equipment," said the rector. According to him, the laboratories should employ 80 to 100 specialists and will aim to secure around 100 to 150 million crowns annually from various sources for their operations.