The NCH is now engaging in a competitive process for the award of a Contract for the Supply, Delivery and Maintenance of Two New Grand Pianos. The total value of this contract is estimated to be below the EU threshold of EUR 207 000 (excl. VAT). As the contract is not subject to the Public Procurement Directives, the NCH has voluntarily advertised the contract in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

A derogation is being invoked for the choice of Steinway Pianos. This derogation, which is being invoked by analogy with Article 31 (1)(b) of Directive 2004/18/EC, is referred to expressly in Section 2.1.4 of Commission Interpretative Communication on the Community Law applicable to contract awards not or not fully subject to the provisions of the Public Procurement Directives (Doc 2006/C179/02).

The NCH requires the following goods to be delivered to the National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2.

— 1 No. Steinway Model D (8’ 11 ¾” (274 cm)), heavy full-bodied black polyester (high polish)/ebonised for its Main Auditorium Stage. All hardware is to be solid brass.

— 1 No. Steinway Model B (6’ 11” (211 cm)), heavy full-bodied black polyester (high polish)/ebonised for its Kevin Barry Room Recital Space. All hardware is to be solid brass.

The NCH requires that the successful supplier must be in a position to offer the NCH a choice of at least 6 Model D Concert Grands, one of which is to be selected by artists and/or piano technicians of the NCH’s choosing.

The NCH also requires that the successful operator must be in a position to offer the NCH a choice of at least 4 Model B Music Room Grands, one of which is to be selected by artists and/or piano technicians of the NCH’s choosing.

As part of the contract, the successful operator must provide ongoing Steinway approved specialist servicing, maintenance and repair to the highest level, in conjunction with the NCH piano technician, as befits a major international concert venue.