This Invitation to Tender (ITT) has been prepared by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, (governed by its Convention and associated Protocol on Privileges and Immunities which came into force on 1 November 1975, and was amended on 6 June 2010) ("ECMWF") for the purposes of obtaining proposals from Tenderers for the procurement of IT data storage equipment and related support services.

This ITT is expected to result in the setting up of a framework contract with 5 to 10 suppliers, with the ultimate purpose of securing the best value for money in the provision of IT data storage equipment and related support services. The suppliers admitted onto the framework will be invited to compete for future purchases of similar types of equipment to those specified in the ITT documents. The initial framework will be for three years with the possibility of extension for a further two years. ECMWF may reopen the competition at a later date to add additional suppliers to the framework on the same conditions.

In addition, this ITT intends to place an order for an Initial Purchase (Lot 1) comprising equipment from the supplier providing best value for money for this Lot 1, which has also been selected for the framework.

Suppliers may submit Tenders for inclusion onto the framework without bidding to supply Lot 1.