At first glance, the Aramis tender process may seem like a straightforward procurement exercise: selecting the right suppliers and signing contracts. In reality, however, it’s a meticulous procedure that requires full transparency and impartiality at every stage — and it takes months.

The Aramis project involves building a CCS transport infrastructure from scratch. Selecting contractors for such a big project isn’t just about getting the job done — it’s about doing it right. Since Aramis is partially publicly funded, strict European procurement rules apply. Impartial competition, openness, cost-efficiency and quality are crucial. It’s a complex process requiring skill, precision and strategic thinking. Contracting & Procurement Lead Arzu Öztürk reflects on how she navigates — and enjoys — the complexities of procurement, from market research to the final contract.

Market survey
Arzu and the technical team start by thoroughly researching the market: “We need to fully understand the playing field.” They explore industry capabilities, assess potential suppliers and set clear criteria. The insights gained help shape important decisions on project scope, pricing and contracts later on. The team begins this process well before officially inviting tenders. Arzu adds, “It’s crucial for transparency and attracting the right suppliers.”

Tender publication
When Arzu is confident that all information is complete and accurate, the tender is published on Tender Electronic Daily (TED), the European public procurement platform. From that moment, it is publicly accessible. “This is a challenging step because once a tender is published, there’s no way back. We must be 100% sure all relevant information is included.”

With the tender live, companies from around the world can now submit their interest.

Pre-qualification
All interested suppliers submit key details such as their financial situation, technical expertise and certifications. This ensures only capable candidates move forward, saving time and reducing potential risks. Arzu says, “We use predefined selection criteria, known to all suppliers, to ensure a fair process.”

The team then shortlists those who meet all requirements and informs the shortlisted bidders. The Aramis project completed this phase in December 2024.

Invitation to tender
This is where the actual bidding takes place. Aramis provides the shortlisted suppliers with identical tender documents, ensuring equal treatment of all candidates. Suppliers then prepare detailed tender proposals, including everything from technical specifications and costs to timelines and risk assessments. They can also ask questions at this stage. Finally, suppliers submit their bids before the deadline — late or incomplete submissions are automatically disqualified.

Evaluation and selection
“After an initial compliance check, we carefully evaluate all proposals on quality, feasibility, innovation, sustainability and cost”, explains Arzu. “If anything is unclear, Aramis asks suppliers for more information. Each proposal is scored against predefined, weighted criteria, ensuring impartial ranking. The bidder with the highest overall score wins the contract.”

Contract finalisation
The winning bidder is formally notified, and unsuccessful bidders receive feedback on their proposals. Arzu emphasises, “Being open about our decisions is a key part of our job.” Next comes a 20-day legal protection period, during which unsuccessful bidders can request detailed reasoning for the decision. “It’s a tense but necessary stage of the process”, she adds.

Once this period ends and final checks are complete, the contract is signed. This marks the transition to project execution and the end of the pre-award phase.

High stakes and high standards
The tender process typically lasts between seven and twelve months and involves careful risk management. European procurement laws are complex and demand precision, as does the need for complete integrity throughout the entire process. Market uncertainty adds to the complexity, and the workload is high. But, according to Arzu, that is also what makes it so interesting: “I really enjoy the dynamic nature of the process and the strategic role I play in it. The pace is fast, the stakes are high, and the job requires a lot of industry knowledge. That’s exactly what keeps me engaged.”