Call for Expressions of Interest for new research facility at World Vegetable Center headquarters

SHANHUA, TAIWAN, 1 June 2018 — The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), an international nonprofit institute for vegetable research and development, seeks a diversity of ideas and options for the design and construction of a new research laboratory and its integration into the institution’s existing 120-hectare campus located in Shanhua, Tainan City, Taiwan.

In April 2018, WorldVeg received a USD 1.7 million (NTD 50,000,000) planning grant from the Taiwan Council of Agriculture (COA) to begin moving forward on a major USD 22 million (NTD 660,000,000) construction and renovation project to modernize the Center’s research infrastructure.

In line with the Center’s strategic and operational plans, the aim is to create a vibrant campus with new, fit-for-purpose facilities, new research platforms, and enhanced existing research structures.

“We want to ensure WorldVeg is properly equipped to deliver high impact vegetable science and applications well into the future,” said WorldVeg Director General Marco Wopereis. “We’re grateful to Taiwan COA for the financial support that will allow us to start making our vision of a modern open science center for vegetable research a reality.”

Improvements will include new laboratories, a new seed treatment facility, and capacity for controlled environment phenotyping.

Architectural and Engineering (A&E) firms interested in participating can schedule a site visit prior to submitting applications. Shortlisted firms will be invited to present their concepts to a selection panel composed of design experts and WorldVeg research staff, managers, and board members.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for architects with vision to help shape the future of southern Taiwan as well as gain international exposure,” said Yin-fu Chang, WorldVeg Deputy Director General – Administration & Services. Scientists, political leaders, and nongovernmental organizations from across the globe regularly visit the WorldVeg campus.

The Center has engaged Anthony Agostino, an independent research operations and infrastructure consultant who specializes in the biological and plant sciences, to help guide the early phases of the design and redevelopment process. Since 1995, Mr. Agostino has held a number of senior executive appointments within the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) with strategic and operational responsibility across the areas of research support, operations, and science infrastructure planning and renewal.

Architectural firms are invited to submit Expressions of Interest to undertake the project by the deadline of 09:00 am on 20 July 2018.

Send submissions to:

Mr. Chien-chu Chang (Senior Officer – Purchasing)
World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg)
PO Box 42
Shanhua, Tainan 74199
Taiwan

Tel: +886-(0)-6-583-7801
Fax: +886-(0)-6-583-0009
Email: purchasing@worldveg.org

Site visits can be scheduled on request.
For full details: https://avrdc.org/worldveg-rim-procurement/