The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA), on behalf of Gemini Observatory is soliciting proposals to design, fabricate, assemble, test, deliver, and commission Gemini Observatory's next facility class instrument, Gen 4#3. Gen 4#3 will be a wide-band medium-resolution spectrograph designed to take advantage of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) follow up opportunities.

Gen 4#3 will be a highly schedule driven project. The instrument must be commissioned by December 31, 2022 to coincide with the planned start of LSST survey operations. Gemini has a maximum available budget of USD 15,000,000 for a Gen 4#3 contract.

The solicitation is open worldwide and not restricted to the Gemini community. The solicitation is a Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be evaluated with evaluation factors provided in the solicitation. Proposals are due August 29, 2016. A pre-proposal conference will be held in Tucson, AZ, on June 8, 2016.

For the full RFP and more information, please visit: http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/future-instrumentation-amp-current-development/gen-43-home-page/rfp

Questions can be directed to Karen Godzyk via email at gen4_3rfp_submit@gemini.edu or via telephone at 520.318.8357.