The Federal Government has announced that Australian science and industry organisations are being invited to submit their designs and engineering works for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

The Federal Government has announced it will give Australian organisations the opportunity to compete for pre-construction work packages on the SKA and will provide financial support through the $18.8 million SKA Pre-Construction Grants Program.

“The SKA project is a unique opportunity for Australia to shine internationally and it is essential that we support local science and industry in this venture," Federal Minister for Science and Research Chris Bowen said.

"This Government investment will help the Australian science community to play a leading role in this global infrastructure project.

"Australia has world class science institutions and industry, so I am confident that our scientists and engineers are well placed to be involved in key elements of research and development for the SKA."

The international Request for Proposals is available on the international SKA website atwww.skatelescope.org/publications/request-for-proposals/

Customer guidelines for the SKA Pre-construction Grants Program can be found atwww.ska.gov.au