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The ESA Industrial Ombudsman
 
The task of the ESA Industrial Ombudsman is an essential element in the implementation of best practices for the 'Selection of Subcontractors by Prime Contractors in the Frame of ESA's Major Procurements'.
 
The purpose is to ensure that Prime Contractors selecting sub-contractors in connection with Agency programmes, whether prior to or following the award of Agency contracts, conduct their procurement activities on a fair and equitable basis.

The responsibility of the ESA Industrial Ombudsman is to:
  • Facilitate the resolution of disputes among industry concerning ESA project procurements and technology development procurements, to ensure that all contractors have an equal opportunity to participate in ESA programmes.
  • Listen to concerns from industry about specific issues of competitiveness/competence and consult the appropriate persons within ESA to resolve such concerns before they become a major problem.
  • Facilitate communication between bidders, potential bidders, contractors and industry representatives to resolve any matters arising in the course of an ESA procurement.
The role of the ESA Industrial Ombudsman is carried out by two Ombudsmen.  
 

Alain Gaubert, appointed ESA Industrial Ombudsman on 1 February 2009

 
 
Alain Gaubert, ESA Industrial Ombudsman
Alain Gaubert
A physicist and engineer by training, Alain Gaubert designed instruments for scientific satellites in industry before joining CNES (French space agency/Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales). He then became technical advisor and manager of Prospace before returning to CNES where he directed the Industrial Policy Department. Later he became Secretary General of Eurospace.
 
 

Rolf Skaar, appointed ESA Industrial Ombudsman on 1 January 2010

 
 
Rolf Skaar, ESA Industrial Ombudsman
Rolf Skaar
Rolf Skaar has many years of experience as an engineer in charge of large and complex technical projects. He began his career as a manager responsible for an SME and then went on to work for a large space company with 4000 employees. Rolf Skaar was the Director General of the Norwegian Space Centre and the Head of the Norwegian Delegation to ESA for eight years; he also contributed to the start up of the European Space Policy Institute.
 
 

The Industrial Ombudsmen can be contacted at the following addresses:

 
Alain Gaubert, Industrial Ombudsman for ESA
13 rue de l’Esperance
F-75013 PARIS
France
Tel:+33 662 11 83 00
Fax: +33 170 71 95 78
Email: alain.gaubert@esaombudsmen.org


Rolf Skaar, Industrial Ombudsman for ESA
Eventyrvn 16,
NO-2020 Skedsmokorset
Norway
Tel: +47 905 66 785
Fax: +47 63876401
Email: rolf.skaar@esaombudsmen.org
 
 
Last update: 20 May 2010
 


Related links
Terms of Reference of the ESA Industrial OmbudsmanIntroduction to 'Best Practices for the selection of subcontractors'
 
 
 
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