The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stated that three consortia were qualified for the second phase of the Azores ISLP -Competitive Dialogue Procedure Programme for the Construction and Operation of a Space Port on Santa Maria Island.
 
Gui Menezes pointed out that the consortia were selected by the jury of the tender. They will now have a stipulated deadline of 20 days to submit the technical solution proposals, according to the provisions of the descriptive document.
 
The selected consortia have provided the documentation ensuring compliance with the technical and financial requirements laid down in the descriptive document.
 
The procedure in question is made up of three distinct phases. Currently, the qualified consortia for the next phase will present the technical solution proposals that will be under assessment with a view to their participation in the dialogue with the jury.
 
During the second phase, the jury will identify the best solution for preparing the specifications which, in the final phase, will make up the tender specifications to which the selected bidders will respond with a final proposal.
 
The Secretary for Technology restated that this procedure "is primarily intended to ensure the Region's interest." In this context, he highlighted that, through this project, it will be possible “to attract companies from the aerospace sector to Santa Maria, thus contributing to local development in a long-term strategy."