EMITS: Improving communication between ESA and industry

ESA works in co-operation with industry and R&D organisations throughout Eu rope and Canada. All Invitations to Tender issued in open competition by th e Agency are channelled through the Electronic Mail Invitation to Tender Sy stem (EMITS). EMITS is a web application that allows industry and R&D entit ies to access the Invitation to Tender documentation and other relevant inf ormation, to express their interest in participating in the various procure ments and making that interest known to ESA and other potential partners. This article provides a brief review of the EMITS system and highlights the most important features of interest for industry, R&D entities and nationa l delegations, as well as the further developments to be expected in the sh ort term.