One central feature of Empa’s procurement process is the extraordinary range of products that need to be acquired – from highly specialized and innovative facilities, equipment and apparatus all the way to countless standard goods and consumer materials for the offices, labs and workshops. These also include services (e.g. cleaning, maintenance for machines and equipment, insurance services etc.). The economical, sustainable and timely procurement and provision of need-based goods and services plays a key role in this respect. As a research institution in the ETH Domain, Empa’s procurement process is subject to Swiss federal law, the Ordinance on Public Procurement and the ETH Domain’s General Terms and Conditions.