Call for Interest: Total Contractor for the BIS Campus Development project

The Campus Development project is a proposed initiative of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel to develop its headquarters. If realised, the project will include the demolition of aged buildings on the premises, construction of a new landmark high-rise tower connected to the existing Tower, and the creation of modern office, conference, meeting and collaboration spaces to support the institution's international activities.

The development activity will combine complex high-rise construction, integration with an operational headquarters campus, extensive stakeholder coordination, sustainability objectives and delivery of high-quality facilities for senior representatives of central banks and international financial organisations. The works also include associated infrastructure, building services, security systems and phased construction activities to maintain uninterrupted BIS operations throughout the project.

The BIS has submitted the building permit request to the local authorities and is now initiating preparations for the proposed construction works tender through this Call for Interest. Contract signing and construction are contingent on a final decision by the BIS to proceed with the construction phase, which is expected for 2028.

Purpose of the Call for Interest

This Call for Interest aims to identify potential contractors with the capacity, skills and experience to successfully deliver the construction of the new building. Interested companies are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form (see below) to confirm their qualifications and interest in participating in the subsequent prequalification stage.

Selection

The current timeline for selecting a Total Contractor for the construction (for SIA Phases 51, 52 and 53) is as follows:

• Prequalification stage: October–November 2026
• Technical and contractual clarification stage: January–June 2027
• Invitation to tender: October 2027–February 2028

Eligibility criteria

To express interest, companies must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Proven experience as a Total Contractor in Switzerland.
• Successful delivery of large-scale construction projects (of at least 40 metres in height) within the last 10 years.
• Demonstrated expertise in hybrid construction methods (eg timber-concrete).
• Capacity to communicate effectively in both English and German (orally and written) throughout all project phases.

Next steps

Following the review of EOIs, a longlist of potential contractors will be established. The BIS will inform the companies which submitted an EOI form whether they have been longlisted. These firms will then be invited to participate in the pre-qualification stage. After signing a non-disclosure agreement provided by the BIS, longlisted companies will receive additional project specifications, details and requirements.

The BIS reserves the right to perform a preselection process at its sole discretion. 

Contact information

If you have any queries on the process, please contact campus.procurement@bis.org.