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Enabling Members to do Better Business in Defence
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Welcome to the ADA Defence update for this week!
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Navy Conducts Successful Firing of Tomahawk Cruise Missile
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The Royal Australian Navy has achieved a major milestone in realising an enhanced and lethal surface combatant fleet, with Australia becoming only the third country in the world to acquire and fire a Tomahawk cruise missile.
HMAS Brisbane, a Hobart class destroyer, has successfully fired a Tomahawk missile during a test and evaluation activity conducted off the west coast of the United States.
In line with the priorities set out in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the Government is committed to accelerating the acquisition of long-range strike capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
With an extended range of up to 2,500km, the Tomahawk is a world-class capability, which allows maritime platforms to perform long-range precision strike against land targets. Acquiring this capability significantly enhances the ADF’s ability to deter against any potential threat and keep Australians safe.
Australia is one of only three nations alongside the United States and United Kingdom to acquire, and now fire, these missiles. This Tomahawk firing follows the firings of the Naval Strike Missile and Standard Missile 6 earlier this year and is a practical demonstration of the speed at which the Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to enhance the lethality of Navy’s surface combatant fleet.
Australia will acquire more than 200 Tomahawk missiles, which will be deployed in its Hobart class destroyers and future Navy platforms including Virginia class submarines and, subject to feasibility studies, the Hunter class frigates.
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Opportunities for SMEs in the defence industry will continue to grow and we are here to help and advocate for our members.
We would also like to hear from you if you have any news or stories about your business that may be of interest to other businesses and organisations.
We look forward to hearing from you.
mailto:info@australiandefencealliance.org.au
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Northrop Grumman Awards Contract to AW Bell to Further Australia’s Guided Weapons Manufacturing Capability
Northrop Grumman has expanded its investment in Australian sovereign weapons manufacturing through the award of a non-recurring engineering contract to A.W. Bell. This latest contract will enable the ongoing development of A.W. Bell’s titanium casting capability and further develops Australia’s sovereign guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) manufacturing capabilities.
A.W. Bell’s participation in Northrop Grumman’s Global Supply Chain Program has showcased titanium casting techniques with potential applications for programs like the company’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER). The firm was recently honored at the 2024 Northrop Grumman Supplier Excellence Awards with the Supplier Excellence award, recognizing their contributions and deliveries to key programs such as AARGM-ER. A.W. Bell is an Australian advanced manufacturing company that specialises in
machined casting solutions. Their capabilities include investment, sand and prototype casting production, precision machining, engineering, tooling, metallurgical servicing, NDT, inspection, finishing and assembly.
In 2023, A.W. Bell became the first Australian investment casting foundry for titanium. A.W. Bell supplies to industries such as aerospace, defence, biomedical, mining and rail, both locally and internationally. For more information, visit www.awbell.com.au.
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Growing & Skilling Australia's Submariner Workforce
The Government continues to invest in attracting and training the next generation of Navy Submariners in the Australian Defence Force, with work starting on a new training facility at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.
On the 9th December, the Government reached another major AUKUS milestone, with construction commencing on a new Training Centre at HMAS Stirling. This world-class facility will support the skilling of Australia’s submariner workforce, through local
submarine crew training and certification for work on Virginia class submarines, which Australia will acquire and operate from the early 2030s.
This $200m project forms part of the Government's $8 billion investment in infrastructure at HMAS Stirling.
The announcement coincides with the launch of the "I am a Submariner" campaign across social media, to raise awareness about what a career as a submariner in the Navy entails and the range of conventional and
nuclear-powered submarine roles and opportunities available
Read full press release>
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Government Progressing Land-based Maritime Strike Capabilities for the Australian Army
The Government is rapidly pushing ahead to equip the Australian Army with a second long-range fires regiment.
In line with the priorities of the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the Australian Army must be equipped with land-based, long-range fires to protect Australia’s northern approaches.
The Government will select from two options:
- The Precision Strike Missile fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher vehicle.
- The Naval Strike Missile fired from the StrikeMaster launcher vehicle.
To inform this selection process, a competitive evaluation process will occur over the course of 2025.
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Defence is delivering targeted outreach sessions in preparation for the end of the compliance transition period on 1 March 2025 for the new controls . These include:
- Virtual drop-ins: A series of weekly 30 minute webinars focused on key topics and with opportunity for questions.
- Information sessions: Virtual deep dives tailored by sector (industry, higher education/research, and Defence).
- In-focus roadshows: A series of in-person events across Australia targeted to persons responsible for compliance. Events will be arranged according to demand and an invitation with session times will be sent closer to the
date.
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| In Case You Missed These Announcements!
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The EMDG program provides grants to Australian small and medium enterprises and their representative bodies to:
- market and promote their goods and services globally
- undertake export training
Round 4 applications open for Tiers 1, 3 and representative bodies
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) online portal remains open for the following grant categories:
- Tier 1 – ready to export
- Tier 3 - exporting to new key markets
- Representative bodies.
It will remain open until all funds
are allocated. This may happen quickly, so don't delay. Even if you lodge your application prior to the closure of the online portal, you may not be successful. This is because the grant funding may have been already fully allocated to other applicants.
EMDG Round 4 is closed for Tier 2
EMDG funding has been fully allocated for Tier 2 – exporting within existing markets. We have closed the online portal for applications for this tier.
If you missed out on applying for Tier 2, you may consider Tier 3 provided you meet all eligibility requirements.
Remember, you must submit your Export Market Development Grant application through the EMDG online
portal. Make sure you have your information ready when you apply.
Once funding is fully allocated for Tiers 1, 3 and representative bodies, we will close the online portal for these applications too.
Please check the EMDG online portal for the funding allocation status for each tier. Make sure you follow the IT tips under the heading 'Improve your portal experience' to help you with a smooth lodgement process.
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AUKUS Licence Free Environment
Under the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024 (DTC Amendment Act), Australia has established a licence-free environment to promote strategic collaborations with our Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) partners.
The licence-free environment exempts certain Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) goods technology, services from permit requirements when transferring between Australia, the United States and/or the United Kingdom.
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The JOSCAR-AU system was established following an initiative led by a growing number of prime contractors as registered buyers together with the Commonwealth Government.
JOSCAR-AU is a cross-sector collaborative solution that reduces the time, cost, resources and duplication currently needed to provide information to major prime customers. Holding common supplier information in a central system, the JOSCAR-AU accreditation system allows information to be accessed by all participating buying organisations.
JOSCAR-AU is designed to make the process of pre-qualification or accreditation as efficient as possible – saving your company a significant amount of the time, effort and cost associated with working for multiple clients.
Hellios enables more effective compliance with client requirements for business through a single process. Your initial registration will determine the level of pre-qualification or accreditation that your clients require, based on an automated risk profile.
Expert advice is provided throughout the process to guide you including identifying potential business improvement opportunities that may increase your competitive advantage.
Registration on JOSCAR-AU is either by invitation from your registered JOSCAR-AU buyer or via self
nomination. If your buyer has asked you to complete the JOSCAR-AU questionnaire, they will contact Hellios directly on your behalf. Hellios will then process this request and send a link to the questionnaire for you to complete. If you would like to self nominate, please reach out at joscar@hellios.com.au.
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BAESA/GAP Industry Training: Estimating For Defence
BAE Systems Australia and the Global Access Program are pleased to once again offer Estimating & Pricing Industry Training during 2024.
Delivering competitive and defendable proposals for Defence requires a variety of estimating techniques to build robust, credible and defendable Basis of Estimates. Learn how to challenge your cost base, supplier quotes, estimates and price, and submit a compliant proposal that meets customer requirements, represents value for money, and can survive a cost investigation.
Estimating For Defence is a two day course developed by Estimating & Pricing (E&P) at BAE Systems Australia, and delivered in partnership with the Global Access Program (GAP).
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Open to Industry partners Based in Australia, Canada, and the UK
The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) aims to coalesce and expand the defense industrial base (DIB) in support of the Manufacturing, Capability Expansion, and Investment Prioritization Directorate (MCEIP) critical sectors and additional areas of interest. To align with the recent modification to the definition of Domestic Source for Title III of the Defense Production Act, and in keeping with the MCEIP vision of delivering a resilient U.S. supply chain and workforce able to respond in times of national security crisis, DIBC is excited to announce that we are opening membership to Industry partners in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This increased level of collaboration will aid the DIBC in achieving MCEIP’s
mission and vision.
The application to become a DIBC member can be found here. International members will need to apply for a NCAGE Code and UEI prior to joining DIBC. To apply for a NCAGE code, each organization will need to register at https://sam.gov/. Instructions on how to register can be found here.
If you have questions about the application process, please feel free to reach out to dibconsortium@ati.org.
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Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has announced a $20 million investment to provide small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth.
The funding will allow CSIRO’s SME Connect team to support up to 750 SMEs through a range of programs and initiatives that provide facilitation, training, dollar-matched funding and support to start-ups and SMEs seeking to engage in company-led research projects.
One of the programs being supported is SME Connects flagship program, CSIRO Kick-Start. Since its inception in 2017, the Kick-Start program has facilitated over 280 company-led R&D
projects, with alumni companies collectively holding a market value exceeding $2 billion.
Dr Doug Hilton, CSIRO’s Chief Executive, emphasised the significance of this investment and the transformative impact it would have for Australia’s critical SME sector.
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The Victorian Land Systems Fund – Supply Chain Uplift Program will support Victorian defence industry businesses to work with Hanwha Defense Australia (Hanwha) as part of its supply chain. The program will help build
businesses’ capabilities so they can help Hanwha deliver the Commonwealth Government’s $1 billion Land 8116 Self-Propelled Howitzer program.
Funding will support eligible Victorian businesses to:
- gain relevant accreditations and meet industry specific compliance requirements
- prepare tenders
- undertake minor facilities upgrades and equipment fit outs
- develop new or enhance current defence products or services
- undertake defence R&D
- participate in trade missions to pursue collaboration and export opportunities.
Businesses must engage with Hanwha and receive its support before applying.
Applications to the Victorian Land Systems Fund Supply Chain Uplift Program are now open and close on 30 June 2024 or until funds have been exhausted.
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Defence Industry Development Grants Program
The Defence Industry Development Grants Program (the program) will award grants over four years from 2024-25 to 2027-28. The program was announced as part of the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The objective of the program is to build the industrial base Australia needs to achieve Defence outcomes in areas of strategic priority.
The Defence Industry Development Grants Program funds four distinct grant opportunity streams tailored to address the program outcomes:
- Sovereign Industrial Priorities
- Skilling
- Exports
- Security.
These four grants opportunities will be assessed in batches. We will regularly update the closing dates for each batch on this page. You can apply at any time.
All projects are due to be completed by 31 Mar 2028.
About the streams
The Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream will assist eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to purchase manufacturing plant and equipment which is used directly to develop and/or deliver programs that are in line with the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs) described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Skilling stream helps Australian defence industry to upskill and train in priority trade, technical and professional skillsets to develop a workforce with the right mix of qualified and experienced personnel to meet Defence requirements. The program will enhance the capacity and capability of Australian defence industry workforce to deliver SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Exports stream provides support for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to overcome export barriers and help defence industry build scale and competitiveness in defence capability priority areas as identified by the SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Security stream helps Australian defence industry improve and maintain security in priority areas as identified by the SDIPs and in line with the Defence Industry Security Program.
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Industry Growth Program - Support for Innovative SMEs to Commercialise and Grow their Business
The program supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas through advisory services and opportunities for matched grant funding. Minor changes or improvements to existing products or services are not considered innovative.
You will be connected to an Industry Growth Program Adviser who will provide tailored advice to support your commercialisation and/or growth project.
Once you have received this advice, you may also be able to apply for:
- grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to support early-stage commercialisation projects
- grants of $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.
More info >
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Australian Space Industry Capability Database
The Australian Space Industry Capability database will open for industry submissions from mid-July. Companies can upload information on their:
• Location
• Capability
• Workforce
The database has been developed by SIAA and is supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the Australian Space Agency, the Office of Defence Industry Support and SmartSat CRC.
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Australia Partner Network
Leidos Australia is focused on working with Australian Industry for delivery of all of our projects. We know the importance of supporting the growth of sovereign capability and would like to work with more Australian businesses at all stages of our delivery lifecycle.
We encourage Australian companies, who are interested in working with us on the opportunities identified above or on other business requirements as they arise, to complete the following registration form.
In your submission, you should highlight your experience with any relevant Defence, Intelligence, ICT and cyber capabilities and technologies. Our team will then be in touch to identify potential next steps.
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ODIS provides a range of grants to support defence industry businesses. These grants help Australian small and medium enterprises grow to meet Defence capability needs and join global defence industry supply chains.
The ODIS Defence Business Readiness Tool (DBRT) is a platform used by our Industry Engagement Team to assess the Defence Readiness of Australian Small and Medium Enterprises. The DBRT is the first step in the journey to becoming a supplier to Defence.
To use this secure tool you must have an account. You can either sign in with an existing account or create a new one. You will need to provide your Australian Business Number (ABN) when registering your account. Get Defence Ready with DBRT 2.0 and unlock the true potential of your SME within the Defence industry!
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AusTender provides centralised publication of Australian Government business opportunities, annual procurement plans and contracts awarded.
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Grants and Programs Finder
If you’re doing business in Australia, this guided search will help you find grants, funding and support programs from across government.
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Here is a link to the ICN Gateway where you will find major Government and Defence work packages
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Is your business looking to sell to the Australian Government? The newly updated Selling to Government website has all the information and support you need to get involved in government procurement and contracting opportunities. Find out more > |
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| Domestic Event & Exhibitions
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Australian Defence Alliance Victoria Inc.
570 Bourke Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia
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