Latest News from ADA-Vic

Hi there,

Australia continues to update and upgrade, as we've seen this week with two new Chinooks obtained by the Australian Army.

These will be used all over the world, particularly where ground transport of heavy assets is not possible. Exercises Sea Explorer and Chau Pha (in regional Australia) are recent examples of troops preparing to operate in remote areas, such as in neighbouring countries around Oceania.

If you need support or still scratching your head wondering how to engage with and gain traction in the Defence Supply Chain, start attending our events and please get in touch today via info@australiandefencealliance.org.au so that we can point you in the right direction.

Update on CASG's Major Service Provider Review

The Major Service Provider Review was initiated by Defence in late 2020, and has been underway since January 2021 with the engagement of Mr Richard Raphael as the Independent Adviser.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken with a range of stakeholders, including Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises, Defence Support Services panellists, the Major Service Providers, Defence personnel, Industry Groups and other stakeholders.

As part of the review, an Industry Consultation paper was released in late February 2021, seeking feedback on the MSP arrangements from industry. In view of the high volume of responses received, the Review team opened the Industry Consultation Paper for additional feedback, closing the response period on Thursday 20 May 2021.

The findings of the Review are now being consolidated into a Report to Defence. In order to allow sufficient time for examination of all relevant issues and for Defence to consider the findings and recommendations, finalisation of the Report is expected towards the end of September 2021.

Once the Report and its recommendations have been accepted by Defence a briefing process will be undertaken with industry to report on the key findings of the Review and actions to be undertaken. Further information on the industry briefing will be provided closer to the finalisation of the Report.

Any queries in relation to the MSP review can be provided to the MSP Review team at mailto:casgcomm.divsstratpanelreview@defence.gov.au

New Zealand Procurement Advanced Notice

The Ministry of Defence (the Ministry) procures large scale equipment and support items on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

Subject to receiving all required approvals, the Ministry intends to procure for the NZDF, as part of the Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP), Utility Vehicles - Medium (UV-M) and Utility Vehicles - Light (UV-L) (together UV-M/L), along with an appropriate Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) system and Through Life Support (TLS)

This Advance Notice of Procurement is being issued to allow potential prime contractors to assess their suitability and to potentially seek and engage with appropriate subcontractors and suppliers, to assist tenderers to be ready to respond to a future formal Notice of Procurement (which would be likely to be an RFP or an RFT) for the UVM/L. The current intent, if approvals are received, is for a formal Notice of Procurement to be issued in Q4 2021, with target dates for UV-M/L deliveries commencing in 2023 and running through to 2024.

The Ministry is also issuing a separate Request for Information (RFI) to industry to seek information from suppliers who are interested in participating in any future UV-M/L procurement as suppliers or subcontractors to a tenderer offering to be a prime contractor.

Read More Here

Payment Times Reporting Act (2020)

Have you heard of the Payment Times Reporting Act 2020 (Cth) – Companies with a T/O greater than $100m will be required to publicly disclose payment practices to business suppliers (with turnover less than $10m).

Penalties of up to $66000 a day for failure to report. The aim of the act is to provide increased transparency and encourage fairer payment behaviours of larger business, particularly when the average across all industries is 63 days to get paid. Large entities have to report twice a year.

For more information on the legislation, click here.

The Defence + Industry Conference

From the D+I Conference Team

Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic and the current restrictions in place across a large portion of Australia, a decision has been made to defer the D+I Conference and Awards scheduled for July 2021.

The team are busy working to confirm arrangements for the new D+I dates during the first week of October 2021 (5-7 October).

Please put these new dates in your diary and keep your eye out for any updates as the program firms up and the website opens for registrations.

We appreciate your patience and understanding of this change and we look forward to seeing you back in the Nation’s Capital for D+I 2021 in October.

Was planned for 28-29 July 2021, the D+I Conference and Awards have been postponed and will be back soon (hopefully as a physical event at the National Convention Centre in Canberra).

more here

DEADLINE ALERT: DISER about to call for MMI grant applications

DISER is about to call for applications for grants worth up to $200 million as part of its Manufacturing Collaboration Stream under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI). Applications will open on 11 August, closing 9 September, but it plans to run a series of online information sessions from 13 to 21 July. These will address things like eligibility requirements and key points from the assessment criteria. Potential applicants can register here.

From Defence:

Defence’s COVID Industry Support Cell is still active and available to support industry. The call cab be contact by email on covid19.isc@defence.vic.gov.au
The Defence Innovation Hub has let 194 contracts worth around $350 million since its inception, with $110 million in contracts let it FY 2021-22. 88 percent of these contract are with SMEs
Defence Industry Division has established a small economic analysis team headed by Mr Josh Saunder, formerly of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Key focus of this teams is to:

Develop a better picture of the nexus between defence spending and economic outcomes
Identify the structural strengths and weakness of the defence industry sector and barriers to entry to better focus Commonwealth investment in the sector to create a long-term sustainable sector

Sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise:

The aim of the program is to establish a more self-reliance for guided weapons and explosive ordnance in Australia
It is comprised of seven capability elements:

Research and development
Test and evaluation
Storage and distribution
Maintenance
Disposal and demilitarisation
Training and education
Manufacturing

Planning is in progress, including industry consultation, to develop an implementation plan by the end of the year for Commonwealth Government consideration

There are likely to be several industry partners
The intent is to leverage existing facilities and capabilities
Commercial models need to deliver a long-term sustainable outcome that also provides flexibility for growth
Will consider co-investment with states and territories where that is appropriate.

The Major Service Provider system review is almost finished and a report will be provided to the Minister for Defence Industry soon.
Hon Melissa Price speaks about new shipbuilding jobs portal, "a game changer for jobseekers", more here
Army has released its Quantum Technology Roadmap, more here
Until then invoices less than $1 million will continue to be paid early and invoices over $1 million will revert to contracted payment terms
International freight management: $787 million has been provided by the Commonwealth Government to support international freight movement. More than 440 tonnes, worth around $6.7 billion, of high value perishable freight has been moved. Competition for sea freight has seen the demand for air freight increase. Air freight remains between 1.5 and 4.2 times its pre-COVID cost
Defence has released the 2021 Australian Defence Sales Catalogue. The catalogue includes a large number of Victorian businesses, more here and here
The Commonwealth Government has strengthened national security and is on track to deliver the 2020 Force Structure Plan with its 20-21 budget. See more here, here and here. In short:

The Defence budget for FY 2021-22 is $44.62 billion. A further $152.64 billion is forecast for the following three financial years
$73.25 billion is to be spent on capital acquisition (military equipment, estate, ICT) and $59.06 billion is to be spent on sustainment over the next four years
$220.1 million is forecast for estate expenditure in Victoria. Of this, $95.80 million is to be spent on various projects in the Puckapunyal Military Area
There are no major policy announcements in the defence budget, which remains on track to deliver on the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and the 2020 Force Structure Plan

The Minister for Defence Industry reinforces her commitment to Australian Industry Capability in her address to the Defence Connect Budget Lunch, more here
Global Victoria is delivering an Export Skills Program as part of the Victorian Government's $15.7 million Export Recovery Package (ERP), more here. The program aims to help Victorian businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) to grow and develop their export skills and capabilities
Team Defence Australia is planning to take a delegation to Sea, Air, Space in Washington USA from 1 to 4 August 2021. See more details on the ICN webpage here
The Commonwealth Government has released its Modern Manufacturing Strategy’s Defence National Manufacturing Priority road map, more here... and also the Modern Manufacturing Initiative - Manufacturing Integration Grant Program for the Defence sector is now open, more here

Links to Grant and Funding Programs:

Other News:

Elbit has been shortlisted for Land 125 Phase 4 – Integrated Soldier System, more here
Australian Defence Apparel has won a contract to supply uniforms to the New Zealand Defence Force. See more here.
Leidos joins the Boeing Defence Australia team for Joint Project 9102, more here
NextAero has been accepted into the DST Group /CSIRO D.Start program for early stage technology companies, more here
Moog has joined Nioa’s Australian Missile Company consortium for the sovereign guided weapons and explosive ordnance capability, more here
The University of Melbourne will lead a collaborate with other Australian and US universities to develop autonomous cyber security systems through robust and effective teaming of bots and humans, more here
Hanwha’s Redback IFV will be trialled by the Republic of Korea next year as part of its force modernisation plans, more here
The Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (Avalon 2021) will be held at Avalon Airport, from Tuesday 30 November to Sunday 5 December 2021
AVALON 2021 will provide Victorian industry with the opportunity to showcase their capabilities to the domestic and international defence industry, to attract new business contacts, strengthen working relationships and secure business contracts. It will also provide an opportunity to strengthen existing commercial industry and defence networks
For further details on AVALON 2021, visit https://www.airshow.com.au/
The Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) will once again have a large exhibition pavilion at AVALON 2021, with the aim of promoting Victoria's strengths in the Aviation, Defence, Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing industries

The exhibition Pavilion will consist of a reception desk, 28-30 exhibitor pods, meeting room(s), storage space and a break-out meeting area.
Opportunities for introductions to key defence contacts and visiting delegations
One company representative invited to attend the Victorian Government Industry Event at Government House
Access to all the Victorian Government Pavilion facilities, including refreshments (barista & cold beverages supplied) and wireless internet

Hanwha teams with Elphinstone for the manufacture of hulls for the Redback vehicle, more here
Ticket are now available for the ADM’s Women in Defence Awards Gala Dinner on 30 July 2021, more here
A number of Victorian businesses and individuals featured in Space Connect’s Australian Space Awards 2021:

Melbourne Space Program’s Steven Despotellis won Graduate of the Year
Swinburn’s Alan Duffy won Academic of the Year
Boeing Research and Technology Australia won Research and Development Business of the Year
More here

Agent Oriented Software partners with Raytheon on enhanced battlespace management capability, more here
Anywise partners with Athene AI to develop a vision-based Health and Usage Monitoring System (a data-driven sustainment solution), more here
Glen Ferrarotto founder of Ironside Recruiting, which support veterans to find employment, speaks on a Defence Connect Podcast, listen here
Leonardo Australia has announced that it will tender for project SEA 1442 Phase 5 – Maritime Communications Modernisation, more here
The Victorian Government has announced support packages to assist SMEs and sole traders unable to operate during the COVID restrictions now in place, more here
The Victorian Government announces recent support for Sypaq and Moog, and significant investment in the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, more here
UNEEK Bending Co has received a Defence Global Competitiveness Grant, more here
Mackay Rubber is confirmed as a supply chain partner on the Hunter Frigate program, more here
Thales Australia and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems have entered into an agreement to enhance Thales’s munitions capability, more here
The Prime Minister visited Aquaterro on 20 May 2021, more here
Naval Group has released EOIs for $100 million in for items to fit out the Attack Class shipyard. The EOIs are on Naval Group’s Industry Capability Network portal, more here
Victorian companies, Leonardo Australia and Advanced Technology Testing and Research have entered into a strategic partnership, more here
Australian Defence Apparel unveils future ready apparel systems at Land Forces, more here
ANCA Engineering Solutions has been selected by Hanwha as part of its Land 400 Phase 3 supply chain, more here
Marand signs a partnership deal with Rheinmetall on Land 400 Phase 3, more here
Elbit Systems Australia remains confident it can resolve issues around Army’s land battle management system. See more here
The Australian Simulation Congress is scheduled to take place 9 to 11 November 2021, more here
Australian Defence Industry Awards are open for nomination now, more here
ATTAR announces a strategic partnership with Leonardo Australia to deliver Advanced Non-Destructive Testing at Leonardo’s centre of excellence in Fishermans Bend, Victoria
The Victorian FY2021-22 state budget has provided $5.4 million over two years to support the defence industry sector. This support will be provided through the Defence Capture Team, the Victorian Defence Industry Advocate and the operations of the Defence Council of Victoria, the Victorian Defence Alliances and the Defence Science Institute
From the DSI:

Applications are open through the DSI for the Artificial Intelligence for Decision Making Initiative Round 2, more here
DARPA Opportunity – In-Pixel Intelligence Processing invitation to submit research concepts, more here
US Department of Defense Opportunity – Advancement of Technologies for use by Special Forces, more here
US Army Research Office Opportunity – LPS Qubit Collaboratory, more here

Secure Facility for Defence Industry
(Common User Facility)

The Victorian Common User Facility is an initiative to facilitate enhanced engagement by Victorian businesses and the innovation community with Defence and National Security programs. This unique facility is the first of its type in Australia.

Located in the Melbourne CBD, the facility allows appropriately-cleared personnel to access Defence secure networks, and provides secure offices and work areas for undertaking limited-duration activities such as meetings, bid preparation, and small-scale experiments. The facility also contains a secure Video Teleconference (VTC) room.

The facility has reached Initial Operating Capability, and is now available for use by Victorian businesses

For enquiries regarding use of the facility, please contact: Joshua Yuson

Australian Missile Corporation (AMC)
Continues to Grow

As AMC continues to grow, global aerospace and defence technology giant L3Harris is the latest partner to join.

With strong links to the Australian Defence Force is set to join forces with the Australian Missile Corporation. L3Harris has confirmed its collaboration with the AMC which was created on the back of the Australian Government’s plan to accelerate a domestic guided missile manufacturing enterprise. The AMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIOA – the largest Australian-owned supplier of weapons and munitions to the ADF.

Read More Here

Victorian Government Launches

$15.7 million
Export Recovery Package (ERP)

Global Victoria is delivering an Export Skills Program as part of the Victorian Government's $15.7 million Export Recovery Package (ERP), more here.

The program aims to help Victorian businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) to grow and develop their export skills and capabilities.

Want to know more?

For more information about the Export Skills Program, contact us by sending an email to info@global.vic.gov.au

Defence National Manufacturing
Priority road map released

The Goals

2 years: Manufacturers are investing more in addressing Defence priority capabilities and other market opportunities have improved their linkages within the defence ecosystem.

5 years: Greater manufacturing capability and increased participation in defence supply chains by Australian businesses. Smaller manufacturers are scaling up, creating the underrepresented ‘middle’ of the defence industry.

10 years: More Australian businesses are contributing to local and international defence supply chains, while more Australian innovation and intellectual property is contributing to products supplied to the ADF and other markets.

For the website with more details see more here

RMIT - HAPS Challenge
(High Altitude Pseudo Satellites)

The HAPS Challenge aims to energise local Australian development of key technologies and to ensure Australian sovereign HAPS that have accurate station-keeping capability or long endurance capacity needed to allow deployment over an area of operations for a period of days to weeks.

Trusted Autonomous Systems, SmartSat CRC, and RAAF Air Warfare Centre in association with SLWDAC at RMIT invites Australian companies to enter the High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) Challenge. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to our national capability.

Phase 2 Submission Due Date = 8th October 2021

Phase 2 Shortlist for Phase 3 completed = 12th November 2021

Phase 3 Commencement = 15th November 2021

Phase 3 completion and demonstration = 20th May 2022

More information on how to enter can be found here