November 2022 newsletter
As the year draws to a close we reflect on the fantastic effort Territory businesses have made to become more engaged in Defence programs, projects and opportunities. A lot of this is made acheiveable through various industry events, briefings and trade shows that are hosted by Defence, industry associations and government departments, including our own. We always strive to improve our event and service offering and welcome advice and recommendations to be sent to defence@nt.gov.au.
Last week Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) hosted their inaugural Defence industry readiness forum in Darwin. This provided industry with up to date information on how to work in the domestic defence supply chain and hear presentations from members of Regional Force Surveillance Group, Capability Acquisition Sustainment Group and various levels of industry stakeholders delivering to defence across various programs.
Next year the Northern Australia Defence Summit will be taking place on Wednesday 17th May and following the success of our inaugural NT Defence Week in April this year, we are planning to again cluster events around this to give local industry the opportunity to promote their capability to defence and industry leadership visiting the region. Our engagement in Katherine and Alice Springs is just as important and we look forward to bringing the Defence Industry Roadshow series to the regions in mid-2023.
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Growing and promoting defence industry in the Northern Territory is a core business function of DefenceNT. Participating in Australia’s premier international defence and industry trade shows are pivotal to showcasing Territory capability and connecting businesses with Defence and prime contractor decision makers.
On the back of successful trade show missions to Indo-Pacific and Land Forces this year, we are now planning to lead an aerospace industry delegation to the Avalon Aerospace and Defence Exposition, which is taking place at Avalon Airport, near Geelong, from 28 February to 3 March 2023. If you are interested in attending please fill out this Expression of Interest and return to DefenceNT defencent@nt.gov.au by COB 16 December 2022.
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The NT Government has announced a study into reducing unemployment and underemployment of ex-serving Defence personnel.
The Territory Government is encouraging ex-serving Defence personnel to engage in the Northern Territory Public Service (NTPS) workforce, assisting their transition to civilian life. A number of options for increasing veterans’ employment will be assessed, including positive promotion opportunities, training and skills development.
A study will be undertaken to investigate and identify the challenges affecting transitioning veterans seeking employment with the NTPS.
A reference group, including representatives from the veterans’ community, NT Essential Service Operators, industry groups and other key stakeholders, will convene as a source of advice to inform the study.
Policy areas that align with work undertaken during service will be considered, along with ways for ex-service members to overcome barriers to NTPS employment opportunities and strategies that can be implemented to assist veterans to secure NTPS roles.
The Territory Government will promote and build awareness about employment options in the NTPS among the NT’s veteran community.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Paul Kirby says ‘Ex-service personnel possess a variety of skills and traits that can enhance the public service and make a positive contribution to our workforce.’ -
Many Darwin based contractors travel to Katherine to deliver Defence projects, support platforms and carry out ongoing maintenance at RAAF Base Tindal. Over the past 18 months this workforce has surged and accommodation and housing supply is in short supply as a result.
To relieve accommodation pressures the Northern Territory Government has released a Request for Tender (RFT) seeking submissions from interested parties to deliver new residential dwellings in Alice Springs and Katherine. These dwellings will support the ongoing delivery of services in the region and also provide residential accommodation.
In total, this project aims to deliver 180 dwellings in Alice Springs and 240 dwellings in Katherine. Half of these will be used for key workers, the remainder to be offered for sale or rent in the private market. The NT Government requires, and will commit to a minimum 10 year head-leases for up to 90 key worker dwellings in Alice Springs and 120 key worker dwellings in Katherine. The residential dwellings are to be designed, delivered and maintained by the private sector.
The residential accommodation sought represents an important element of the NT Government's vision of attracting and retaining people to the regions.
If your business or project is seeking accommodation in Alice Springs or Katherine you are encouraged to register interest via the ICN NT Gateway portal. Upon registration, your business contact details will be made public through ICN NT Gateway so that other interested parties (developers) may contact you.
Briefing sessions will be held in Katherine and Alice Springs where Major Projects Commissioner Jason Schoolmeester will outline the project scope. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet fellow developers, investors, buyers, renters and land owners; including an opportunity to connect with officials, project, procurement and community team members.
Monday 28 November – Katherine – 3pm to 5pm – in person or online Register here.
Thursday 1 December – Alice Springs – 3pm to 5pm – in person or online Register here.
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ICN Gateway is an essential tool for businesses interested in participating in Defence projects. Current opportunities in the NT include:
EST00346 Tindal Redevelopment / EST00347 KC-30A Facilities
USFPI Northern Territory Training Areas & Ranges Project
Australian Defence Export Office (Team Defence Australia tradeshows)
US Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.
BGIS Expressions of Interest – Current and Upcoming Opportunities (NT)
Ventia Defence Base Services NT
Accelerated Regional Accommodation Project (icn.org.au)
CFI Planned Approaches to Market
In October 2022, Defence Capital Facilities And Infrastructure Branch released information on planned upcoming contractor approaches to market that may be released from the Department of Defence’s Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch (CFI) over the next 12 months. CFI is responsible for planning, developing and, subject to approval, delivering capital facilities and infrastructure projects (projects) across the Defence estate.
A list of the upcoming contractor ATM’s can be found on AusTender.
Estate Works Program - Forward Program of Tender Releases
The latest Forward Program of Tender Releases has been released on DEQMS, you will find it at the bottom of the web page!
Invitation to Register - Robertson Barracks Base Improvements Projects
Expression of Interest - Head Contractor Contract (HC -1 2021) - Project No: EST07444
The Project involves the delivery of three (3) packages of work at Robertson Barracks, NT.
- Package One – Construction of six (6) Living-In Accommodation buildings and associated works. Estimated value between $155m and $165m.
- Package Two – Construction of Messing facilities and associated works. Estimated value between $80m and $90m.
- Package Three – Mid-term refreshment and site works including hydraulics and electrical. Estimated value between $40m and $45m
An Industry Briefing will be held via Microsoft Teams from 9:30 AM on Wednesday 30 November 2022. Tenderers must contact the Enquiries Officer by email if wishing to attend.
The preferred contractor will be employed under the Head Contractor Contract (Construct Only).
Estimated Value: From $50,000,000 to $300,000,000
Closing Date: 12:00 PM Wednesday 14 December 2022
Enquiries: Luke Pike, Email: RBBIPPMCA@jacobs.com
Copies of EOI: tenders.gov.au -
DefenceNT is looking for a motivated and experienced individual to help progress a range of initiatives in support of the Territory’s veteran community. Ex-serving personnel and spouse/partners are encouraged to apply.
See attached job description or go to NT Gov Jobs and search “Veterans”