October 2024 newsletter

DefenceNT will attend the Avalon Australian International Airshow, Aerospace and Defence Exposition in Melbourne from 25-30 March, 2025. We’re heading down as a roving delegation, looking to connect with industry leaders and showcase the Northern Territory’s capabilities on the national stage. If you're attending or interested in participating, please reach out to Shani Carson to discuss how DefenceNT can support you at the event.

Contact: Shani.carson@nt.gov.au

Join the Department of Defence’s Security and Estate Group for their bi-annual Defence Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program Industry Briefing on Thursday, 28 November, from 9am to 3pm AEDT.

This briefing provides industry stakeholders with key updates on Defence estate planning, including upcoming procurement activities across capital facilities and infrastructure projects. The event will be held both online and in Canberra, with attendance limited to two participants per company.

Register by: 15 November 2024
Register Here

Defence industry is a capability enabler, and its participation in global markets creates a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive sovereign defence capability.

The Global Supply Chain (GSC) program supports Australian businesses in integrating into the supply chains of 13 Defence Prime contractors, bolstering access to global defence markets and driving sovereign capability. Since its inception, the GSC program has delivered 2,450 contracts worth over $1.9 billion to 258 Australian suppliers. Through this program, businesses can diversify revenue, achieve economies of scale, and enhance resilience. Further program details, including specific capabilities sought by each Prime, can be found at defence.gov.au.

On Wednesday 23 October the Veterans Business Alliance (VBA) was formally launched at Wharf One in Darwin. The event was well attended, including local businesses, veterans and current ADF personnel.

The VBA is a part of the MoU between the Northern Territory Government and Ventia which was signed in May this year. Ventia has also committed to providing employment for 20 veterans and/or family members each year in locations across the Territory.

The VBA offers current serving members transitioning to civilian life meaningful and enriching employment opportunities within the Territory. Veteran-owned businesses benefit from local networking, knowledge-sharing, and community recognition. Veteran friendly organisations, like Ventia, can highlight career pathways available to veterans and their families.

A key goal of the VBA is to recognise the valuable knowledge and skills that our veterans have gained during service and can now bring into the wider Defence industry. It also aims to connect family members into the industry providing opportunities for the entire veteran community.

The VBA is a part of Operation Thrive, the NTG’s commitment to making the Territory an attractive and supportive place for our veterans and their families to live. If you are interested in more information about the Veterans Business Alliance please contact

Annette.rudd@nt.gov.au Or Myriam.giovanazzi@ventia.com

Nominations are now open for the 2025-2026 Executive Committees of the International Business Council, Manufacturers Council, and Maritime Industry Council. By joining the executive committees, members can make a direct impact on advocacy, representation, communications, and services provided to NT’s
industries. These councils play an essential role in driving initiatives such as ministerial meetings, trade missions, and industry information sessions.

Nominations close COB 7 November 2024.

Manufacturers Council – nomination

Maritime Industry Council – nomination

International Business Council – nomination

Any questions or queries please contact Rohan on 0428 989891 or Mark on 0435 509474 or e: industry@chambernt.com.au

Congratulations to BMD Constructions for their exemplary work on the RAAF Base Tindal Airfield project, which recently won the $150 million+ category at the Civil Contractors Federation NT (CCF NT) Earth Awards Gala Dinner.

This project not only enhances the operational readiness of Australia’s defence infrastructure but also stands as a benchmark in civil construction excellence. BMD is now a National Finalist at the Earth Awards, to be held in Canberra in November, and we wish them the best as they represent NT’s commitment to quality infrastructure.

First Nations businesses are invited to the next session in BAE Systems Australia's First Nations Business Information Series, focusing on estimating and pricing principles. This hour-long online session, hosted by BAE's Industry Capability Team, offers a condensed version of the Global Access Program Estimating and Pricing Fundamentals course.

Attendees will gain insight into the core principles of estimating and pricing within BAE Systems, supporting a better understanding of how to navigate the defence industry supply chain.

Being held online Thursday 7 November.

Find out more information, or register here: survey form

Multi-Vessel In-Service Support

The Australian Border Force is seeking arrangements to provide in-service support for three vessel classes:

• Bay Class
• Thaiyak
• Ocean Shield

Ensuring these assets maintain operational readiness. Services will cover maintenance, engineering, and support functions to uphold safety and readiness.

For more information, visit: tenders.gov.au

Closes: 29/11/24

Pacific Maritime Security Programme Phase 2 – Tuvalu Workshop, Wharf Upgrade, and Police HQ Replacement

The project includes the upgrade of Funafuti Port’s maritime workshop and wharf fenders, with electrical support for berthing Guardian Class Patrol Boats, as well as constructing a new Police HQ.

For more information, visit: tenders.gov.au

Closes: 5/12/24

Pacific Maritime Security Programme Phase 2 – Kiribati Workshop and Wharf Upgrade

Upgrades include berth improvements and maritime workshop refurbishment at Betio Port to accommodate a second Guardian Class Patrol Boat.

For more information, visit: tenders.gov.au

Closes: 5/12/24

Defence Childcare Program Services

This tender seeks providers to manage Defence Childcare Centres, Outside School Hours Care facilities, and Individual Case Management services. Available nationally or regionally

For more information, visit Tenders.gov.au – 38779-1

Closes: 11/12/24

ICT Services for Defence and Commonwealth Agencies

The Department of Defence is seeking new suppliers and current panel members to provide expanded ICT services through the ICTPA Standing Offer Arrangement (SON3520191). This tender is open to suppliers not yet on the panel, as well as existing members who want to add more services.

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au

Closes 8/11/24

Australian Defence Contracted Health System – Pathology Services

The Department of Defence invites submissions for an integrated supply arrangement to deliver comprehensive Pathology Services for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. This RFT seeks to implement a national pathology service that ensures accessible, efficient, and flexible healthcare support.

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au

Closes 22/11/24

Defence Warehousing, Distribution, and Support Services(DWDSS)

Joint Logistics Command (JLC) is seeking to release the DWDSS Contract Tender (JLC23-001) the week of 7 October 2024. This contract will replace and continue the services provided under JLC's current Warehousing and Distribution (W&D) and Retail Stores Services (RSS) contracts.

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au

Closes 19/12/24

Industry Grants

Defence provides a range of grants to support industry. These grants assist Australian small and medium enterprises in expanding to meet Defence capability needs and join global Defence industry supply chains.

Current information on available grant programs can be located at defence.gov.au.

Design Services Market Sounding Process – Defence Capital Works Projects

The Department of Defence seeks market input on design services needed for upcoming works, including large-scale infrastructure like roads, pavements, range systems, and living accommodation.

Closes 28/02/25

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au – SEG-CFI-20230901A.

Defence Search and Rescue Services Contract

An update on the Defence Search and Rescue Services (DSARS) program, aiming to provide SAR, crash response, and medical support services under a single contract. Industry innovation and integration with civil SAR services are encouraged. Further details will be provided in early 2025.

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au

Advance Notice - RFP for ASCA EDT - Decision Advantage

The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) invites proposals on emerging technologies like AI Agents, data fusion, and machine reasoning for decision-advantage applications. Proposals to be submitted after the RFP release in November.

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au.

Building Women's Careers Program

https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=cbae5781-f3ca-4808-afd3-dc760f83e05e

Aiming to drive cultural and structural changes in male-dominated fields, this program offers funding in construction, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital sectors. Partnerships are required for eligibility, fostering an inclusive workplace environment.

For more information, visit grants.gov.au.

Industrial Transformation Training Centres for 2025 Funding

The Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme fosters collaboration between university-based researchers and industry, aiming to equip researchers with vital end-user skills. This initiative supports Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates and postdoctoral researchers in industrial training, creating valuable partnerships that address Australia’s Industrial Transformation Priorities.

Through the program, Training Centres focus on delivering applied research that drives economic, commercial, and social transformation in key industries, enhancing productivity, growth, and competitiveness.

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient combined cash and in-kind contributions from all partners to fund the research projects, including those supporting ICHDRs and ICPDs.

For more information, visit grants.gov.au

Closing Date: 26 November 2024