September 2024 newsletter

DefenceNT led a delegation of 23 local businesses, peak bodies, and associations to the 2024 Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, one of the largest defence industry events in the southern hemisphere. This year’s delegation highlighted the diverse capabilities and innovation present in the Northern Territory's defence and industry sectors.

The NT delegation included a variety of companies and organisations showcasing their expertise and services. Thank you to the following businesses for making this year’s event so successful:

• AKJ Services
• Blue Water Shipping
• The Centre for Appropriate Technology
• Draeger
• Georgiou
• Martinus
• M+J Builders
• Sitzler
• Land Development Corporation
• Chamber of Commerce NT
• Charles Darwin University
• Bardex Corporation
• Blueflite
• DCOH
• Fortress Industries
• Hutsix
• Micks Ally Fab
• Shorebarge
• Skymax UAV
• Industry Capability Network NT
• Master Builders NT
• NT Indigenous Business Network
• Australian Industry and Defence Network NT

On the day before the event, the Australian Industry and Defence Network NT (AIDN NT) organised an Industry Tour and “Meet the NT Delegation” networking event. This allowed the delegation to connect and establish relationships, setting a strong foundation for success at the exposition.

DefenceNT regularly attends major defence expositions, including Land Forces, Indo-Pacific, and Avalon Aerospace and Defence Exposition. Keep an eye on our future newsletters for the opportunity to express your interest in joining the next NT delegation and showcase your business on the national and international stage.

September has seen the 16th iteration of Exercise Kakadu, which set a new milestone as the largest and most diverse in its history. This year, over 30 countries participated, with ships from 10 nations and aircraft from five, all converging in the North Australian exercise area. Operating out of Darwin, the exercise involved nearly 3,000 personnel and focused on the theme of “regional cooperation through trusted and proven partnerships.”

Darwin’s role as the centre of Exercise Kakadu underscores the Northern Territory’s strategic location and its key role as a regional maritime alliance hub. The city’s proximity to critical trade routes and its well-developed infrastructure enable it to serve as a focal point for regional defence activities, further reinforcing Australia’s commitment to enhancing security and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

The activities highlighted a range of naval capabilities, from warfighting to humanitarian operations, all aiming to enhance regional security and strengthen international ties. Exercise Kakadu continues to foster operational excellence while expanding capabilities and deepening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.

October Business Month (OBM) 2024 is shaping up to be one of the largest and most dynamic yet, with over 170 events planned to inspire, connect, and upskill Territorians and local businesses. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s OBM focuses on key business themes such as human connection, digitisation, workforce growth, leadership, and strategy.

This month-long event offers the perfect opportunity for professionals across all sectors, including the defence industry, to learn from other industries, expand networks, and explore new innovations. With the Defence sector playing a vital role in the Northern Territory, OBM presents a valuable platform for defence professionals to upskill, collaborate with local businesses, and adopt strategies from other sectors to drive future growth.

With 60+ event partners, OBM delivers a variety of workshops, networking opportunities, and online events, ensuring something for everyone. Take advantage of this chance to connect, learn, and innovate.

Explore the full program at obm.nt.gov.au.

Are you looking to expand your team in the Big Rivers region? October Business Month brings a valuable opportunity for businesses in the defence industry to connect with potential employees at the upcoming Workforce Event.

This event is designed for employers to:

Share current job vacancies and staffing needs

Access available training opportunities

Network with jobseekers eager to learn more about your roles

Jobseekers will have the chance to engage directly with employers, ask questions about position requirements, and build meaningful connections—all in one day. The event aims to streamline recruitment, foster training initiatives, and create a hub for networking within the local workforce.

There are still spots available for employers interested in promoting their vacancies. For more details, contact Shani at shani.carson@nt.gov.au.

The key goal of the Office of Defence Industry Support is to build sovereign defence industry capability. Noting the changing defence landscape and the renewed focus on the north the ODIS forum will bring together a number of key defence stakeholders and industry partners to help small to medium enterprises better understand the defence industry.

The ODIS forum will be held in Darwin on Wednesday 9 October from 9am to 3pm at the Darwin Convention Centre.

Visit October Business Month to book.

The Northern Territory Government, through the Industry Capability Network NT (ICN), has released the second edition of the Statement of Capacity: Defence Construction Industry in the Northern Territory. As the region prepares for a surge in construction projects driven by the Australian Department of Defence, understanding the local construction landscape is critical for both public and private sectors to deliver on upcoming major projects.

The construction industry in the Northern Territory plays a vital role in the regional economy, driven by significant infrastructure demands and a globalised export market. The Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the local industry’s capabilities, capacity, and qualifications, with a particular focus on defence-related projects.

Key insights include:

The construction sector is mapped into 75 standard work packages across six categories, such as building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialist services.

68 of the work packages have more than 10 capable local businesses.

Over 750 businesses were identified as key players, with strong capabilities across all essential categories.

The Report emphasises the importance of tailored procurement strategies to maximise local expertise and ensure the Territory's construction sector remains competitive. The Northern Territory’s construction industry is highly capable and ready to address the demands of the forthcoming works program.

Find the full report at defence.nt.gov.au.

The Master Builders NT Excellence in Building and Construction (EBC) Awards was held in August, recognising outstanding achievements in the construction and building sector. The event celebrated excellence, innovation, and dedication across a variety of projects in the Northern Territory.

A huge congratulations to all the winners. DefenceNT was a proud sponsor of the Defence Construction category this year, we’d like to give a special shout-out to everyone in the Defence construction industry for their exceptional work in delivering critical infrastructure to support the Defence community.

Defence Project Winners

$5–$20 Million Category: Sunbuild – Weapons Training Simulation Systems

$20–$50 Million Category: Sunbuild – Shared User Facility

$50 Million + Category: Sitzler – AR7000 Phase 2B RAAF Darwin Pavements

DefenceNT remains committed to supporting excellence in defence industry, and we look forward to recognising and celebrating future accomplishments.

On 19 July, winners were announced for the annual Northern Territory/Kimberley Reserve Employer Support Awards were announced!

The Reserve Employer Support Awards are designed to formally recognise civilian employers committed to supporting reservists in their workplace. They acknowledge employers that have gone above and beyond for their reservist employees, over a sustained period or for a special effort to enable the member to complete their Reserve commitments and are nominated by the reservist.

The 2024 winners are:

Small Private Category – We Fix IT

Medium Private Category – Norsta Maritime

Large Private Category – Lockheed Martin Australia

Not For Profit Category – St Joseph’s Catholic College

Public Sector Category – Alice Springs Hospital Pharmacy Department

Public Sector (Defence) Category – Patrol Boat Group Headquarters

It was outstanding to see so many fantastic employers nominated – and the winners will now go onto the National Employer Support Awards which will be held in October 2024.

We love to encourage supportive employers of reservists in the Northern Territory. If you are interested in registering as a Supportive Employer, contact ADFRES.NT@defence.gov.au for more information.

The Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) has recently announced the formation of its NT Chapter Committee for 2024. The new leadership team comprises experienced professionals from various sectors of the defence industry in the Northern Territory.

New Committee Members:

• President: Aaron McMahon, Blue Water Shipping
• Committee Members:
  • Jodie Crawley, Aurecon
  • Craig Spencer, RMI Security
  • Ryan Smith, TEC Automation
  • Ryan Prescott, Stantec
  • Tony Halikos, Steeline GRP

This committee is set to bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to their roles, ensuring that the interests of the NT defence industry are effectively represented at the national level. Their collective experience within the Australian Defence Industry will be crucial in addressing key issues and advocating on behalf of NT members throughout the year.

Congratulations to the newly formed committee.

Following on from the release of the Defence Industry Development Strategy earlier this year, the Defence Industry Development Grants Program will award grants over four years from 2024-25 to 2027-28. 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: The program has four streams:

• Exports – closes 31 October
• Skilling – closes 30 September
• Security – 2024 applications closed
• Sovereign Industrial Priorities - 2024 applications closed

For more information, visit business.gov.au.

Base Services Transformation Program – Base Services Contact Centre

The Base Services Transformation program will encompass all of the Defence estate, including 70 major bases, 100-plus training ranges, more than 1000 leased or owned properties, and 30,000 built assets. Base services include cleaning, resource recovery and waste management land management, hospitality and catering, transport, base security, and estate maintenance services. Defence is designing the next generation of contracts through the Base Services Transformation (BST) Program, which are expected to commence transition in early 2025.

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au – NOT/SEG/BSTP/2024/1C

Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant Printing, Packaging and Distribution

DVA requires the provision of graphic design, printing, packaging, warehousing and distribution services to support the delivery of the Veterans’ Recognition Program (VRP) and the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant (the Covenant).

All those who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are eligible to apply for the Covenant through the VRP. The key components of the Covenant include a Lapel Pin (either Veteran or Reservist), an Oath and Veteran Card.

Note, the Veteran Card distributed to eligible Covenant applicants is not included in the Covenant Pack.

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au - COV24.

Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program

Defence recently provided an industry update on the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP), Aerial Surveillance Program. A $2.5 billion commitment over 30 years, it is the cornerstone of Australia’s defence engagement with the Pacific. The tender for the Non-military Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles has now closed. The tender for the Fixed-Wing Aerial Surveillance Services contract is expected to be released in Q3/4 2024.

For more information, visit Tenders.gov.au – PMSP-2022-0003.

Defence Childcare Program Services

The Contractor shall provide services which address, at a National Service Level (if a single national provider) or, for a specific location (if a regional provider), the operation and management of all Defence Childcare Centres (DCC), Defence Outside School Hours Care (DOSHC) facilities; and Individual Case Management (ICM) services (together, the Core Services).

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

Babcock Strategic Growth Professional Services Tender

Babcock Pty Ltd is seeking to further strengthen its connection with Australasia's supply chain and is requiring professional/consultancy services to support strategic growth opportunities.

Professional services required are in relation to growth opportunities, encapsulating: bid management, solution development, economic benefit analysis, business justification, bid authors and writers, capture support and project management support.

For more information, visit gateway.icn.org.au.

Panel of Outreach Program Counsellors for the Open Arms Program

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is undertaking a Panel Refresh to add to the current panel of Outreach Program Counsellors.

Services that will be delivered through the Outreach Program Counsellor Panel include counselling, group facilitation and clinical supervision.

Only organisations appointed to the Outreach Program Counsellors Panel can provide Open Arms Outreach Program Counselling Services.

Outreach Providers recently appointed to the current panel and are Panel Members, do not need to apply for the Panel Refresh.

For further information, visit tenders.gov.au – PRN2024-296 Refresh.

Project Land 154 Phase 4 Detector Suite

The purpose of the L154-4 Project is to deny and/or mitigate the effective use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against Australian Defence Force (ADF) elements to ensure satisfactory force protection and freedom of manoeuvre. The current scope of the L154-4 Detector Suite is to replace and improve upon two in-service specialist metallic and non-metallic detectors used across the full spectrum of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), CIED and search operations.

For further information, visit tenders.gov.au – JSD/RFT/41004/1.

Joint Logistics Command Defence Warehousing, Distribution and Support Services

Joint Logistics Command (JLC) seeks to approach the market the week of the 7 October 2024 for the JLC23-001 Defence Warehousing, Distribution and Support Services (DWDSS) Contract Tender. The DWDSS Contract will replace and provide similar services to JLC's extant Warehousing and Distribution (W&D) and Retail Stores Services (RSS) contracts.

For further information, visit tenders.gov.au – JLC23-001.

Opportunities

Road Transport Standing Offer for Services

The Commonwealth is seeking to establish a Panel to provide the Commonwealth of Australia with additional and surge capacity and capability for the movement of cargo by road. Contractors engaged under this Panel would be tasked with the movement of Australian Defence Force and other Commonwealth stores and equipment by road. This may include complex and/or short-notice tasking requirements. The transportation of personnel over large distances to support exercises and operations may also be required.

It is anticipated that the relevant Request For Tender (RFT) documentation for the Road Transport Standing Offer for Services will be released through AusTender in October 2024.

For more information, visit tenders.gov.au-RFT41942

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 invites participation in a market sounding process for design services for anticipated works in response to the Defence Strategic Review. The scope includes:

• Roads, car parking, hardstands, pavements, and taxiways
• Replacement of existing office accommodation, living-in accommodation, range control facilities, etc.
• Large-scale civil/range systems
• Ancillary external facilities
• External infrastructure (above and below ground)

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