August 2021 newsletter
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I am pleased to introduce the first Northern Territory Government Defence Industry newsletter. We hope that it will become an essential source of information for NT companies interested in working with Defence and other national security agencies. It will also provide updates on defence and national security developments in the Territory for those of you in other jurisdictions.
Many of you know that the Australian Government has committed to investing $20 billion in the Territory’s defence infrastructure over the next 15 years. But understanding how and where you can contribute can be challenging, especially for small businesses not familiar with complex defence procurement processes and tender documents. DefenceNT can help you understand these processes and to match your skills and expertise with the right projects.
Interviewed for this month’s featured business article, NC Electrical & Air-Conditioning CEO, Neill Cranberry, is right on the mark when he says if you are trying to win Defence contracts “work out what you are good at, work out what the client expectations are, and deliver to a standard never seen before”.
The newsletter will provide handy links to important defence sites, update you on forthcoming events and business relevant announcements and help you to broaden your customer base, markets and export potential. We look forward to bringing you these updates each month.
Dr. Alan Dupont AO
NT Defence and National Security Advocate
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DefenceNT plays a key role in helping to grow and promote the Northern Territory’s defence industry. Our dedicated team is available to assist companies looking to increase their defence business maturity and is able to facilitate access to opportunities through engagement with Department of Defence, Australian Defence Force (ADF) and prime contractors.
The Defence and Veteran’s engagement team within DefenceNT at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade works closely with Ex-Service Organisations to implement and support initiatives relating to serving and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families in the NT.
DefenceNT also works to shape the defence and national security discussion and bring focus to the geostrategic importance of the NT.
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As recently announced by Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, applications are now open for the 2022 Australian Defence Sales Catalogue.
Now in its sixth edition, the catalogue – which helps promote Australian defence industry companies and their products and services around the world – features an export support section to help boost companies’ competitiveness. In the 2021 edition, 14 NT businesses were featured.
Territory businesses are now invited to apply for the next edition. Information on eligibility criteria and the process for the 2022 edition of the catalogue can be found on the Australian Military Saleswebsite.
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Ventia Subcontractor Forums
Registrations are now open to attend the upcoming Ventia Subcontractor Forums on the Defence Base Services (DBS) Contract. There are two forums scheduled:
- Darwin – Tuesday, 31st August 2021
- Katherine – Thursday 2nd September 2021
These forums will be presented by Ventia Regional and Contract leadership and will address:
- Safety Learnings across the DBS Contract
- 6-12 month pipeline of work for NT Regions
- Upcoming Regional Procurement activities
- Updates from service lines
Current DBS Contractors are encouraged to attend along with other NT businesses who are interested in the DBS opportunities. Please register interest to attend here: https://forms.office.com/r/SwErZqbcCW
Excellence in Building and Construction Awards
We are proud to continue our silver sponsorship for the Excellence in Building and Construction Awards. The NT is experiencing unprecedented ADF investment, particularly with the redevelopment of bases and upgrades to training areas which are valued at $20 billion through to 2035. These significant projects are being delivered successfully, thanks to the Territory’s highly capable and diverse construction sector.
For more information and to register attendance for the award night on 25 September 2021 please visit: www.ntebcawards.com.au
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There are a number of upcoming defence projects that tenders are being invited for. Click on the links to head to the ICN Gateway project pages for more information:
J0109 Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment Program: https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4037/j0109-larrakeyah-defence-precinct-redevelopment-program
EST00346 Tindal Redevelopment / EST00347 KC-30A Facilities:
https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4161/est00346-tdl-redev-est00347-kc-30a-facilities
USFPI Northern Territory Training Areas & Ranges Project:
AMENTUM Projects:
https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4373/amentum-projects
Other opportunities
EIG/BSTP/2021/01 Base Services Transformation Program - Request for Information - Defence Support and Reform Group
The Department of Defence is seeking feedback from industry to help shape the procurement and contracting strategy for the future provision of Base Services for the Department of Defence. Defence is currently exploring a range of service delivery models and commercial contracting arrangements to define the next generation of Base Services arrangements through the Base Services Transformation (BST) Program. In conducting this RFI, Defence seeks to engage with a cross section of potential industry participants and encourages small to medium sized enterprises, indigenous businesses and local businesses to respond to this RFI and provide their views.
For more information
For more information please contact bst.contactofficer@defence.gov.au
Closing Date: 4:00 PM Friday 17 September 2021 Enquiries: bst.contactofficer@defence.gov.au
Copies of RFI: www.tenders.gov.au
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Getting that first defence contract isn’t down to luck.
An innovative Territory company has pivoted its business strategy to align with defence opportunities in the region.
NC Electrical & Air-Conditioning worked hard to break into the defence contract market.
Managing Director Neill Carberry, is a leading advocate of renewable energy and dedicated a great deal of time to studying the complexities of defence procurement.
“You have to work hard to meet Defence’s expectations,” he says.
“They demand the highest standards in everything – training, health and safety, and management.”
His advice to other Territory companies trying to win defence contracts is: “Work out what you are good at, work out what the client expectations are, and deliver to a standard never seen before.”
The Australian Government is in the midst of a $20 billion defence infrastructure investment campaign across the Territory, through until 2035.
Learn more about NC Electrical’s solar and electrical capabilities.
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Darwin was recently visited by HMAS Canberra, the lead-ship of the Canberra class in service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) is the current flagship of the RAN fleet, and visited Darwin for some maintenance following its role in Exercise Talisman Sabre.
RAN major fleet unit visits to Darwin provide opportunities for local industry to contribute to RAN maintenance and sustainment and demonstrate the strategic importance of the Northern Territory in the defence and security of the nation.
Photo credit: Department of Defence (2021)