Increasingly, government agencies are seeking input from industry prior to formulating procurement decisions. This is undertaken in the form of a Request for Information (RFI) and while they are generally non-mandatory for involvement in future procurements, they are your opportunity to shape these future procurements which could prove useful come tender time. An RFI will seek information on a range of aspects, which can be:
– Technical: seeking fesibility of proposed solutions, possible variations, in country capability to produce/deliver/manufacture
– Commercial: seeking feedback on proposed contracting models, gaining an understanding of project costs, gaining an understanding of required infrastructure
Overall they help government agencies develop procurement plans for required capability that when issued as Requests for Tender are likely to get responses with a greater chance of compliance, within approved budgets and from a range of capable suppliers.
This week we look at an RFI issued by the Department of Defence seeking information on the Provision of Commercial Vessels to the RAN. These vessels are proposed to be provided under a new panel arrangement to be established – the Defence Marine Support Services Maritime Assurance Program (DMAP). This panel will provide replacement and/or additional In Port (INPT) and Out of Port (OOP) vessels and assets where:
– INPT considers vessels and assets that provide in-harbour and near coastal services and
– OOP capabilities are delivered through a number of civilian, commercially crewed, operated and regulated, large hulled, ocean going vessels, which provide operational and training support, contribute to humanitarian disaster relief, conduct search and rescue operations, support maritime border protection activities, and undertake other Commonwealth directed activities.
