Following a one month notice period, Defence has released an Invitation to Register Interest (ITRI) for the procurement of Emerging Night Fighting Technology. As with most ITRI, this is the first of a two stage procurement process that will allow Defence to shortlist suppliers for the second stage Request for Tender. This procurement seeks to source emerging technology solutions that would provide an enhancement to current night fighting technology being delivered under Project Land 53 Phase 1BR, night fighting equipment replacement. The first tranche of this project is currently delivering Binocular Night Vision Devices and laser aiming devices and through this second tranche, Defence wishes to further augment this capability.
While funding for this procurement is yet to be approved, an ITRI provides government with the opportunity to assess the market and gauge its capacity and capability to provide on the requirement prior to launching a large scale RFT. This procurement is expected to acquire sufficient equipment to provide, at a minimum, one Combat Brigade, Special Operations Command and supporting elements with multi-spectral night fighting capability. A Rough Order of Magnitude budget of $200 million for acquisition and support has been planned from 2020-2025, with funding approval to be sought from government in 2020.
Defence is seeking both the supply and support of the equipment and will not consider a part response. However it is interesting to note that where a potential respondent is only offering part of the Supplies or offering ancillaries and accessories to enhance the current night fighting capability, they are invited to make an unsolicited proposal to Diggerworks via email at diggerworks@defence.gov.au.
The Commonwealth intends to shortlist ITRI responses before conducting a limited Request For Tender with shortlisted respondents commencing in late 2018. Responses are due 13 July 18, with an Industry breifing being held in Melbourne on 19 June 18.If you are after further advice on this topic or any other opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
