Australia’s HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program (HIPP) is refreshing the Federal Government’s five-year $150 million investment in Australia’s commercial hydrographic industry that started in 2020. The initial Request For Tender (RFT) resulted in seven companies being awarded a position on the HIPP panel and this RFT represents an opportunity for new hydrographic businesses to apply.
Focused hydrographic survey activities contribute to national charting priorities. HIPP’s vision is to partner with industry to undertake an efficient, effective, and sustainable hydrographic survey and oceanographic and marine geophysical data collection program that delivers a true nation-building effort.
The SEA 2400-1 HIPP request for tender seeks responses for the provision of commercial hydrographic survey services. This is a panel arrangement that supports legislated requirements of the National Survey Function and aids other government priorities. As a panel arrangement, there is no guarantee of contracted work, and panel members will need to compete for issued scopes of work once the panel commences.
HIPP continues the long-term partnership between Defence and Australia’s hydrographic industry. HydroScheme supports Defence as it conducts maritime surveys to produce digital charts of the Australian seafloor. These charts will enable safe navigation, support Australia’s maritime industry, and supply environmental information that contributes to national efforts in establishing a baseline dataset of Australia’s marine estate. They also support regional capacity-building programs.
The program ensures industry uses the latest hydrographic techniques and ultramodern equipment to deliver quality hydrographic data to Defence. HIPP aims to obtain full, high-quality bathymetric coverage of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone by 2050.
The evaluation criteria for this RFT have been tailored and in addition to the usual ‘experience’ and ‘compliance’ requirements include a focus on a Tenderer’s range of services and contribution to the HydroScheme objectives. As in the initial round of the HIPP, tenderers must also show their commitment to growing Australian industry capability including indigenous participation.
The timeframe for delivery is 2023.
The closing date for tenders is 28 February 2023 at 12pm (ACT Local Time)
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