Last month the Department of Defence issued a notice that an Invitation to Register (ITR) interest for the RAN’s hydrographic survey capability would be forthcoming. This ITR has now been released and is due to close on 19 Jan 18. Referred to as Project SEA 2400, Defence is seeking to replace and expand the existing RAN Hydrographic Survey capability through the introduction of replacement hydrographic survey vessels and complementary systems that include hull mounted sensors, towed sensors, remotely operated Vehicles and/or autonomous vehicles. This new capability is aimed at being introduced into service around 2025.
Defence is calling for tenderers to propose an existing in-service ship design or a modified variant of an in-service design that will closely align with a set of defined capability goals. It is important, that where there is a deviation from these goals, that tenderers clearly articulate associated risk and outline options for mitigation. Risk assessment considerations will also need to be extended to design maturity, supportability and production.
As with current trends of increasing and improving ship building capability in Australia, tenderers need to consider an Australian built option as well as in country support infrastructure.
This ITR is part of a two stage process where tenderers will be shortlisted prior to being invited to bid on a full Request for Tender (RFT). It is to be noted that this exercise allows government to gain a better understanding of the costs involved in undertaking the task and as such informs the currently unapproved budget and the ultimate decision to proceed. Should Defence proceed to RFT, the process could take up to two years with a decision on a successful tenderer in 2019.
If you are after specific advice on these tenders or any other opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us.
