This week sees a number of Requests for Tender (RFTs) issued by the Department of Environment and Energy for Antarctic projects to be managed under the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). The AAD, based in Hobart, Tasmania is responsible for Australia’s presence and activities in the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Southern Ocean, where it runs a program that focuses on conducting science of critical national importance and global significance. This includes maintaining three year-round research stations, Casey, Davis and Mawson and one on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. In addition the AAD is responsible for Australia’s new icebreaker (RSV Nuyina), due to arrive in Hobart in 2020.
The first of the RFTs is related to RSV Nuyina and is seeking the development of Science Modules. The service provider will be required to design and construct six scientific research offshore services modules that will integrate with the RSV Nuyina providing scientific research capability. Delivery of the modules must be completed by 1 September 2020 and tenders close 26 Aug 19.
The AAD is also actively engaged in the remediation of several land based fuel spills at Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations and is seeking to engage an appropriately qualified Service Provider to provide External Laboratory Services for the analysis of environmental samples in support of this Remediation Program. Expertise will be required in the areas of physical and chemical analysis of biosecurity classified soil and water samples with hydrocarbon contamination. The tender closes on the 16 Sep 19, however it is important to note that Tenderers are required to provide written notice by 19 August expressing intent to submit a bid for the tender in order to receive biosecurity permits.
An additional two RFTs have been issued by the AAD seeking Snow Groomers to construct and maintain the snow pavement, due 26 Aug 19 and Rigid Oversnow Sleds which will form part of a new traverse capability, due 2 Sep 19.
All RFTs have very specialised requirements suited to the unique environment conditions they are related to, so it is important that tenderer’s demonstrate an understanding of these requirements and their experience in these conditions.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.