News Review: DMO, Raytheon sign AIC deed | ADM Aug 2009

Under the AIC program the DMO is working with global defence companies to ensure Australian companies, especially small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), have the opportunity to participate in global supply chains of large international companies.

Combet said the AIC Deeds are aimed at facilitating opportunities in the international defence companies and their first and second tier supply chains for Australian companies, particularly SMEs that might otherwise find it difficult to approach large overseas companies on their own.

"In addition, the AIC Deeds provide selected training and mentoring to Australian companies to enable them to be more globally competitive," he said.

Raytheon Australia's managing director, Ron Fisher, said the company's new Industry Development Unit "will promote the interests of local defence firms by identifying and facilitating business opportunities through the Raytheon global supply chain.

"The unit will be established under a new three year agreement between the Defence Materiel Organisation and Raytheon Australia."

"This is an important next step in Raytheon's drive to encourage small and medium sized Australian firms," he added.

"Raytheon has a strong understanding of US export control arrangements including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), other US Government acquisition regulatory requirements and intellectual property issues.

"It will be one of the tasks of the Unit to help guide local firms through this maze of process."

Under the Deed the Unit will identify potential opportunities for Australian firms, mentor Australian industry on the US defence market, and work with the DMO and other government agencies to co-ordinate trade missions and help break down the barriers that may otherwise inhibit doing business in the US defence market.