Australian businesses that supply equipment and services, from scaffolding and pipes to deck coverings and insulation, will today learn how to secure an estimated $20 million in contracts through the Hunter class frigate program.
More than 150 businesses from around Australia are converging on Adelaide for a procurement update that launches the process to bid for work during the Hunter program’s prototyping phase, which commences next year.
The prototyping phase is a crucial stage in the program where all the processes, systems, tools, facilities and workforce competencies will be tested and refined before construction on the first frigate commences in 2022.
Starting in December 2020, five ship blocks will be built at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in SA. During this phase Australian businesses that supply minor equipment, materials and services can bid for an estimated $20 million in contracts across two specific supplier categories.
In one of those categories, known as “category D”, the Hunter program is committed to achieving 100 per cent Australian suppliers.
“The Hunter program is committed to maximising opportunities for Australian suppliers through supply contracts and initiatives to nurture and grow small-to-medium sized businesses," Managing Director ASC Shipbuilding Craig Lockhart said.
“Today’s procurement update is not a just an information session – this is a genuine opportunity for our team to help Australian businesses bid for upcoming contracts to supply equipment and materials for the prototyping blocks, like scaffolding, pipes, steel, deck coverings, cables and insulation, as well as services, like outfitting and painting.
“By maximising opportunities for local suppliers through contracts for supply and initiatives to nurture and grow small-to-medium sized businesses, we are raising the Australian defence industry’s ability to compete for and win domestic and international maritime work."
The $35 billion Hunter program is the biggest surface ship project in Australia’s defence history.