Katherine Ziesing | Canberra
ADM has confirmed from numerous sources that BAE Systems Australia has received calls from the Commonwealth to the effect that neither their off base (Tamworth) or on base (RAAF East Sale) options for Air 5428 Pilot Training system have been successful.
Since the field of contenders was two, one can safely assume that Team 21 of Lockheed Martin, Pilatus and partners is the winning team.
Though a formal announcement has yet to be made, the decision brings to an end a long wait for the industry players involved.
As ADM has highlighted before, the bids from the respective players has been with the Commonwealth for over 400 days.
Neither team can comment on the issue given the commercial in confidence nature and the lack of government announcement from the Defence Minister.
As to the timeline of when contract negotiations with the preferred tenderer will begin, ADM is unaware at this time by assumes that any meaningful discussion will occur after July 1 once DMO has been dismantled.
The BAE Systems facility at Tamworth will be used for at least another four years under the IBFT arrangements until 5428 takes affect and transitions into service, ADM understands.
Congratulations to Team 21 and commiserations to BAE Systems and partners.