Defence contracts made easier

ICN has made it easier for Australian companies to take advantage of millions of dollars of Defence industry contracts.

In announcing the change, ICNL Executive Director Derek Lark said a new Defence taxonomy in Gateway will allow Australian small and medium businesses to better showcase their capabilities and be exposed to more relevant work packages.

Derek said the new taxonomy would help maximise Australian industry participation leading up to the Future Frigate project in Osborne, South Australia. and other Defence projects.

“The update was released in time for those companies wanting to be involved in the Hunter Class Frigate program work packages released on ICN Gateway,” he said

“This means that more companies with Defence industry capabilities will be better informed to submit EOIs to Defence projects, resulting in a better selection pool of Australian suppliers to award contracts.

“If your business is Defence-ready, you can register or update your existing company profile on the ICN Gateway.”

The taxonomy is expected to enhance Australian Industry Capability value and industry participation by giving the buyer access to a larger and better selection pool of Australian suppliers.

It has been designed by a panel of experts from Department of Defence, Department of Industry Innovation and Science, Defence South Australia, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, BAE Systems, Naval Group and ICN South Australia.

The taxonomy allows companies to drill down three levels to specific capabilities.  For example, from the high-level electrical systems category, third tier capabilities include printed circuit boards and digital electronics/

“This new visibility of industry capabilities demystifies the Defence sector and facilitates new business opportunities for Australian industry,” Derek said.

Derek said ICN offices across the country would be encouraging subscribers to review and update their company profile by selecting capabilities listed in the updated Defence industry sector.

The taxonomy will continue to evolve as feedback from industry is received.