Call for Submissions · Defence Innovation Hub

Open Date

Solicitation ID

Closing Date and Time

AUSTENDER ATM Number

<div class="instructions"><table><tbody><tr><td class="tablegroup" colspan="2">What is the hub?</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td class="col1">Defence Innovation Hub&nbsp;</td><td><p>The Defence Innovation Hub (Hub), an initiative of the Australian Government’s Department of Defence (Defence) has been established as a 10 year innovation program to help Defence and Australian and New Zealand companies and businesses, and academic and research organisations, to assess whether innovative technologies that those companies, businesses and organisations are developing have a Defence application.&nbsp;<br>Where a technology is identified as having an appropriate Defence application, Defence is able to work with the company, business or organisation through the Hub, and provide a level of funding, so that the technology can be matured in a collaborative way.&nbsp;</p><p>The Hub facilitates innovation activities from initial concept, through prototyping and integrated&nbsp;testing.</p><p>Development of innovations&nbsp;procured through the Hub will fall into four distinct phases depending upon the current maturity level of your innovation:</p><p><strong>Phase 1</strong>: Concept Exploration Phase;</p><p><strong>Phase 2</strong>: Technology Demonstration Phase;</p><p><strong>Phase 3</strong>: Prototype System Phase; and</p><p><strong>Phase 4</strong>: Integrated Capability Development Phase</p><p>While successful respondents will be initially engaged by Defence to deliver one of the four phases above, Defence is interested in progressing each innovation through this innovation cycle into a mature, useable capability. As part of your proposal, you will asked to nominate a phase in which to enter the Hub; however Defence may propose an alternate phase as part of the assessment of your proposal.</p><p>You will be asked questions about your entire innovation initiative or project, as well as more detailed phase-specific questions relating to your proposal. Additional information on innovation phases is located at <a href="http://www.business.gov.au/odis">www.business.gov.au/odis</a>.</p></td></tr><tr><td class="tablegroup" colspan="2">What is Defence looking for?</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td class="col1">Capability Streams</td><td>The Australian Government (Government) is seeking proposals aligned with the six (6) capability streams that make up the Defence Integrated Investment Programs:&nbsp;<ul style="padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc;"><li>Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare, Space and Cyber;</li><li>Key Enablers;</li><li>Land Combat, Amphibious Warfare and Special Operations;</li><li>Air and Sea Lift;</li><li>Maritime and Anti-Submarine warfare; and</li><li>Strike and Air Combat.</li></ul>The Government will announce innovation&nbsp;priorities within these streams for each Financial Year (FY). This may involve changes to priorities from year to year.<br>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td class="col1">Current Priorities</td><td><p>The Government has identified three (3) priorities for innovation investment in FY 18-19. In order, they are:&nbsp;<br><strong>Priority 1: Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare, Space and Cyber</strong></p><p>This is a continuation from FY17-18 with a continued focus on ISREW enabling Joint Decision Support, Cyber and Joint Integration Effects and the addition of Social Media Exploitation, Automated Dynamic Use of Spectrum Monitoring and Switching, Proximity Electronic Support/Electronic Attack (including development of EW Open Architectures) and Artificial Intelligence.</p><p>In support of the above listed capabilities, the Hub is particularly interested in innovative approaches to:</p><ul style="padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc;"><li>Enhance situational awareness through improved intelligence collection, analysis, communications, navigation, targeting and surveillance;</li><li>Integrate, analyse and interpret large amounts of data across all operating domains, and apply this in uncertain, complex and rapidly evolving environments, while reducing the reliance on human involvement;</li><li>Better understand the online, digital and cyber environments, to identify and predict risks to strategic interests in order to support and guide decision making;</li><li>Better understand and manage the electromagnetic environment to facilitate greater mobility and information sharing; reduce interference while improving access to bandwidth; and support enhanced decision making;</li><li>Reduce the reliance on human intervention in the management of spectrum support;</li><li>Strengthen Defence’s cyber capabilities to ensure resilient and robust systems; and</li><li>Harmonise data and technology architectures to support scalable and expandable capability.</li></ul><p><strong>Priority 2: Key Enablers</strong></p><p>Key enabling capabilities include critical infrastructure, information and communications technology, logistics, science and technology and health services.&nbsp;</p><p>This is a continuation from FY17-18 with the removal of Autonomous Identification Technologies and the addition of Quantum Technologies, IT Automation, Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing, Cloud Adoption, Alternative Navigation and Positioning, and Rapid Manufacture.&nbsp;<br>In support of the above listed capabilities, the Hub is particularly interested in innovative approaches to:</p><ul style="padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc;"><li>Expand and improve C4 components (Command, Control, Communications and Compute) of Defence forces to deliver robust, resilient and persistent capabilities across the operational domains;</li><li>Develop and explore the use of quantum computing to meet current and future Defence needs for both enterprise and military applications;</li><li>Leverage emerging opportunities in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to support complex decision making and reduce the need for human intervention;</li><li>Develop and leverage enterprise-wide cloud capabilities, with consideration of applicability to operational contexts to deliver enhanced data management outcomes;</li><li>Enhance future energy management and resilience in the deployed environment; and</li><li>Explore opportunities to provide enhancements to the physical and cognitive capability and capacity of ADF personnel and ongoing health management.<br>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Priority 3: Land Combat, Amphibious Warfare and Special Operations</strong></p><p>This is a continuation from FY17-18 with a continued focus on potential Special Operations capabilities and the addition of Enhanced Human Performance, Robotics and Autonomous Systems.</p><p>Land forces require the mobility, firepower, protection and situational awareness capabilities to deploy quickly, achieve their objectives, and return home safely.&nbsp;<br>Defence is seeking innovative proposals for leading-edge equipment to bolster ADF land forces in these capability areas, including amphibious warfare.</p><p>The Hub is looking for innovative approaches to:</p><ul style="padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc;"><li>Develop advanced protection systems for vehicles and individual soldiers that do not inhibit mobility;</li><li>Develop technology underpinned by Automation, Autonomy and Autonomous systems to provide capability enhancements to the land force;</li><li>Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of combatants in hostile environments through the use of new and emerging technologies; and</li><li>Deliver improved signature management and disruption technologies.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td class="col1"><p>What is Defence looking for?</p></td><td><p>Defence is looking for submissions that:</p><ul style="padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc;"><li>May meet the identified innovation&nbsp;priorities for FY 18-19;</li><li>Do not directly meet the innovation&nbsp;priorities but align with another of the capability streams; or</li><li>Do not neatly align with any of the capability streams, but nonetheless offers Defence opportunities to explore unexpected or unforeseen technologies and ideas.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;Defence may not progress submissions where the proposed innovation:</p><ul style="padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc;"><li>is covered by existing procurement or research activities Defence is undertaking;</li><li>has been developed by or with the assistance of an individual during the course of their employment with the Commonwealth of Australia; or</li><li>has been developed under a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia (unless the contract specifically allows this).</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td class="tablegroup" colspan="2"><p>Making a submission about your innovative technology</p></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td class="col1"><p>How to make a submission?</p></td><td><p>You make a submission using the “Innovation Proposal Submission form”. This form can be accessed from your Hub Dashboard. Unless notified otherwise, a submission can be made at any time.</p></td></tr><tr><td class="col1"><p>Who can you talk to once you’ve submitted your proposal?</p></td><td><p>If you wish to ask a question once you have lodged your submission, you can do so by submitting an <a href="http://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/enquiry/">online enquiry</a> form via the Innovation Hub Dashboard. The Innovation Hub Dashboard will also allow you to track the progress of your submission.</p>Be aware that your questions, and the answers provided by Defence, may be published without disclosing your identity or any details in your proposal, where this would be of benefit to other entities considering making a submission.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td class="tablegroup" colspan="2"><p>What happens after you make a submission?</p></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td class="col1"><p>What happens next?</p></td><td><p>Shortly after you lodge your smart form, you will receive an automated email confirming that your submission has been successfully loaded and giving you a reference number. You should use that reference number in further communications with Defence.&nbsp;<br>If you have not received a confirmation email shortly after submitting, you can confirm the status of your proposal via the Innovation&nbsp;Hub Dashboard. If the proposal status remains as Draft, you should re-submit the proposal. If the proposal status displays Initial Proposal Assessment, your proposal has been received and is being assessed.<br>Defence will assess your submission in accordance with the attached Terms, which includes the assessment criteria and assessment process.&nbsp;<br>To reflect the Government’s priorities for innovation investment for a FY, Defence will give priority in its assessments to the current FY priorities. There is however, no guarantee that all submissions aligned to the highest priority, or any identified priority, will be progressed (see the balance of investment considerations in the Terms (see the Call for Submissions – Assessment Criteria and Assessment Process)).<br>Following the assessment of submissions and balance of investment considerations, Defence will determine whether a submission is:</p><p><strong>successful </strong>– i.e. will be progressed, in which case, Defence will invite you to participate in a Request for Proposal process, which will be subject to its own terms. Information about the Request for Proposal process is included in the Terms (see the Call for Submissions – Assessment Criteria and Assessment Process);</p><p><strong>unsuccessful </strong>– i.e. will not be progressed, because based on the assessment the proposal does not have the capacity to meet Defence’s needs or the proposal does not sufficiently satisfy any one of the assessment criteria;</p><p><strong>suitable, but not successful</strong> – i.e. based on the assessment, the proposal has the capacity to meet Defence’s needs, but due to balance of investment considerations, it cannot be progressed at this time. Defence may elect to place your submission on hold (see clause 10 in the Terms).</p><p>Defence will endeavour to tell you about the outcome of the assessment of your proposal as soon as practicable.&nbsp;<br>You can withdraw a submission at any time by submitting an <a href="http://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/enquiry/">online enquiry</a> form via the Innovation Hub Dashboard.<br>&nbsp;</p></td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></div>

<div class="instructions">
<h2>Terms</h2>

<ol>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Call for submissions</b></span>

	<ol>
		<li>This is a Call for Submissions (CFS). Submissions received in response to this CFS will be evaluated in accordance with these CFS Terms (Terms). Tenderers (also referred to as ‘you’ in these Terms) will, if a Submission is selected to progress, be invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an Innovation Contract. The RFP will be governed by its own Terms.</li>
		<li>Defence may change the innovation priorities or capability streams at any time.</li>
		<li>Defence may amend, suspend, defer or terminate this CFS, and any aspect or the whole of the process (including the Submission form), at any time by issuing a notice in writing via AusTender and the Innovation Hub Dashboard.</li>
		<li>To the extent permitted by law, no binding contract (including a process contract) or other understanding (including any form of contractual, quasi-contractual or restitutionary rights, or rights based upon similar legal or equitable grounds) will exist between Defence and a Tenderer unless and until an Innovation Contract is signed by Defence and that Tenderer.</li>
		<li>The additional rules in Division 2 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) do not apply to this process.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Preparing a Submission</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>Your Submission, including attachments, must be in English, and measurements must be in Australian legal units of measurement.</li>
		<li>Your Submission must include a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) that relates to the entity lodging the Submission.</li>
		<li>Your Submission must not contain viruses, malicious code, or other disabling features which may affect Defence’s or any other Commonwealth of Australia ICT environment.</li>
		<li>You must not rely on any representation, letter, document or statement, either oral or in writing, or other conduct as adding to or amending these Terms other than amendments issued by Defence in accordance with clause 1.3 of these Terms.</li>
		<li>You must comply with the security provisions at clause 17 and not include security classified material (Australian or foreign) in your Submission.</li>
		<li>You must not engage in any collusive bidding, anti-competitive conduct or other similar conduct in connection with your Submission or any engagement with Defence in relation to your Submission. You must make sure that your officers, employees, agents and advisors involved in the Submission or the process also observe this restriction.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Inappropriate Behaviour</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>Defence reserves the right to exclude a Submission from further consideration, if it has been compiled:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>with the improper assistance of current or former Defence personnel or Defence service providers;</li>
			<li>with the utilisation of information unlawfully obtained from the Commonwealth;</li>
			<li>in breach of an obligation of confidentiality to the Commonwealth; or</li>
			<li>contrary to these CFS Terms.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Use of Former Defence Personnel or Defence Service Providers in Submission Preparation and CFS Process</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>Without limiting the operation of Section 3 of these CFS Terms, a Tenderer or its project partners must not, without prior written approval from Defence (the Defence Innovation Hub Delegate), permit any Defence personnel or Defence service provider to contribute to, or participate in, any process or activity relating to the preparation of the Tenderer’s Submission or the CFS process, if:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>the person was involved at any time in the planning of the procurement to which this CFS relates, the preparation of this CFS, or the management of the CFS process; or</li>
			<li>the person was at any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of submission of the CFS involved in a Defence procurement process or Defence activity related to this CFS.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Evaluation of Submissions</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>Your Submission will be evaluated in accordance with these Terms, including against the Evaluation Criteria set out in the Call for Submissions - Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process.</li>
		<li>Defence reserves the right to determine the order in which it evaluates the Submissions it receives in response to this CFS.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Clarification</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>Defence may, at any time, seek clarification of your Submission and enter into discussions with one or more Tenderers in relation to their Submissions.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Costs</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>You are responsible for all of your costs associated with this CFS process.</li>
		<li>In accordance with clause 7.1, Defence will not meet your costs in preparing or making a Submission, or of further engagements with Defence in relation to your Submission (such as clarifying your Submission).</li>
		<li>In accordance with clause 7.1, Defence is not liable to you for any costs or expenses incurred by you in taking part in this CFS, including without limitation, instances where:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>your Submission is excluded or you are not invited to respond to a RFP;</li>
			<li>your Submission is put on hold in accordance with clause 12 of these Terms;</li>
			<li>Defence varies or terminates this CFS or the process;</li>
			<li>Defence’s innovation priorities, capability streams or requirements change;</li>
			<li>Defence exercises any of its other rights in these Terms;</li>
			<li>you rely on advice from Defence or any other Commonwealth of Australia entities, including the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS), in relation to your Submission; or there are failures or problems involving your infrastructure, browser or internet connectivity.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Specific guidance on allowable and unallowable project costs is located in the Budget Calculator in the RFP.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Who owns your Submission?</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>Defence will own any Submission you make - but see clause 9 below. This does not affect the ownership of any intellectual property.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Confidentiality</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>In accordance with paragraph 7.23 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), Defence will treat your Submission as confidential.</li>
		<li>Notwithstanding clause 9.1, Defence may use and disclose the information in a Submission in accordance with clauses 9.3 to 9.6.</li>
		<li>You agree that Defence can use the information in your Submission and any further information you give Defence about your Submission:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>for the purposes of evaluating, shortlisting and selecting any Submission and the preparation and conduct of any procurement process prior to the award of an Innovation Contract. For clarity, this includes determining whether to invite you to make a formal proposal (through a RFP) to enter into an Innovation Contract for funding and development of the proposed innovation in your Submission;</li>
			<li>to inform the evaluation of your response to a RFP;</li>
			<li>to verify the currency, consistency and adequacy of information provided by you under any other procurement process conducted by Defence;</li>
			<li>for internal management purposes, including to evaluate and review its processes, in order to make improvements in relation to future CFS;</li>
			<li>as part of any industry engagement activities undertaken by Defence; and</li>
			<li>in the planning for, and development of, any other procurement process conducted by Defence.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>You agree that Defence may disclose or provide access to information included in your Submission to:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>authorised personnel within Defence, including contractors and advisers, or third parties for the purposes of assisting Defence in the conduct of the procurement process for the purposes contained in clause 9.3. The Commonwealth may obtain appropriate confidentiality undertakings from any third party prior to disclosure;</li>
			<li>upon obtaining any appropriate confidentiality undertakings, other government agencies, including state and territory government agencies, to:
			<ul style="list-style-type: lower-roman">
				<li>consult with them about any information you have provided in your Submission; and/or</li>
				<li>achieve broader inter-governmental objectivesin order to ensure alignment and coordination, including for other government agencies to conduct analysis of the market;</li>
			</ul>
			</li>
			<li>take appropriate action if any statement made in your Submission is incorrect, incomplete, false or misleading, including using the information contained in the Submission for a fraud investigation that would be consistent with the Australian Government’s Investigations Standard and Fraud Control Guidelines.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>You acknowledge that as a Commonwealth agency, Defence is subject to legislative and administrative accountability and transparency requirements of the Commonwealth, including disclosures to Ministers and other Government representatives, Parliament and its Committees and the publication of information in respect of the CFS process. Any Innovation Contract resulting from this CFS will also be subject to these requirements, including that contractual provisions (and related matters) may be disclosed to Ministers, other Government representatives, Parliament and its Committees.</li>
		<li>You acknowledge that you are aware of the impact of the <i>Auditor-General Act 1997</i> on your participation in this CFS and any subsequent Innovation Contract.</li>
		<li>Defence will not use or disclose information in your Submission other than as set out in clauses 9.3 to 9.6 unless:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>you agree;</li>
			<li>the information is in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach of confidence;</li>
			<li>to comply with legal obligations or statutory or portfolio duties, or for public accountability reasons;</li>
			<li>the information is used or disclosed for the purposes of Defence ensuring and promoting compliance with Defence security policy, export controls and relevant protective security requirements; or</li>
			<li>to defend any claim made in relation to the process or a procurement by Defence (whether or not of the innovation proposed in your Submission).</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Your acknowledgments and agreements</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>By making a Submission you:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>acknowledge that you do so, and participate in the process, at your own risk and cost;</li>
			<li>acknowledge that Defence is not obliged to proceed further with any Submission you make, or enter into arrangements with you about the innovation proposed in your Submission;</li>
			<li>acknowledge that if your Submission is progressed, you will need to comply with RFP Terms issued by Defence;</li>
			<li>acknowledge that, subject to these Terms, Defence may deal with other organisations (whether or not they have made a Submission) in relation to proposed innovations that may have Defence applications;</li>
			<li>acknowledge that in evaluating Submissions, Defence may consider additional information related to any Evaluation Criteria (including information obtained from sources other than you);</li>
			<li>declare that the information provided in the Submission is accurate, complete and current and acknowledge that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the <em>Criminal Code Act 1995</em>;</li>
			<li>declare that you have not – and your related bodies corporate (as defined in the <em>Corporations Act 2001</em>), as well as officers, employees, agents and advisors of you or your related bodies corporate, have not – broken any applicable law (including foreign laws) about offering of inducements in connection with the preparation of your Submission; and</li>
			<li>declare that all actual, potential or perceived conflict between Defence’s interests and your interests in relation to the process (if any), have been identified in your Submission, and that you will immediately notify Defence if you become aware of any actual, potential or perceived conflict between Defence’s interests and your interests in relation to the process. <i>"your interests"</i> includes the interests of your related bodies corporate, and the interests of the officers or employees of you or your related bodies corporate.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>By making a Submission which names you as the lead Tenderer and other entities as project partners, in addition to your acknowledgements and declarations in clause 10.1, you acknowledge and declare that:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>each of the project partners make the acknowledgements and declarations referred to in clause 10.1; and</li>
			<li>you have the authority to provide the acknowledgements and declarations on behalf of each of the project partners.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Exclusion</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>Defence may, at any time, exclude a Submission from further consideration if:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>clause 2, clause 3, clause 4 or clause 10 of these Terms is breached;</li>
			<li>the evaluation of the Submission against any one or more Evaluation Criteria or Balance of Investment considerations suggests that there is no reasonable prospect of the proposed innovation being progressed by Defence;</li>
			<li>Defence considers that there is a more appropriate program or source of funding for the proposed innovation;</li>
			<li>the proposed innovation is covered by existing procurement activities Defence is undertaking;</li>
			<li>the proposed innovation has been developed under a contract with Defence (unless the contract specifically allows this);</li>
			<li>the Submission includes information that cannot be read or decrypted, or Defence believes the Submission may contain a virus, malicious code or anything else which may compromise the integrity or security of its ICT environment; or</li>
			<li>minimum content and format requirements have not been met, including but not limited to, not meeting the requirements under clause 2.</li>
			<li>an inability to provide a complete Submission that includes all the information requested as part of this CFS.</li>
			<li>the proposed innovation submitted is evaluated to be at TRL 9 or a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf solution without consideration of a development pathway to meet ADF contexts.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Should any of 11.1 apply to a Tenderer, Defence may consider the Proposal as unsuccessful.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Putting a Submission on hold</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>Where, due to balance of investment considerations, Defence has evaluated that a Submission is suitable to progress, but cannot currently be invited to progress to RFP, Defence may put that Submission on hold.</li>
		<li>If a Submission is put on hold in accordance with this clause, Defence will advise the Tenderer accordingly, and will contact the Tenderer to discuss how the Submission may be progressed.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Withdrawing a submission</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>You agree that your Submission is valid unless or until it is withdrawn.</li>
		<li>You may withdraw a Submission at any time by submitting an <a href="http://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/enquiry/">online enquiry</a> form via the Innovation Hub Dashboard.</li>
		<li>If you withdraw a Submission before Defence has evaluated it, or during its evaluation, Defence will cease any further evaluation.</li>
		<li>If you withdraw a Submission that has been put on hold, Defence will not progress that Submission further.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Debriefing</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>You will be notified whether your Submission has been successful or unsuccessful. You may request an oral or written debrief from Defence in relation to a successful or unsuccessful Submission.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Complaints</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>In the event you wish to lodge a formal complaint regarding this process, the complaint may be directed in writing to: <a href="mailto:procurement.complaints@defence.gov.au">procurement.complaints@defence.gov.au</a>. Tenderers must cooperate with Defence in the resolution of any complaint regarding the process.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Call for Submissions - Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li><span style="color:#005897">Evaluation Criteria</span>
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>Each Submission in response to the CFS that passes initial screening will be evaluated against the following criteria, not in any order of importance:
			<ul style="list-style-type: lower-roman">
				<li><b>Suitability</b> - The extent to which the proposed innovation could further the effectiveness of a Defence capability, enterprise, or technology challenge. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
				<ul style="list-style-type: lower-roman">
					<li>the extent to which the Tenderer’s Submission clearly articulates and explains the proposed innovation; and</li>
					<li>the extent to which the proposed innovation is unique, and would provide a new or enhanced capability, or improves Defence’s effectiveness and efficiency through innovation.</li>
				</ul>
				</li>
				<li><b>Feasibility</b> - The extent to which the proposed innovation will be able to be developed and adopted with relevant defence systems, from a technology perspective. Defence will consider, in making an evaluation against this criterion, the current technology readiness level of the proposed innovation, and the relevance and credibility of any claims made by the Tenderer relating to the feasibility of the proposed innovation.</li>
				<li><b>Timeliness</b> - The anticipated timeframe that the proposed innovation would require to realise a positive impact on Defence capability. Defence will consider, in making an evaluation against this criterion, the extent to which the proposed timeline and duration of the proposed innovation aligns with timelines for any Defence capability requirements or related activities undertaken by Defence.</li>
				<li><b>Contribution to Australia’s Defence industry capability</b> - The extent to which the proposed innovation has the potential to improve or contribute to Australia’s Defence Industry capability and capacity.</li>
			</ul>
			</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li><span style="color:#005897">Balance of Investment</span>
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>After each Submission is evaluated against the criteria, Defence will consider the Submissions it has received to ensure that it maintains a balanced portfolio of investments. Defence’s objective is to ensure a portfolio of investments is maintained that achieves a balance across capability streams, technology sectors, service environments (Army, Air Force, Navy, civilian) and across the innovation lifecycle. Defence will seek to ensure the Submissions that are selected to be invited to progress to RFP will meet the current balanced portfolio objectives. This evaluation may be dependent on the existing composition of investments.</li>
			<li>Balance of investment considerations will include:
			<ul style="list-style-type: lower-roman">
				<li><b>Alignment to Defence priorities</b> – priority may be given to Submissions that align with Defence’s innovation investment priorities for the relevant financial year, but there is no guarantee that all Submissions aligned to the highest priority, or any identified priority, will be progressed.</li>
				<li><b>Diversity</b> – Defence’s objective is to ensure a portfolio of investments is maintained that achieves a balance across capability streams, technology sectors, and service environments (Army, Air Force, Navy, civilian).</li>
				<li><b>Innovation lifecycle</b> – Defence’s objective is to ensure a portfolio of investments that is spread across the innovation lifecycle and which is likely to meet current and future Defence requirements. A mix of Submissions at different technology readiness levels is desirable.</li>
				<li><b>Financial considerations</b> – a Submission may not progress if Defence does not have the budget to support it.</li>
			</ul>
			</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li><span style="color:#005897">Clarification and exclusion from further consideration</span>
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>At any stage during the Evaluation Process, Defence may:
			<ul style="list-style-type: lower-roman">
				<li>seek clarification of your Submission in accordance with clause 6 of the Terms; or</li>
				<li>exclude your Submission from further consideration in accordance with clause 11 of the Terms.</li>
			</ul>
			</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li><span style="color:#005897">Advice on outcome</span>
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>Tenderers will be advised of the outcome of their Submission.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li><span style="color:#005897">Request for Proposal</span>
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>Tenderers with a successful CFS will be invited to participate in a RFP process, in which more detailed information will be sought and a more detailed evaluation of the proposal undertaken. The RFP will be subject to the RFP Terms. Proposals at the RFP stage are evaluated against six Evaluation Criteria:
			<ul style="list-style-type: lower-roman">
				<li>Suitability</li>
				<li>Feasibility</li>
				<li>Timeliness</li>
				<li>Contribution to Australia’s Defence Industry Capability</li>
				<li>Cost</li>
				<li>Organisational Capability and Capacity</li>
			</ul>
			</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Security Requirements</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>You must not include security classified material (Australian, foreign or proprietary) in your Submission.</li>
		<li>If there is a concern that your Submission would not be able to adequately convey the innovation and its benefits to Defence without including more sensitive or potentially classified information, the Tenderer is to contact the Defence Innovation Hub and make arrangements to provide the additional information using appropriate security protocols <u>prior to</u> the Submission of your CFS. Submissions containing classified information are to be prepared and transmitted as follows:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>for Australian Submissions, in accordance with Principle 71 of the Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF) as amended from time to time; or</li>
			<li>for overseas Submissions, in accordance with the applicable industry security information system regulations issued by the appropriate government security authority in their country. If transmission involves transmission by diplomatic bag, the overseas Tenderer is to use the diplomatic bag of its own government.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>If only part of a Submission contains classified information, that part must be segregated from the remainder of the Submission for separate transmission prior to the Submission of your CFS.</li>
		<li>If required and on request by Defence, the Tenderer is to comply with the Commonwealth security clearance and accreditation process as detailed in Principles 40, 72 and 73 of the DSPF as amended from time to time, including obtaining the level of security clearance and accreditation required by the Commonwealth.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup"><b>Interpretation of these Terms</b></span>
	<ol>
		<li>In these Terms, unless the contrary appears:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>the singular includes the plural and vice-versa;</li>
			<li>a reference to one gender includes the others;</li>
			<li>“Defence” refers to the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Defence, including its advisers and contractors;</li>
			<li>“Innovation Contract” means a contract between Defence and a Tenderer, formed after the Tenderer has provided a successful response to a RFP;</li>
			<li>“Terms” means these terms for the CFS, and includes the Call for Submissions - Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process; and</li>
			<li>“the process” refers to the procurement process commenced by this CFS.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>To the extent of any inconsistency, these Terms take precedence over:
		<ul style="list-style-type: lower-alpha">
			<li>information set out in the CFS cover page, or on relevant Commonwealth websites including&nbsp;<a href="http://business.gov.au/">business.gov.au</a>, <a href="http://www.tenders.gov.au/">AusTender</a> or on Defence social media pages;</li>
			<li>instructions or guidance within the “Innovation Proposal Submission Form”; and</li>
			<li>any other guidance documents on completing the “Innovation Proposal Submission Form”.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
</div>

Visible on Call for Submission Page

NoYes

<div class="instructions"><h2>Call for Submissions - Assessment Criteria and Assessment Process&nbsp;</h2><h3>Assessment Criteria&nbsp;</h3><p>Each submission in response to the Call for Submissions (CFS)&nbsp;that passes initial screening will be assessed against the following criteria, not in any order of importance:</p><ol><li><strong>Suitability -</strong> <em>The extent to which the proposed innovation could further the effectiveness of a &nbsp;Defence capability, enterprise, or technology challenge</em>&nbsp;<br />Defence will consider the following elements in making an assessment against this criterion:<ul><li>the extent to which the respondent’s submission clearly articulates and explains the proposed innovation; and</li><li>the extent to which the proposed innovation is unique, and would provide a new or enhanced capability, or improves Defence’s effectiveness and efficiency through innovation.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li><strong>Feasibility -</strong> <em>The extent to which the proposed innovation will be able to be developed and adopted with relevant defence systems, from a technology perspective</em><br />Defence will consider, in making an assessment against this criterion, the current technology readiness level of the proposed innovation, and the relevance and credibility of any claims made by the respondent relating to the feasibility of the proposed innovation.</li><li><strong>Timeliness -</strong> <em>The anticipated timeframe that the proposed innovation would require to realise a positive impact on Defence capability.</em><br />Defence will consider, in making an assessment against this criterion, the extent to which the proposed timeline and duration of the proposed innovation aligns with timelines for any Defence capability requirements or related activities undertaken by Defence.</li><li><strong>Contribution to Australia’s Defence industry capability -</strong> <em>The extent to which the proposed innovation has the potential to improve or contribute to Australia’s Defence Industry capability and capacity.</em></li></ol><h3>Balance of Investment</h3><p>After each submission is assessed against the criteria, Defence will consider the submissions it has received to ensure that it maintains a balanced portfolio of investments.&nbsp;<br />Defence’s objective is to ensure a portfolio of investments is maintained that achieves a balance across capability streams, technology sectors, service environments (Army, Air Force, Navy, civilian) and across the innovation lifecycle.<br />Defence will seek to ensure the submissions that are selected to be invited to progress to Request for Proposal (RFP) will meet the current balanced portfolio objectives. This assessment may be dependent on the existing composition of investments.</p><p>Balance of investment considerations will include:</p><ul style="padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc;"><li><strong>Alignment to Defence priorities </strong><strong>– </strong>priority may be given to submissions that align with Defence’s innovation investment priorities for the relevant financial year, but there is no guarantee that all submissions aligned to the highest priority, or any identified priority, will be progressed</li><li><strong>Diversity – </strong>Defence’s objective is to ensure a portfolio of investments is maintained that achieves a balance across capability streams, technology sectors, and service environments (Army, Air Force, Navy, civilian)</li><li><strong>Innovation lifecycle </strong><strong><strong>–</strong> </strong>Defence’s objective is to ensure a portfolio of investments that is spread across the innovation lifecycle and which is likely to meet current and future Defence requirements. A mix of proposals at different technology readiness levels is desirable.</li><li><strong>Financial considerations – </strong>a submission may not progress if Defence does not have the budget to support it.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Clarification and exclusion from further consideration</h3><p>At any stage during the assessment process, Defence may:&nbsp;</p><ul style="padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc;"><li>seek clarification of your submission in accordance with clause 4 of the Terms; or&nbsp;</li><li>exclude your submission from further consideration in accordance with clause 9 of the Terms.</li></ul><h3>Advice on outcome</h3><p>Respondents will be advised of the outcome of their submission.&nbsp;</p><h3>Request for Proposal</h3><p>Respondents with successful CFS submissions will be invited to participate in a RFP process, in which more detailed information will be sought and a more detailed assessment of the proposal undertaken.&nbsp;.&nbsp;<br />The RFP will be subject to its own terms and conditions.&nbsp;<br />However, assessment of the proposal will include assessment against the assessment criteria, consideration of balance of investment considerations and strategic considerations. An overview of RFP process is provided below:</p><h3>RFP Assessment Criteria</h3><p>Each proposal submitted in response to a RFP will be evaluated on the basis of likelihood to result in best value for money consistent with Commonwealth procurement policies, utilising the proposal evaluation criteria outlined below. Neither the lowest priced proposal nor any proposal will necessarily be selected.</p><p>Proposals submitted in response to a RFP will be assessed against the following criteria, not in any order of importance:</p><ol><li><strong>Suitability - </strong><em>The extent to which the proposed innovation could further the effectiveness of a Defence capability, enterprise or &nbsp;technology challenge</em><br />Defence will consider the following elements in making an assessment against this criterion:<ul><li>the extent to which the respondent’s submission clearly articulates and explains the proposed innovation; and</li><li>the extent to which the proposed innovation is unique, and would provide a new or enhanced capability, or improves Defence’s effectiveness and efficiency through innovation.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li><strong>Feasibility -</strong> <em>The extent to which the proposed innovation will be able to be developed and adopted with relevant defence systems, from a technology perspective&nbsp;</em><br />Defence will consider the following elements in making an assessment against this criterion:<ul><li>the current technology readiness level of the proposed innovation, and the relevance and credibility of any claims made by the respondent relating to the feasibility of the proposed innovation.</li><li>the level of effort that is required to implement the proposed innovation into the relevant Defence system or platform; and</li><li>the extent to which the proposed innovation can be applied to a platform or system that is readily available for modification</li></ul></li><li><strong>Timeliness -</strong> <em>The anticipated timeframe that the proposed innovation would require to realise a positive impact on Defence capability.</em><br /><em></em>Defence will consider, in making an assessment against this criterion, the extent to which the proposed timeline and duration of the proposed innovation aligns with timelines for any Defence capability requirements or related activities undertaken by Defence.</li><li><strong>Contribution to Australia’s Defence industry capability - </strong><em>The extent to which the proposed innovation will improve or contribute to Australia’s Defence Industry capability and capacity.</em></li><li><strong>Cost -&nbsp;</strong><em>The cost of the proposed innovation, including contract price, Defence items and any other costs to Defence.&nbsp;</em></li><li><strong>Organisational Capability and Capacity -&nbsp;</strong><em>The extent to which the respondent is capable of, and has the capacity to, successfully progress the proposed innovation now and into the future.&nbsp;</em><br />Defence will consider the following elements in making an assessment against this criterion:<ul><li>The extent of the project management capability of the respondent, and appropriateness of any proposed or existing governance arrangements;&nbsp;</li><li>Financial and corporate viability and commitment&nbsp;of the respondent; and</li><li>Previous performance of the respondent and their key personnel&nbsp;in delivering similar projects or services.</li></ul></li></ol><h3>Balance of Investment</h3><p>After each proposal is assessed against the criteria, Defence will consider the proposals it has received to ensure that it maintains a balanced portfolio of investments, taking into account the Balance of Investment considerations set out above.</p><h3>Strategic Considerations</h3><p>Following the evaluation of proposals and the consideration of the balance of investment, the recommendations for the selection of successful proposals will be reviewed by a steering committee who will take into account strategic and other matters that are considered relevant to the investment in innovation. The views of the steering committee or other advisers will be taken into account by the Delegate when making their decision in relation to a proposal.&nbsp;</p><p>Defence will not be obliged to disclose to respondents any of the strategic level or other considerations that may be or are taken into account by the steering committee in forming its views, or by the delegate in making their decision in relation to a proposal.</p><h3>Advice on outcome of RFP</h3><p>If, as a result of the assessment process, the delegate considers that a proposal does not meet Defence’s needs, Defence will advise the respondent as soon as practicable.&nbsp;</p><p>If a proposal is successful, the respondent will be invited to execute an Innovation Contract.&nbsp;</p></div>

Visible on Call for Submission Page

NoYes

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