The National Program Support Service (NPSS) fills the gap between the Major Capital Facilities (MCF) Program and Comprehensive Maintenance Service (CMS) delivered projects. The NPSS is not intended to compete with either the MCF Program or CMS contractors, rather it is intended to give DSO an alternative delivery avenue for works that are not in the capacity or capability of CMS contractors to deliver.  This is illustrated in the following diagram:

The NPSS is designed to augment DSO’s capability to provide dedicated project delivery services to Defence, focusing on the delivery of medium works projects ($500k-$5m) for DSO and national (including crossing multiple CMS contracts) works programs.  To do this, EFPO has engaged a contractor with a national footprint to deliver the accepted national projects and medium works.  The primary role of the NPSS contractor is to manage the works program that will include the delivery of medium works or projects that have elements that cross DSO regional boundaries ie. that involve more than one region and/or CMS contractor.  The NPSS contractor will also provide specialist consultancies and technical advice.  EFPO manages the NPSS contractor performance and overall governance of the NPSS program.

Outcomes: The NPSS provides:

• Improved DSO’s Estate Maintenance Program management and delivery performance.
• An alternative delivery option to the traditional Comprehensive Maintenance Service (CMS) provider.
• Improved DSO’s responsiveness to priority projects delivery by having a pre-selected service provider who can manage an endorsed project from concept to hand over with minimal requirement for additional procurement activities.
• DSO with independent technical advice on various estate related matters, including building design, hand over take over, maintenance and building compliance.

NPSS roles and services. The operation, roles of the Contractor and EFPO and the services provided under the NPSS are described in the document Operation of the National Program Support Service.  Three distinct types of service have been identified and are shown in the following flow charts:

• Single Site Project Delivery
• Multiple Site Project Delivery
• Provision of Technical Advice

Accessing the NPSS. Requests to use the NPSS are to be submitted to EFPO using an Estate Program National Support Request.

Further information. Further information on the NPSS can be obtained from EFPO from the Assistant Director Estate Services Development, Mr S. Brassington on telephone 02 4034 6986 or email shane.brassington@defence.gov.au.