Defence encourages the engagement of Small to Medium Enterprises (defined as a company with less than 200 employees) in its direct purchases and through prime contractors.
Small businesses are important as they contribute to the delivery of a wide range of goods and services essential to the establishment and sustainment of Australia's defence capability. Small to Medium Enterprises are a vital element in major defence acquisition contracts through the supply of sub-systems and components. Many innovative specialist technologies that contribute to Australia's defence capability edge come from Small to Medium Enterprises.
The DMO supports Small to Medium Enterprises:
- The Defence Small Business Access portal is based on a website that provides information on policies and provides guidelines about doing business with Defence. It also includes an interactive website where companies can register and detail their company's capabilities. Defence and major prime contractors can access the information. To the end of June 2006, over 450 companies, mostly Small to Medium Enterprises, had registered on the site. A '1 800' number and email address were established to facilitate direct enquiries.
- The DMO encourages prime contractors to engage fairly with Small to Medium Enterprises in major defence acquisition contracts by agreeing to a code of conduct and supply chain management plans.