Chief Information Officer Group
TERRESTRIAL COMMUNICATIONS
(Joint Project 2047 Phase 3)
Phase 3 evaluation of the CIOG 106/10 Terrestrial Communications Services Request for Tender is now complete.
The Chief Information Officer, as the Delegate for this procurement activity has now formally approved the selection of Telstra as the Terrestrial Communications Services Preferred Tenderer. Contract award and completion of the tender process is subject to the successful completion of final negotiations between Defence and Telstra.
Government Second Pass consideration is anticipated for Quarter 4, 2012. Contract award for the provision of Terrestrial Communications Services is expected shortly thereafter.
Defence acknowledges the significant commitment made by all participants in the CIOG 106/10 Terrestrial Communications Services RFT procurement activity.
Background:
Joint Project 2047 Phase 3, Terrestrial Communications (Terrestrial Communications Project) will address deficiencies in the Defence Terrestrial Communications Network, building an integrated, high-capacity, highly reliable network to support improved conduct of operations and the management of Defence business.
The Terrestrial Communications Project will:
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make major enhancements to enable Defence’s information network to improve the preparation for and conduct of military operations and improve the management of Defence business;
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deliver one network connecting fixed and deployed locations built on a single set of standards and products;
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upgrade, replace, standardise and rationalise the Defence Terrestrial Communications Network in order to deliver greater business efficiencies, lower costs in Defence’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) activities and will achieve a secure and robust ICT capability that supports war fighting and business functions;
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allow Defence users to connect to Defence networks at any time, including through wireless technologies using both Defence and personal devices;
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significantly improve Defence’s network performance and meet capability requirements to 2023; and
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explore desktop to desktop video conferencing for collaboration on the Defence Restricted Network and Defence Secret Network to provide Defence users with great flexibility and reduced travel costs.
The Terrestrial Communication Project is pivotal to the ICT Reform Objectives of the Defence Strategic Reform Program as its elements infiltrate and affect the success of all other planned ICT Projects is shown in the following image.
Further information about the Terrestrial Communications Project can be found in the Defence Capability Plan 2012.
Project Milestones:
The Terrestrial Communications project is conducting a phased approach for acquiring the required capabilities. Project milestones – completed and programmed- for project delivery are as follow (noting that, at Defences discretion, this timetable may be amended as required):
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Industry Briefing was held on 8 April 2010 as detailed in the AusTender and media releases.
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Invitation to Register (ITR) an open approach to market was issued on 22 April 2010 to short list organisations with the potential to provision the capability requirements.
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Terrestrial Communications Trade Show was held on 28 April 2010 in Canberra as detailed in the AusTender release of 16 April 2010.
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Workshops with short listed ITR respondents (Telstra, Optus and Fujitsu) were conducted in September/October 2010.
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Government First Pass approval was granted in February 2011.
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Request for Tender for provision of TC Services was released on 6 July 2011.
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Phases 1 and 2 evaluation of the TC Services RFT complete, down selected to two Shortlisted Tenderers, Telstra and Optus: January 2012.
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Parallel negotiations with Telstra and Optus were conducted in March - May 2012.
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Phase 3 evaluation of the TC Services RFT complete, announcement of the TC Services Preferred Tenderer: October, 2012.
The way ahead
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Government Second Pass consideration scheduled in Quarter 4, 2012.
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Contract Signature is anticipated after Government Second Pass approval and is subject to succesful completion of final negotiations with Telstra.
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IOC is anticipated in 2013.
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FOC is anticipated in 2015.
Contacting the Terrestrial Communications Project:
Contact for further information about the Terrestrial Communications Project should be made via the dedicated email address at:
TC.Reform@defence.gov.au or TC@ciogsrb.com.au