The Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme (DRSS)

The Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme has been revised to provide special recognition of companies with strategically important capabilities.

The Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme now incorporates two categories of products and services supplied to the Australian Defence Organisation. The Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme (Strategic Capabilities) is for Australian businesses that have capabilities and products of strategic importance, which are central to Australia’s military advantage. The Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme (General) is for Australian businesses that have successfully supplied products and services to the ADO.

The DRSS can aid Australian defence companies, who are ready to export, to promote their products and services into global markets. The Scheme is one of the initiatives used by the Commonwealth Government to help Australian defence industry to establish themselves within global supply chains.

The ADO is respected internationally as a high technology organisation that utilises some of the most advanced and innovative products available. This recognition by Defence can be an important marketing discriminator.

For more information on the revised Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme read the DRSS Brochure

To apply for DRSS recognition complete the DRSS Application form:
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Strategic Capabilities

Strategic capabilities are those required to produce, modify or sustain ADF equipment in support of ADF operational capability and military self-reliance.

In applying this criteria, Defence will have regard to:

•   the direct effect the industrial capability has on military capability outcomes;
•   the importance of having the industrial capability available in-country; and
•   the contribution the industrial capability makes to the ADF's capability edge.

Existing DRSS companies

Existing DRSS companies will not be affected by the changes made to the Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme and will be able to continue to use the old DRSS logo as outlined in their deed. The revised DRSS became effective on 26 June 2005. All companies with deeds prior to this date are part of the former DRSS program.

When the company’s current DRSS deed expires they will have to reapply and meet the conditions and requirements of the revised scheme.

Current DRSS companies can use the new DRSS logo for general good and services (green logo). Current DRSS companies can not use the DRSS Strategic Capabilities logo (purple logo). If a company believes that they supply goods or services that meet the Strategic Capabilities criteria they apply for recognition under the new scheme. If they are successful they will not be able to use the old DRSS logo and their new deed will be valid for three years from the date of signing.

Existing DRSS companies wanting to receive a copy of the new (green) logo can email drss@defence.gov.au. Please include the name of your company and the date your Deed was signed.

The former DRSS logo:

Last updated: 28 March 2007