The Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme (DRSS)

The DRSS is an acknowledgement scheme offering support to Australian and New Zealand businesses which have, or have previously had, a satisfactory supplier relationship with the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO). It incorporates two categories of products and services supplied to the ADO:

The Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme (General) is awarded to businesses that have successfully supplied products and services to the ADO of a general nature.

The Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme (Strategic Capabilities) is awarded to businesses who have successfully supplied products and services to the ADO, which are judged to be of strategic importance (i.e. central to Australia’s military advantage).

Once accepted into the scheme, a company is provided with the DRSS logo, which can be used on web sites, advertising, packaging materials and company correspondence for a period of three years.

Applications

A supplier of products and services to the ADO can apply to join the scheme by filling out an application form and forwarding it to the nearest BAO office for processing.

To apply for DRSS recognition complete the DRSS Application form

Deeds of Agreement

The right to use the DRSS logo is granted by a formal agreement (a Deed of Agreement) between Defence and the company. The deed gives details about the terms and conditions of usage and formalises the responsibilities of both Defence and the company.

Eligibility

To be eligible for recognition under the DRSS a company must meet the following criteria:

supply of goods or services to Defence (either directly or as a subcontractor) in the past three years (and/or the products are still in use by Defence);
has demonstrated a satisfactory supplier relationship with Defence;
is an Australian or New Zealand company; or
is committed to Australian industry (if foreign owned).

Validity

The Deed of Agreement to use the DRSS logo is valid for three years. Once the agreement has lapsed, a company will need to re-apply for recognition under the scheme and discontinue use of the DRSS logo until they have been re-approved to use it.

Cost

There are no direct costs associated with the DRSS scheme. However, a company will need to suitably indemnify the Commonwealth against any liability and loss that could arise from its participation in the scheme.

Benefits

The ADO is a very demanding customer that uses some of the most technologically advanced and high quality products and services currently available. It is critical that the products and services supplied to the ADO are delivered on time, on budget and are fit for the purpose for which they are acquired. A company that is granted use of the DRSS logo has demonstrated that it is able to deliver products or services that meet the ADO’s stringent standards. The DRSS logo is recognisably Australian and on promotional material differentiates DRSS companies from their competitors. It should be noted that recognition under the scheme is evidence of the Australian government’s acknowledgement, not endorsement, of a company’s endeavours.

Determination of General or Strategic Status

The DRSS is divided into two categories to identify the type of capability supplied to Defence. A company will be categorised at their highest level of capability and the company will be in one category or the other, not both.

The green logo featured below is used by DRSS companies who supply general goods and services to the ADO

The purple logo featured below is used by DRSS companies who supply strategic goods and services to the ADO. The Strategic Capabilities category is for companies that have supplied products of strategic importance, which are central to Australia’s military advantage.

In determining 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.

DRS logo

Who to contact for assistance or further information

Queries relating to the Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme should be directed to your local Business Access Office:

DMOBAO logo