Land Systems Division through Clothing Systems Program Office has a three-stage, open tender program in progress to select one or a small number of Prime Vendors to manage designated work packages of Non-Combat Uniform (NCU). This program started in December 2007 with approval of the Acquisition Strategy, closely followed in January 2008 with release of an exposure draft (Stage 1) of the Prime Vendor concept for consideration to over 100 companies in the Australian Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) sector. 21 companies responded and provided valuable feedback on the scope of the activity and the management of the program that was used to finalise the Invitation to Register (ITR) – Stage 2 of the program.

The second stage of the tender commenced on 28 March 2008 with an ITR briefing conducted on 11 April 2008. A total of 63 delegates representing 33 companies were briefed on the NCU Prime Vendor concept that requested registrations to manage four separate work packages relating to general duties uniforms, ceremonial and band uniforms, sportswear and commercial work and safety wear. Each work package requires a Prime Vendor to provide a complete head - to - foot uniform solution.   The Prime Vendor will be responsible for managing garment suppliers, fabric supplies and ensuring technical performance of the uniforms. The chosen vendor(s) will also manage corporate identity and quality of the garments and ensure that ADF members receive uniforms when and where required.

Mr Ric Hanger, Project Director of the NCU Prime Vendor project noted that “The Registration produced a positive response from Industry with several companies registering for all work packages with significant interest from the commercial sector for the safety and workwear and sporting attire work packages.”  Stage 2 was completed on schedule on 27 August 2008 with short listed companies invited to participate in Stage 3 of the program, a restricted tender released to these companies in November 2008.

At the end of Stage 3 in mid 2009, chosen Prime Vendors will progressively start clothing garment deliveries.  Existing standing offer arrangements will continue during transition to the new Prime Vendor arrangements. 

Smaller TCF businesses have supported the program from the start by:

• Responding in Stage 1 – with commentary on exposure draft documents;
• Registering interest to participate in the program by providing company contacts and details for the work package supplier lists developed during the lead-up to Stage 2;
• Actively Teaming with Prime Vendor Registrant companies, in Stage 2;
• Participating in Clothing Industry Forums (February and September 2008) and formal Industry briefings (April 2008) where details of issues and the progress of the program were discussed; and
• By providing company details for use by potential Prime Vendor companies invited to participate in Stage 3.

Key outcomes sought from the award of work package contracts to Prime Vendors include improved supply and delivery of NCU to ADF members, better management of garment design, manufacture and disposal including management of item obsolescence.  These improvements will be achieved by leveraging from current commercial best practice, corporate wardrobe management systems not available in Defence.

Innovations being sought under the Prime Vendor program include e-procurement solutions, use of Vendor Held Stock management and during the second year of the contract,  provision of an on-line uniform ordering system.  ADF members will benefit from the introduction of a clothing on-line system that will enable ordering of replacement NCU items over the internet.

Wider Defence clothing efficiencies will occur through consolidation and standardisation of uniforms, improved ordering and delivery systems, improved management of uniform designs, patterns, badges and corporate identity – all achieved through reduced direct supplier management to a small number of Prime Vendors.

For further information please contact Mr Ric Hanger on (03) 9282 4320 or
email eric.hanger1@defence.gov.au