The Site Selection Process is Defence's procedure for approving the location of buildings, facilities and infrastructure across the Defence Estate.

A project receives approval via one of two types of review. The steps for each review type are essentially the same however the approval authority is different. For projects undergoing a Full Review, the Approval Authority is DGIAD whereas for Regional Reviews, it is the respective Regional Manager. In addition, a Full Review will include the conduct of a Site Selection Board.

Projects delivered through IAD will generally use the Full Review Process. Projects instigated or delivered at a regional level will generally use the Regional Review process, unless Table 1 included at Step 4 triggers a requirement to undertake a Full Review.

The criteria in Table 1 at Step 4 are by no means exhaustive. In this regard, a Regional Manager may direct that any regionally delivered project undergo a Full Review, if deemed appropriate.

For IAD managed projects, the Site Selection Process should be commenced during Step 6 of the Strategic Business Case development. For FACOPS projects, it forms part of their Project Delivery process. For regionally delivered projects including Defence related projects or non-Defence projects involving leases, these types of projects are typically instigated by a sponsor or third party.

The key driver behind the Site Selection Process is the sustainability of the Defence Estate. New facilities or infrastructure should 'fit' appropriately within their surroundings and not adversely affect existing facilities and operations, or the safety and wellbeing of Defence and non-Defence personnel or neighbouring civilians. The process is designed to give consideration to a range of potential issues for all projects. This shifts away from the dollar value or m² threshold of previous practice.

The size, nature, complexity and funding of an infrastructure project will determine whether it is managed within Defence resources or whether some of the project management is outsourced. Irrespective of this, all infrastructure projects, including non-Defence projects, must have a Defence Project Officer to facilitate the Site Selection Process. The Defence Project Officer has the responsibility for managing and driving all timeframes and milestones associated with the Site Selection Process.

4) Project Contractor appointed (if applicable)

1) Non-Defence project is instigated by a third party.