The Independent Australian Industry Capability (AIC) Plan Assurance framework provides a transparent audit process for AIC Plans. These audits are performed by independent audit firms and allow for ongoing remediation action monitoring.
Early intervention, analysis of audit outcomes and identification of systemic issues or trends allow improvements to AIC Plan content and structure, project management practices and how policy intent is being achieved.
Through audits, noncompliance (or risk of noncompliance) of individually contracted AIC Plans can be:
- detected
- referred for assessment
- validated
- reported.
Audit selection process
All contracts with a mandated AIC Plan can be audited. Contracted providers will be selected for audit via one of 2 mechanisms:
- an annual audit program that uses risk criteria for ‘sample-based’ or ‘triggers’ to identify the risk of non-compliance
- direct referrals of potential noncompliance to either Defence or the Minister for Defence Industry.
Reporting
Audit results will be reported to Defence, the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Defence Industry.
Each contract includes obligations covering sensitive or confidential information. Accordingly, AIC Plan audit reports or project level supplier details are not publicly available.