By Darian Macey, December 4 2024
On 28 November, Defence’s Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch presented updates on key projects scheduled for procurement within the 2025 Capital Works Program.
Below is a detailed overview of projects with procurement activity in progress or planned for the next three months, providing insights into the type of contracts being tendered and expanded details on each project scope, with links to detailed project descriptions:
- PAF180400 – Aircraft Maintenance Support Facility (RAAF Base Tindal)
- Status: Request for Tender (RFT) stage, tender released November 2024.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Construct Only).
- Scope: This project involves constructing storage facilities, access pavements, grading and drainage infrastructure, along with other supporting infrastructure at RAAF Base Tindal. The facility will support maintenance for aircraft in a highly secure environment.
- Estimated Value: Up to USD 25 million.
- ESTA7000PH2C – Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement (RAAF Base Edinburgh)
- Status: 2B RFT closes 18 December 2024, Package 2C in planning for Q1 2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Construct Only).
- Scope: The project covers upgrades to operational facilities, working accommodation, ablutions, training centres, and modifications to squadron facilities. It also includes implementing a Zone 5 Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). The enhancements will support the P-8 Poseidon aircraft operations, including new training systems.
- Estimated Value: AUD 10-15 million, with potential for pre-agreed variations.
- ESTL8113PH1 – Facilities to Support Long-Range Fires
- Status: Invitation to Register (ITR) expected Q1 2025, RFT mid-2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Construct Only).
- Scope: Development of new facilities at RAAF Edinburgh, South Australia, and upgrades at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria. This includes training, maintenance, and accommodation facilities to support long-range fires capability, which is crucial for enhancing Defence’s precision strike abilities.
- Estimated Value: AUD 200 million for SA, AUD 1 million for VIC.
- ESTJ9111PH1 – Warfighting Networks and Applications
- Status: ITR in February 2025, RFT in May 2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Construct Only).
- Scope: The early works for the Warfighting Networks include establishing ICT support facilities, workshops, and operator buildings across Defence sites in QLD, NSW, and SA. The project aims to enhance data distribution capabilities and secure communication facilities, supporting the ADF’s digital infrastructure.
- Estimated Value: AUD 50-70 million.
- EST02046 – General Ranges and Training Areas
- Status: Design Services contract procurement in Q1 2025.
- Contract Type: Design Services Contractor.
- Scope: This project involves the redevelopment of general ranges and training areas across various Defence sites. The work includes upgrading infrastructure such as training shelters, roads, utilities, and constructing new facilities to enhance ADF’s training capability and operational readiness.
- Estimated Value: AUD 15-20 million.
- ESTZ157 – General John Baker Complex Extension
- Status: ITR in late 2024, RFT in Q1 2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Design and Construct).
- Scope: Extension and enhancement of the General John Baker Complex, including new facilities for workshops, logistics, and training, alongside upgrades to existing facilities to accommodate operational demands. This includes support for armoured fighting vehicles at Gallipoli Barracks, QLD.
- Estimated Value: AUD 8-10 million.
- AIR2025PH6 – Jindalee Operational Radar Network
- Status: RFT in Q1 2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Construct Only).
- Scope: Construction of a transfer building to support the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) at Harts Range, NT. The work focuses on enhancing wide-area radar coverage for improved situational awareness, which supports both ADF air and maritime operations.
- Estimated Value: AUD 30-40 million.
- ESTJ9360PH1 – DARC Alternate Energy
- Status: ITR in Q1 2025, RFT mid-2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Design & Construct).
- Scope: This project involves the implementation of alternate energy solutions to support the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project. The objective is to improve power resilience, reduce operational costs, and support sustainability goals by integrating advanced energy technologies.
- Estimated Value: AUD 10-15 million.
- EST06796 – Anglesea Paterson
- Status: Procurement in Q2 2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Design & Construct).
- Scope: Development of facilities at Launceston, Tasmania, focused on cadet and multi-user depot upgrades. This includes creating an armoury, training facilities, and site improvements to support multi-user training and operational readiness.
- Estimated Value: AUD 8-9 million.
- ESTJP2087PH1 – Guided Weapons Manufacturing Facility
- Status: RFT Q1 2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Design & Construct).
- Scope: Establishment of a missile assembly facility at Port Wakefield, SA, including light frangible assembly infrastructure to support the guided weapons initiative, aligned with Australia’s sovereign manufacturing goals.
- Estimated Value: AUD 15-30 million.
- EST0400PH2/3 – Armoured Fighting Vehicles Program
- Status: RFT Q1 2025.
- Contract Type: Head Contractor (Construct Only).
- Scope: The program will deliver simulation, sustainment, and training facilities for armoured fighting vehicles such as the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle and Main Battle Tank. It also includes infrastructure for infantry support vehicles in Brisbane, QLD.
- Estimated Value: AUD 8-10 million.
- ESTJ8218PH1 – Theatre Logistics Program Works Packages 2.4 & 2.6 (Design Services Contract)
- Status: ITR Q4 2024, RFT Q1 2025.
- Contract Type: Design Services Contractor.
- Scope: Expansion of logistics storage capacity through refurbishment and new build facilities in Perth and Darwin, including horizontal and vertical infrastructure to improve operational logistics and warehousing capabilities for the ADF.
- Estimated Value: To be confirmed.
- ESTJ8218PH1 – Theatre Logistics Program Works Package 2.1
- Status: ITR Q4 2024, RFP Q1 2025.
- Contract Type: Managing Contractor.
- Scope: Establishment of a logistics node in Learmonth, WA, involving horizontal infrastructure works such as hardstands, road networks, power, water, and communications to support Defence’s deployable logistics systems.
- Estimated Value: To be confirmed.
A copy of the slides is available from the Defence website.
Author: Darian Macey
Darian is a former Engineering Officer with the RAE with tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Project Management. He is a leading practitioner within Australia's NSI sector with previous employment in Government, project management and building contractor organisations.
