The Under Secretary Defence Materiel, Mr Mick Roche, has released the proposed replacement Defence acquisition contracting proforma, SMART 2000, for industry and public comment.
SMART 2000 is designed to replace the current proforma, DEFPUR 101 v46, and streamline the acquisition process to make it cheaper, faster and more industry-focussed.
"SMART 2000 provides tangible evidence that the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) is changing the way it acquires capability for the future," Mr Roche said.
"It demonstrates DMO's commitment to working in partnership with industry to ensure capability is developed in the most efficient and cost effective way.
"In developing SMART 2000, the DMO has actively sought comment from industry and commercial advisers and intends to continue this dialogue following the document's release.
"SMART 2000 is an integral component of the acquisition reform process currently underway in DMO and Defence.
"SMART 2000 aims to address industry concerns over Defence contracting, by sharing risk, adopting a more commercial approach to acquisition documentation and reducing the cost and time of tendering and contracting.
"Other significant changes proposed in SMART 2000 relate to limitation of liability and the payment and securities regime. Details on intellectual property will be available in mid July.
"By changing our approach to acquisition documentation and contracting, we aim to achieve improved industry relationships, better value for money for both Defence and industry, and most of all, world-class capability for Australia's future.
"I encourage industry to take an active role in the consultation process," Mr Roche said.
Following consideration of comments, SMART 2000 is scheduled for release in late August.
Comments from industry and the public for consideration for the August release will be accepted until 28 July 2000.
During July, presentations on the proposed replacement proforma will be made at the Defence+Industry 2000 regional briefings.
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SMART 2000 : Making Defence Acquisition Cheaper and Faster