Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today announced a significant ongoing employment opportunity for regional Australia with the selection of three industry consortia to progress to the second stage of the tender process for the Domestic Munitions Manufacturing Arrangements (DMMA) Project.
The DMMA Project will establish successor arrangements to those currently in place under the Strategic Agreement for Munitions Supply and the Mulwala Agreement. These measures expire in June 2015.
Dr Kelly said the project intends to deliver a commercial-based arrangement for the production of munitions, propellant and high explosives.
“This will include incorporating operations at the Australian facilities into an established global supply chain,” Dr Kelly said.
“The DMMA contributes to the identified Priority Industry Capability for Selected Ballistic Munitions and Explosives.
“The tender offer includes the Benalla munitions facility and Mulwala explosives and propellants facility.”
The shortlisted consortia will be invited to enter the second stage of the tender process, including the planned release of a Request for Tender in early 2014.
The shortlist includes:
• Alliant Techsystems Inc (ATK), teaming with NOIA Nominees Pty Limited, American Ordnance LLC, and Day & Zimmerman Inc;• BAE Systems Australia Limited, teaming with Expal Systems SA (supported by BAE UK and BAE USA); and• Thales Australia Limited, teaming with General Dynamics-OTS, NAMMO, and Winchester Australia.
A decision on the successful tenderer is expected in the third quarter of 2014.