Call for Submissions · Defence Innovation Hub

Open Date

Solicitation ID

Closing Date and Time

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<div class="instructions" style="text-align: justify">
<p><strong><span style="color:#65B32E; font-family:calibri,sans-serif;font-size:16.0pt;">CHALLENGE STATEMENT</span></strong><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14.0pt;">for Special Notice: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Defence</span></strong></p>

<p><span style="color:#000000; font-family:calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11.0pt;">Challenge Owner: Head of Information Warfare, Joint Capabilities Group</span></p>

<p><strong><span style="color:#65B32E;font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14.0pt;">Request For Proposal</span></strong></p>

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<p style="margin-top:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:10.5pt;"><strong>Date: 23&nbsp;November 2020 </strong></p>

<p style="margin-top:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:10.5pt;"><strong>Special Notice reference no: HUB-20-AIAD-001</strong></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">Aim</span></span></b>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The Head of Information Warfare (HIW) is the endorsed lead responsible for the coordination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across Defence and the newly established Defence AI Centre (‘Defence AI’). AI is a pervasive and disruptive technology that has the potential to augment human tasks and cognition across a large range of applications. AI continues to be rapidly adopted across society, industry, government and the military. AI enables Defence to enhance effective automation of repetitive tasks, assist with discovery and insight across large volumes of data, augment decision advantage and human intelligence through increased understanding, and allow responses to dynamic and challenging environments.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The 2020 Defence Strategic Update outlined that Defence will develop and support focused investments in AI over the next five years, with implications over the following six to ten years [1]. These have been captured in the 2020 Force Structure Plan where funding has been set aside for emerging technologies such as AI, with the potential for increased Australian industry participation [2, 3]. </span></span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">Overview</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color:#222222">This Request For Proposal comprises of this Challenge Statement, the Request For Proposal Terms and the Evaluation Criteria and Process.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> This procurement is only open to Respondents registered in Australia or New Zealand.</span>

<p style="margin-top:6.0pt; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">Defence’s objective is to conduct a single stage Request For Proposal procurement process to select a number of Respondents to enter into an Innovation Contract with Defence. The Respondent is to deliver a demonstrator of the technology for user trial and evaluations with Defence within 12 months from contract commencement.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-top:6.0pt; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">If your technology will not be ready in this timeframe, you should not respond to this Request For Proposal and may instead prefer to submit a proposal to Priority Innovation Notice at </span></span><a href="https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call-for-submissions/solicitation/?id=aa4305b6-e259-e611-80e4-c4346bc532a0"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call-for-submissions/solicitation/?id=aa4305b6-e259-e611-80e4-c4346bc532a0</span></span></a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:0in"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="color:#70ad47">Closing time</span></span></span></b><b> </b><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">You must submit a response to this Request For Proposal using the ‘Special Notice Proposal Submission Form’ at <a href="https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call-for-submissions/">https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call-for-submissions/</a> by <b>12 noon (local time in the Australian Capital Territory) on 24&nbsp;February 2021 (Closing Time).</b></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">Challenge Context</span></span></b></span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Our challenge focuses on AI technologies, approaches and systems to accelerate, enrich or automate components of Intelligence Mission Data (IMD) production, management, training and/or simulation, as well as AI augmented Virtual Reality (VR) and Graphics Applications that improve the value and realism of Defence modelling, simulation and training.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The Challenge: Defence is seeking innovative proposals that advance or enhance Defence IMD production or VR and Graphics Applications within the capability theme of AI. </span></b></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Australian industry with no prior experience with Defence is encouraged to participate, particularly those developing or providing Radio Frequency (RF) solutions for telecommunications, mining or space industries, as well as VR, graphics and gaming industry representatives with experience developing AI agents and approaches to mimic real-world environmental dynamics and those with experience in real-world object or terrain modelling and generation of photorealistic imagery.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:6.0pt; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Further breakdown of the categories and priorities within these categories are provided to shape proposals.</span></span><br>
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<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">A. Intelligence Mission Data</span></span></strong></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:6.0pt; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">IMD is structured, multi-source data of an entity or object that is used to create programmable mission data files that are used in different military platforms such as ships, vehicles and aircraft to provide situational awareness, survivability and countermeasures, and testing and simulation. IMD is composed of five functional categories of entity/object related information with RF information being common in several of those categories. Further information on IMD is provided on the <a href="https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/using-this-site/resources/">resource page.</a> </span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">In the context of the Special Notice, Defence is seeking proposals focused on civilian, non-military or commercial sources of information (white space)&nbsp;<sup><a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">[1]</span></span></a></sup> that contribute to accelerating or enriching IMD production, and also systems, applications, frameworks or methodologies that can be broadly applied to all IMD RF source categories. </span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Artificial RF signals represented through IMD can be complex, geographically restricted or limited&nbsp;<sup><a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">[2]</span></span></a></sup>, and/or subject to environmental or engineered interference making recognition difficult particularly in military environments. Modern AI approaches are very effective at recognising RF signals in the presence of noise or interference, estimating signal parameters and classifying signals to assist with situational awareness and signal detection within military environments. The application of AI to IMD and RF signals is important for Defence to scale and automatically detect common civilian and commercial signals and to accelerate IMD production.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:6.0pt; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The IMD areas of interest are (in no order of preference):</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">i.&nbsp; RF signal family configuration management focusing on ambiguous signals. Defence is seeking systems, applications, frameworks and/or methodologies that assist with this task.</span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">ii. Terrestrial and space-based RF signal classification and profiling to enable environmental situational awareness. Defence is seeking systems, applications, frameworks and/or technologies to assist with this task.</span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">iii. Electronic Support Measure (ESM) kits: single user and/or multi-user (up to four users). Kits can comprise one or more ESM receivers and/or an IT platform to provide an RF-derived survey and/or direction finding Common Operating Picture (COP) application.</span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">iv. Automated or augmented RF signal characterisation to assist in rapidly identifying the parameters of unknown or ambiguous signals. Defence is seeking applications, tools, frameworks and software/hardware systems to perform these tasks.</span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">v. Virtualised RF simulation environments to support development and testing of one or more aspects of IMD production and operations. Defence is seeking proposals from industry on RF simulation environments.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:3.3pt; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Note: The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) communications collection standards can be used as a signal or communications protocol reference source for the IMD priorities.<br>
Please see </span><a href="https://www.etsi.org/standards/get-standards#Pre-defined%20Collections"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">https://www.etsi.org/standards/get-standards#Pre-defined%20Collections</span></a><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> for further information.</span></span><br>
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<strong><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">B.&nbsp;Virtual Reality (VR) and Graphics Applications</span></span></strong></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Defence is seeking VR and Graphics Applications that enhance realism and that are focused on accurately modelling real-world objects, terrain and dynamics. In Defence applications, Virtual Reality (VR) and related Graphics Applications are employed for scenario/planning modelling, simulation, complex data visualisation, and training applications. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">AI techniques within synthetic environments can provide realistic uncertainty and evolve behaviours and dynamics in support of modelling, simulation and training. </span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">When AI and the inclusion of realistic behaviour is combined with an ability to produce dynamic and immersive environments (including real-world objects and terrain), the value to Defence is further increased in a training context. In limited situations the photorealistic imagery from these environments can also be used to augment or produce synthetic data sets to assist with image recognition tasks. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">These model approaches can have dual-use implications for Defence and may be used in limited cases to provide synthetic and augmented data sets for image recognition tasks. </span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The VR and Graphics Application areas of interest are (in no order of preference):</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">i. Applications, models and/or frameworks for AI augmented VR or Graphics Applications to improve immersion, realism and value to Defence visualisation, modelling, simulation and training applications (e.g. combat training, scenario and campaign modelling). Defence is seeking AI applications, models and/or frameworks to improve the value of scenario-based activities.</span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">ii. AI environmental and photorealistic object and terrain modelling of Defence and civilian areas and objects of interest. These will enable the creation of dynamic immersive synthetic environments and the creation and augmentation of data sets for image recognition applications. Areas and objects of interest include real-world cities, towns, buildings, vehicles, aircrafts, ships, and other civilian or military objects in common 3D mesh model file formats or point cloud representations.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="color:#70ad47">Indicative Timeline of Special Notice</span></span></span></b></span></p>

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			<p style="margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Stage</span></span></strong></span></p>
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			<td style="width: 213px; border-top: 1pt solid #deeaf6; border-right: 1pt solid #deeaf6; border-bottom: 1pt solid #deeaf6; border-image: initial; border-left: none; background: #deeaf6;">
			<p style="margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Estimated Date</span></span></span></strong></span></p>
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			<p style="margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Milestone</span></span></span></strong></span></p>
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			<p style="margin-top: 6pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: left;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Request For Proposal</span></span></span></strong></span></p>
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			<td style="width: 213px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid white; border-right: 1pt solid white; background: #f2f2f2;">
			<p style="margin-top: 6pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: left;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">23 November 2020</span></span></span></span></p>
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			<td style="width: 400px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid white; border-right: 1pt solid white; background: #f2f2f2;">
			<p style="margin-top: 6pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: left;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Release of Request For Proposals</span></span></span></span></p>
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			<td style="width: 213px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid white; border-right: 1pt solid white; background: #f2f2f2;">
			<p style="margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">24 February 2021</span></span></span></span></p>
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			<td style="width: 400px; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: 1pt solid white; border-right: 1pt solid white; background: #f2f2f2;">
			<p style="margin-top: 6pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: left;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Request For Proposal </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">submissions closing time</span></span></span></span></p>
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			<p style="margin-top: 6pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: left;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">June 2021</span></span></span></span></p>
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			<p style="margin-top: 6pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: left;"><span style="page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">Respondents</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"> notified of outcome</span></span></span></span></p>
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<p style="margin-top:12.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="color:#70ad47">Technologically Mature Products</span></span></span></b></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">To support the 2020 Strategic Update and Force Structure Plan, the Department of Defence via the Defence Innovation Hub (Defence) is seeking to conduct an open tender process to receive innovative AI proposals for demonstration ready proof of concepts, equivalent to Technological Readiness Level 4-6 (TRL 4-6). AI has been identified as an area of growth by Defence in collaboration with Australian Defence industry. </span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Defence will consider proposals based on solutions that are of higher technologically maturity, only where such proposals articulate a clear innovative development pathway to ensure the product integrates with the requirements of this Challenge Statement. Proposals submitted for TRL 9 or Commercial-Off-The-Shelf solutions without consideration of a development pathway to meet ADF contexts will not be assessed in accordance with Clause 6.2.1 (s) of the Request For Proposal Terms.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">Support</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt">The Defence Innovation Hub has prepared a number of resources to help you as you consider submitting a proposal. These can be found on the <a href="https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/using-this-site/resources/">resource page</a> and include general information on how the Defence Innovation Hub operates and assesses proposals. It also contains more information about Special Notices and a factsheet, which provides more context on Defence’s IMD and VR needs.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">You might also like to talk to the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) and see how they might be able to assist you throughout this procurement located at </span><a href="http://www.business.gov.au/cdic"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="color:blue">www.business.gov.au/cdic</span></span></a><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="color:blue">.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Submissions to this Request For Proposal can be made by selecting ‘Create New Proposal’ for this Challenge Statement. A submission can be made any time before the Close Date and Time.</span></span></p>

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<p style="margin-bottom:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">Total Procurement Value</span></span></b></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Defence has allocated up to $10,000,000 (GST inclusive) for investment as outlined in the Challenge Statement. Defence is under no obligation to fully expend this amount under this procurement process. Any investment decision under this procurement process will be made in accordance with best procurement practices and guidelines in order to achieve Value for Money for the Commonwealth. </span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">References</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt">[1] 2020 Defence Strategic Update, 2020, Department of Defence, </span><a href="https://www.defence.gov.au/StrategicUpdate-2020/docs/2020_Force_Structure_Plan.pdf"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">https://www.defence.gov.au/StrategicUpdate-2020/docs/2020_Force_Structure_Plan.pdf</span></a> </span></p>

<p style="margin-top:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">[2] 2020 Force Structure Plan, 2020, Department of Defence, </span></span><a href="https://www.defence.gov.au/StrategicUpdate-2020/docs/2020_Defence_Strategic_Update.pdf"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">https://www.defence.gov.au/StrategicUpdate-2020/docs/2020_Defence_Strategic_Update.pdf</span></span></a></p>

<p style="margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3] Moy G, Shekh S, Oxenham M and Ellis-Steinborner Simon, 2020, Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence and their Impact on Defence, Technical Report DST-Group-TR-3716, </span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/documents/DST-Group-TR-3716_0.pdf"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/documents/DST-Group-TR-3716_0.pdf</span></span></a></span> </span></p>

<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><small><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span style="font-size:8.0pt">[1]</span></a> Civilian, non-military or commercial environments are known in military terminology as white space, while the adversaries are defined as red and friendly forces as blue.</small></div>
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<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><small><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span style="font-size:8.0pt">[2]</span></a> Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the spectrum authority in Australia</small></div>
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<div class="instructions" style="text-align: justify">
<p><strong><span style="color:#65B32E; font-family:calibri,sans-serif;font-size:16.0pt;">Request for Proposal Terms</span></strong></p>
<strong><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">for Special Notice: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Defence</span></strong><br>
&nbsp;
<div style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GENERAL<br>
1.1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Introduction</span></span></b></span>

<div style="margin-left: 0cm;">
<div><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.1.1&nbsp; &nbsp; This Request for Proposal (<b style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">RFP</b><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">) is for HUB-20-AIAD-001. Defence&nbsp;invites you (the </span><b style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">Respondent</b>) to submit a Proposal in response to this RFP.<br>
1.1.2&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent may submit a Proposal which names the Respondent as the lead respondent and&nbsp;other entities as Key Subcontractors. If it does so, the Respondent is required to ensure it has the authority to represent the Key Subcontractors, and to provide the Declaration on behalf of each of the Key Subcontractors.<br>
1.1.3&nbsp; &nbsp; Following the evaluation of a Proposal in accordance with the RFP, Defence may invite the Respondent to negotiate or execute an Innovation Contract.<br>
1.1.4&nbsp; &nbsp; You will be notified of the outcomes of this process. If your Proposal is unsuccessful, you may request a debrief in accordance with clause 7.2 of these RFP Terms.&nbsp;<br>
1.1.5&nbsp; &nbsp; In conducting this RFP, Defence is seeking an outcome that will: </span></span></div>

<p span="" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; provide Defence with value for money;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; contribute to Defence’s current and future capability requirements; and<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; benefit Defence, Australian industry and the Respondent.</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.1.6&nbsp; &nbsp; The additional rules in Division 2 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) do not apply to this RFP.<br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">1.2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Interpretation of Request for Proposal</span></span></b></span></span><br>
<span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.2.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The RFP comprises:</span></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">&nbsp;a.&nbsp; &nbsp; the cover letter to this RFP (<b>Cover Letter</b>);<br>
&nbsp;b.&nbsp; &nbsp; the RFP Form, including:</span></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (i)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;these RFP Terms;<br>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (ii)&nbsp; &nbsp; the RFP Glossary;<br>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (iii)&nbsp; &nbsp;the Declaration; and<br>
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (iv)&nbsp; &nbsp;the RFP Question Form.</span><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">c.&nbsp; &nbsp; the draft Innovation Contract, which includes the Contract Framework, Contract Phase Statement, Standard Terms and annexes;<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Budget Calculator; and<br>
e.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Project Execution Plan <strong>(PEP)</strong> requirements.</span></span></span></p>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.2.2&nbsp; &nbsp; In this RFP, unless the contrary intention appears:</span></span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; words, abbreviations and acronyms have the meaning given to them in the RFP Glossary;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">b.&nbsp; &nbsp; headings are for the purpose of convenient reference only and do not form part of the RFP;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">c.&nbsp; &nbsp; in clauses 1.5, 1.6, 2.5 and 4.1, a reference to the Respondent includes any Key Subcontractors;&nbsp;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">d.&nbsp; &nbsp; the singular includes the plural and vice-versa;&nbsp;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">e.&nbsp; &nbsp; a reference to one gender includes other genders;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">f.&nbsp; &nbsp; a reference to a person includes a body politic, body corporate or a partnership;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">g.&nbsp; &nbsp; a reference to an Act is a reference to an Act of the Commonwealth, State or Territory of Australia, as amended from time to time, and includes a reference to any subordinate legislation made under the Act;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">h.&nbsp; &nbsp; a reference to a clause includes a reference to a subclause of that clause;&nbsp;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">i.&nbsp; &nbsp; a reference to a ‘dollar’, ‘$’, ‘$A’ or ‘AUD’ means the Australian dollar unless otherwise stated;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">j.&nbsp; &nbsp; a reference to a specification, publication, Commonwealth policy or other document is a reference to that specification, publication or document, in effect on the date of release of this RFP or alternatively, a reference to a revised version of the document if agreed in writing between the parties;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">k.&nbsp; &nbsp; the word ‘includes’ in any form is not a word of limitation; and</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">l.&nbsp; &nbsp; a reference to a party includes that party’s administrators, successors, and permitted assigns, or its officers, employees, agents or advisers.</span></div>

<div style="margin-top:0cm; margin-right:.3pt; margin-bottom:5.75pt">
<div><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.2.3&nbsp; &nbsp;To the extent of any inconsistency, these RFP Terms take precedence over: </span></span></div>

<div style="margin: 0cm 0.3pt 5.75pt 40px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; information set out on relevant Commonwealth websites including business.gov.au, AusTender, or on Defence social media pages; and<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; any other part of the RFP.</span></span></div>

<p style="margin-top:0cm; margin-right:.3pt; margin-bottom:5.75pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.2.4 &nbsp;&nbsp;To the extent permitted by law, no binding contract (including a process contract) or other understanding (including any form of contractual, quasi-contractual, or restitutionary rights, or rights based upon similar legal or equitable grounds) will exist between the Commonwealth and the Respondent in relation to this RFP, including the Proposal, unless and until an Innovation Contract is signed by Defence and the Respondent.<br>
1.2.5 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If there is any inconsistency between any part of this RFP, a descending order of precedence is to be accorded to:</span></span></p>

<div style="margin: 0cm 0.3pt 5.75pt 40px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; these RFP Terms and the RFP Glossary;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Project Execution Plan requirements;<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; the RFP Question Form; and<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; the draft Innovation Contract; </span></span></div>

<p style="margin-top:0cm; margin-right:.3pt; margin-bottom:5.75pt;text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;so that the provision in the higher ranked document, to the extent of the inconsistency, prevails.<br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">1.3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Amending, Suspending, Terminating or Deferring this Request for Proposal</span></span></b></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.3.1&nbsp; &nbsp; Without limiting its other rights under this RFP or at law or otherwise, Defence may, at any time, amend, suspend, defer or terminate this RFP or the RFP process (and any aspect or the whole of the process, including the RFP Form), by giving the Respondent written notice to this effect.<br>
1.3.2&nbsp; &nbsp; If Defence amends this RFP after the Respondent has submitted a Proposal, it may seek an amended Proposal. Proposals amended in accordance with paragraph 1.3.2 should submit an amended Contract Phase Statement, Project Execution Plan (PEP) and pricing response.</span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">1.4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Other Defence Rights</span></span></b><br>
<span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.4.1&nbsp; &nbsp; Without limiting its other rights under this RFP or at law or otherwise, Defence may at any time during this RFP process, do all or any of the following:</span></span></p>

<div style="margin-left: 0cm;">
<div style="margin: 0cm 0.3pt 5.75pt 40px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; terminate further participation in the RFP process by the Respondent for any reason, regardless of whether the Proposal conforms with the requirements of this RFP;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; permit any person to participate as a Respondent or Project Partner in the Innovation Hub RFP process prior to the Proposal Closing Time;<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; negotiate with the Respondent and/or its Key Subcontractors; or<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; deal with other organisations (whether or not they have submitted an innovation proposal to Defence or been issued a RFP) in relation to proposed innovations that may have Defence applications. </span></span></div>

<div><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.4.2&nbsp; &nbsp; Any time or date in this RFP is for the convenience of Defence. The establishment of a time or date in this RFP does not create an obligation on the part of Defence to take any action or exercise any right established in the RFP or otherwise.</span></span></div>

<div><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.4.3&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent should not rely on any representation, letter, document or statement, either oral or in writing, or any other conduct as adding to or amending this RFP, other than amendments that are issued by Defence in accordance with clause 1.3 of these RFP Terms.</span></span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">1.5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Australian Government Requirements</span></span></b></div>

<div><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.5.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent should familiarise itself with the following Commonwealth policies:</span></span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp;Defence and Industry policy as detailed in the <em>Defence and Industry Policy Statement</em> and Australian Industry Capability policy as detailed in the Defence Procurement Policy Manual (DPPM);<br>
b.&nbsp; Conflicts of interest; Gifts, hospitality and sponsorship; Notification of post separation employment; Management and reporting of unacceptable behaviour; Incident reporting and management; and ethical relationship policies as detailed in the DPPM, DI(G) PERS 25-7, Defence Instruction Administrative Policy, Integrity Policy Manual and <em>Defence and the Private Sector – An Ethical Relationship</em>;<br>
c.&nbsp; Work Health and Safety, Hazardous Substances, Defence Environmental, Ozone Depleting Substances and Synthetic Greenhouse Gases, Public Interest Disclosure and Workplace Gender Equality policies as detailed in the DPPM;<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp;Company ScoreCard policy as detailed in the DPPM;<br>
e.&nbsp; &nbsp;Indigenous Procurement Policy as detailed in the DPPM; and<br>
f.&nbsp; &nbsp;Black Economy Procurement Connected Policy (see clause 2.3).</span></span></div>

<div><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.5.2&nbsp;&nbsp; The Respondent acknowledges that as a Commonwealth agency, Defence is subject to legislative and administrative accountability and transparency requirements of the Commonwealth, including disclosures to Ministers and other Government representatives, Parliament and its Committees and the publication of information in respect of the RFP process. Any Innovation Contract resulting from this RFP will also be subject to these requirements, including that contractual provisions (and related matters) may be disclosed to Ministers, other Government representatives, Parliament and its Committees.<br>
1.5.3&nbsp;&nbsp; The Respondent agrees that Defence may provide any information collected or provided during the course of this process to other Commonwealth agencies or regulatory bodies.<br>
1.5.4&nbsp;&nbsp; Defence will not enter into an Innovation Contract with the Respondent if the Respondent:</span></span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; is non-compliant under the <em>Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012</em> (Cth);<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp;is an individual or entity on the Consolidated List to which the Charter of the <em>United Nations Act 1945</em> and <em>Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011</em> currently applies; or<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; has a judicial decision against it (including overseas jurisdictions but excluding judgements under appeal or instances where the period for appeal or payment/settlement has not expired) relating to unpaid employee entitlements where the entitlements remain unpaid.</span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">1.6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Defence Procurement Processes</span></span></b>

<div><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">1.6.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent and its officers, employees, agents and advisers are to, at all times during the RFP process, comply with the ‘Promoting confidence in Defence procurement processes’ requirements contained in <em>Defence and the Private Sector – An Ethical Relationship</em>.</span></span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 0cm;">&nbsp;
<div style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PROPOSAL PREPARATION </span></span></b></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">2.1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Respondent to Inform Itself </span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.1.1&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence makes no representations or warranties that the information in this RFP or any information communicated or provided to the Respondent during the RFP process is, or will be, accurate, current or complete.<br>
2.1.2&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent is responsible for:</span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp;examining this RFP, any documents referenced in or attached to this RFP and any other information made available to the Respondent by Defence in connection with the RFP process;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp;obtaining and examining all further information which is obtainable by the making of reasonable inquiries relevant to the risks, contingencies, and other circumstances having an effect on the Proposal; and<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp;satisfying itself as to the accuracy and completeness of the Proposal including the pricing </span></span></div>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.1.3&nbsp; &nbsp; When submitting the Proposal, the Respondent is required to provide a Declaration confirming that it accepts Defence’s rights under these RFP Terms and that it accepts the Standard Terms of the Innovation Contract (without departure, qualification, amendment, limitation or exclusion). Respondents should therefore carefully consider these RFP Terms and the draft Innovation Contract included in the RFP.<br>
2.1.4&nbsp; &nbsp; By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent acknowledges that:</span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp;Defence is not obliged to enter into an Innovation Contract with the Respondent;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp;the Respondent participates in the process at its own cost and risk and has relied entirely upon its own inquiries and inspection in respect of the subject of the Proposal<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp;the Respondent is aware of the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 to the&nbsp;<em>Competition and Consumer Act 2010</em>) and Division 137 of the <em>Criminal Code&nbsp;</em>under which giving false or misleading information is a serious offence; and<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp;the Respondent is aware of the impact of the <em>Auditor-General Act 1997</em> on its participation in the RFP and any subsequent Innovation Contract.</span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">2.2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Language and Measurement </span></span></b><br>
<span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">2.2.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Proposal, including all attachments and supporting documentation, must be written in English and measurements must be expressed in Australian legal units of measurement.</span></span></span></span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">2.3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Statement of Tax Record</span></span></b>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.3.1&nbsp; &nbsp; In accordance with the Black Economy Procurement Connected Policy, and subject to clause 2.3.2, a Proposal is to include all of the Satisfactory and Valid STRs required from the Respondent under Item J of the RFP Question Form.<br>
2.3.2&nbsp; &nbsp; If the Proposal includes a STR receipt issued by the Australian Taxation Office confirming that the required STRs were requested prior to the Proposal Closing Time, then the Respondent is to provide all of the required Satisfactory and Valid STRs to the Contact Officer within 4 Working Days after the Proposal Closing Time.<br>
2.3.3&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent is to obtain and hold as at the Proposal Closing Time all of the Satisfactory and Valid STRs required under Item J of the RFP Question Form (or an STR receipt confirming that the STRs required under Item J of the RFP Question Form were requested prior to the Proposal Closing Time) of any entity that the Respondent proposes to engage as a direct Subcontractor, if the total value of all work under the Subcontract is expected to exceed $4 million (inc GST).</span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">2.4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Proposal Preparation</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.4.1&nbsp; &nbsp; Unless otherwise agreed, the Respondent is required to provide the information requested in the RFP in the manner described in clause 3.1 of these RFP Terms.</span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">2.5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Responsibility for Proposal Costs </span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.5.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent’s participation in the RFP process, or in relation to any matter concerning the RFP, is at the Respondent’s sole risk, cost and expense.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
2.5.2&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence will not be responsible for, or liable to, the Respondent or any other person for any costs or expenses incurred in relation, or incidental, to the Respondent’s participation in the RFP process(including, without limitation, instances where the Respondent relies on advice from Defence or any other Commonwealth entity, including the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC), in relation to the Proposal or where Defence exercises any rights under this RFP or at law).<br>
2.5.3&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence is not liable to the Respondent for any costs or expenses incurred by the Respondent in taking part in this RFP process, including for all or any of the following circumstances: </span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Proposal is excluded at any stage of the process;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence varies or terminates this process;<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence’s requirements change; or<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence exercises any of its other rights in these Terms. </span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">2.6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Enquiries about this RFP</span></span></b>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.6.1&nbsp; &nbsp; Any enquiries or questions about this RFP should be submitted to the email address (hub@innovation.defence.gov.au), and in accordance with any instructions, included in the Cover Letter.</span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">2.7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Preparation and Transmission of Classified Proposals</span></span></b>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.7.1&nbsp; &nbsp; Classified information in a Proposal is to be avoided where possible. If this cannot be achieved, a Proposal containing classified information is to be prepared and transmitted as follows:</span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; for an Australian Proposal, in accordance with Principle 71 of the Defence Security Principles Framework, as amended from time to time; and<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; for an overseas Proposal, in accordance with the applicable industry security information system regulations issued by the appropriate government security authority in your country. If transmission involves transmission by diplomatic bag, the overseas Respondent is to use the diplomatic bag of its own government.</span></div>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.7.2&nbsp; &nbsp; If only part of a Proposal contains classified information, that part may be segregated from the remainder of the Proposal for separate transmission. However, both parts of the Proposal are subject to the Proposal Closing Time (see clause 3.1.2 of these RFP Terms). Care should therefore be taken to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for the Proposal to be received by the Proposal Closing Time when secure means of transmission are used. </span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 0cm;">
<div style="margin-left: 0cm;">&nbsp;
<div style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PROPOSAL LODGEMENT </span></span></b></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">3.1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Lodgement of Proposals</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">3.1.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent should submit its entire Proposal (including all documents listed in clause 3.1.3 of these RFP Terms) in accordance with the Cover Letter quoting the Proposal Reference Number<br>
3.1.2&nbsp; &nbsp; To ensure it is promptly considered, the entire Proposal should be lodged before the time and date indicated in the Cover Letter (the Proposal Closing Time), or as otherwise agreed.<br>
3.1.3&nbsp; &nbsp; The Proposal is to include: </span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; a completed Declaration;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; completed RFP Question Form, including any required Statement of Tax Record (see clause 2.3 of these RFP Terms and Item J of the RFP Question Form);<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; adraft Project Execution Plan;<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; a completed Contract Framework;<br>
e.&nbsp; &nbsp; a completed Contract Phase Statement;<br>
f.&nbsp; &nbsp; a completed IP Schedule;<br>
g.&nbsp; &nbsp; a completed TD Schedule; and<br>
h.&nbsp; &nbsp; a completed Budget Calculator. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 3.1.4&nbsp; &nbsp; A Proposal, or any part of a Proposal, that is not submitted in accordance with the Cover Letter by the Proposal Closing Time will be deemed late and may not be considered by Defence.</span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">3.2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Period of Proposal</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">3.2.1&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence requires that Proposals submitted in response to this RFP remain valid for a period of not less than 6 months after the Proposal Closing Time.<br>
3.2.2&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence may request an extension of the period identified in clause 3.2.1 of these RFP Terms. </span>

<p style="margin-bottom:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; MATTERS CONCERNING PROPOSAL RESPONSE</span></span></b></span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4.1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Confidential Information</span></span></b></p>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 4.1.1.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Respondent is to:</span>

<div style="margin: 0cm 0.3pt 5.75pt 40px;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; treat the RFP and any information provided to it by or on behalf of Defence in connection with the RFP process as confidential; and<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; not disclose or use that information except as strictly required for the purpose of developing a Proposal in accordance with the RFP.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 4.1.2&nbsp; &nbsp; In accordance with paragraph 7.21 of the CPRs, Defence will treat the Proposal as confidential.<br>
4.1.3&nbsp; &nbsp; Despite clause 4.1.2 of these RFP Terms, Defence may use and disclose the information in the Proposal in accordance with clause 4.7 of these RFP Terms. </span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4.2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Collusive Bidding</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">4.2.1&nbsp; &nbsp;The Respondent, its Key Subcontractors and Related Bodies Corporate, and their officers, employees, agents and advisers are not to engage in any collusive bidding, anti-competitive conduct, or any other similar conduct in relation to: </span>

<div style="margin: 0cm 0.3pt 5.75pt 40px;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; the preparation or lodgement of the Proposal; and<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; the evaluation and clarification of the Proposal,</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> in respect of this RFP or RFP process or any other procurement process being conducted by Defence in respect of its defence capability requirements, including other procurement processes for Defence Innovation Contracts.<br>
4.2.2&nbsp; &nbsp; For the purposes of clause 4.2.1 of these RFP Terms, collusive bidding, anti-competitive conduct, or any other similar conduct may include the disclosure, exchange and clarification of information (in any form) whether or not such information is confidential to the Commonwealth or any other person or entity. </span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4.3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Unlawful Inducements</span></span></b>

<div style="margin-top:0cm; margin-right:.3pt; margin-bottom:5.75pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">4.3.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent, its Key Subcontractors and Related Bodies Corporate, and their officers, employees, agents and advisers are to, at all times during the RFP process, comply with any applicable laws (including foreign anti-corruption legislation) or Commonwealth policies regarding the offering of unlawful inducements in connection with the preparation of their Proposal. </span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4.4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Improper Assistance</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">4.4.1&nbsp; &nbsp; A Proposal that, in the opinion of Defence, has been compiled:</span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp;with the improper assistance of current or former Defence Personnel or Defence Service Providers;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp;with the utilisation of information unlawfully obtained from the Commonwealth;<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp;in breach of an obligation of confidentiality to the Commonwealth; or<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp;contrary to these RFP Terms; </span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; may be excluded from further consideration.</span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4.5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Use of Former Defence Personnel or Defence Service Providers in Proposal Preparation and Process</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">4.5.1&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Without limiting the operation of clause 4.4 of these RFP Terms, a Respondent or its Key Subcontractors are not to, without prior written approval from Defence, permit any Defence Personnel or Defence Service Provider to contribute to, or participate in, any process or activity relating to the preparation of the Respondent’s Proposal or the RFP process, if: </span>

<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.45pt 40px;"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; the person was involved at any time in the planning of the procurement to which this RFP relates, the preparation of this RFP, or the management of the RFP process; or</span></span></span></span></span></span><br>
<span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">b.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;the person was at any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of issue of this RFP involved in a Defence procurement process or activity relevant or related to this RFP.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4.6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Conflict of Interest</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">4.6.1 &nbsp; &nbsp;The Respondent, its Key Subcontractors and Related Bodies Corporate are not to, and are to ensure that their officers, employees, agents and advisers do not, place themselves in a position that may or does give rise to an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest between the interests of Defence and the Respondent’s interests during the RFP process.<br>
4.6.2 &nbsp; &nbsp;If during the RFP process a conflict of interest arises, or appears likely to arise, the Respondent is to notify Defence immediately in writing and take such steps as Defence may require to resolve or otherwise deal with the conflict. </span><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4.7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Use of Proposal Documents</span></span></b>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">4.7.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Proposal, and any further information the Respondent gives Defence about the Proposal (together, the Proposal Documents) become the property of Defence. This does not affect the ownership of the intellectual property in the information contained in the Proposal Documents.</span></div>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">4.7.2&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence may use, retain and copy the information contained in the Proposal Documents for the purposes of:</span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; evaluation of the Proposal and to determine whether to invite the Respondent to negotiate or execute an Innovation Contract for funding and development of the proposed innovation in the Proposal;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; preparation of an Innovation Contract;<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; negotiation of an Innovation Contract;<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; verifying the currency, consistency and adequacy of information provided under any other procurement process conducted by Defence; and<br>
e.&nbsp; &nbsp; internal management, including to: </span></div>

<div style="margin: 0cm 0.3pt 5.75pt 80px;"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">(i)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; evaluate and review its processes, in order to make improvements in relation to future processes; and<br>
(ii)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;ensure and promote compliance with Defence security policy, export controls and relevant protective security requirements.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 4.7.3&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence may disclose or provide access to information included in the Proposal Documents to: </span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; authorised personnel within the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, to allow the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (including its contractors and advisers) to perform its functions, including to provide the Respondent with updates on the progress of their Proposal, for internal management and reporting purposes and to provide advice to Defence;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; other government agencies, including State and Territory government agencies, to consult with them about the claims made in the Proposal; and<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; take appropriate action if any statement made in the Proposal is incorrect, incomplete, false or misleading, including using the information contained in the Proposal for a fraud investigation that would be consistent with the Australian Government’s Investigations Standard and Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 4.7.4&nbsp; &nbsp;Defence will not use or disclose information in the Proposal Documents other than as set out in this clause 4.7 of these RFP Terms unless:</span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Respondent agrees to the use or disclosure of the information;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; the information is in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach of confidentiality;<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; to comply with legal obligations or statutory or portfolio duties, or for public accountability reasons (see clause 1.5 of these RFP Terms);<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; the information is used or disclosed for the purposes of Defence ensuring and promoting compliance with Defence security policy, export controls and relevant protective security requirements; or<br>
e.&nbsp; &nbsp; to defend any claim made in relation to the RFP process or a procurement by Defence (whether or not of the innovation proposed in the Proposal).</span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">4.8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Privacy</span></span></b>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">4.8.1 &nbsp;&nbsp;Defence may collect, store, use and disclose the personal information provided in your submission for the purposes of evaluating your Proposal and for other purposes relating to the administration of this process.<br>
4.8.2 &nbsp;&nbsp;The Respondent may choose not to provide personal information but in this case Defence may not be able to evaluate your Proposal.<br>
4.8.3 &nbsp;&nbsp;The Defence Privacy Policy, which contains information regarding how Defence collects, stores and uses personal information, is available at <a href="http://www.defence.gov.au/privacy.asp">http://www.defence.gov.au/privacy.asp</a><br>
4.8.4 &nbsp;&nbsp;For information about how Defence holds your personal information, how you can apply for access to, or seek a correction of personal information Defence holds about you, or to make a complaint about how Defence has managed your personal information, you should refer to the Defence Privacy Policy.<br>
4.8.5 &nbsp;&nbsp;Questions regarding the Defence Privacy Policy, or privacy within Defence, should be directed to the Defence Privacy Officer: Email:<a href="mailto:defence.privacy@defence.gov.au">defence.privacy@defence.gov.au</a> </span></div>

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0.3pt; margin-bottom: 5.75pt;"><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PROPOSAL EVALUATION</span></span></b><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">5.1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Evaluation Criteria</span></span></b></p>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">5.1.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Proposal will be evaluated on the basis of the likelihood to result in value for money consistent with Commonwealth procurement policies, utilising the Proposal evaluation criteria outlined below. The value for money evaluation will include the consideration of any risks to the Commonwealth. The cost of the Proposal is not the only consideration. The Proposal will not necessarily be selected to proceed to an Innovation Contract.<br>
5.1.2&nbsp; &nbsp; The Proposal will be evaluated, in the context of the applicable capability sub-theme, against the following evaluation criteria, not in any order of importance:</span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>a.  Suitability -&nbsp;</strong>The extent to which the proposed innovation could further the effectiveness of a Defence capability, enterprise or technology challenge. </span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 80px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Defence will consider the following elements:</span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 80px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">(i)&nbsp; &nbsp;the extent to which the Respondent's submission addresses the Challenge Statement;<br>
(ii)&nbsp; the extent to which the Respondent's submission clearly articulates and explains the proposed innovation; and</span></span><br>
(iii) the extent to which the proposed innovation is unique within an ADF context or improves Defence's effectiveness and efficiency through innovation. </span></span></span></span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>b.  Feasibility</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;The extent to which the proposed innovation could further the effectiveness of a Defence capability, enterprise or technology challenge.</span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 80px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Defence will consider the following elements:</span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 80px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">(i)&nbsp; &nbsp;the current technology readiness level of the proposed innovation within an ADF context, and the relevance and credibility of any claims made by the Respondent relating to the feasibility of the proposed innovation.<br>
(ii)&nbsp; the level of effort that is required to implement the proposed innovation into the relevant Defence system or platform. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>c.  Timeliness</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;The anticipated timeframe that the proposed innovation would require to realise a positive impact on Defence capability</span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 80px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Defence will consider the following elements:</span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 80px;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">(i)&nbsp; &nbsp;the extent to which the schedule of the proposed innovation aligns with the preferred timeline of 12 months (from contract commencement).<br>
(ii)&nbsp; the extent to which the proposed scope of work matches the scope of work stated in the Challenge Statement to develop the innovation for a demonstration ready proof of concept with Defence within the preferred 12 month timeline (from contract commencement); and<br>
(iii) alignment to potential future Defence capability requirement windows. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>d. &nbsp;&nbsp; Contribution to Australia's Defence industry capability </strong>- The extent to which the proposed innovation has the potential to improve or contribute to Australia’s Defence Industry capability and capacity. </span></div>

<div style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>e.  Cost </strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;The cost of the proposed innovation, including contract price, Defence items and any other costs to Defence. </span></div>

<div style="text-align: left; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>f.   Organisational Capability and Capacity</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;The extent to which the Respondent is capable of, and has the capacity to, successfully progress the proposed innovation now and into the future.</span></div>

<div style="text-align: left; margin-left: 80px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Defence will consider the following elements: </span></div>

<p style="margin: 0cm 0.3pt 6.15pt 80px; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:99%">(i)&nbsp; &nbsp;the extent of the project management capability of the Respondent, and appropriateness of any proposed or existing governance arrangements; </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:99%">(ii)&nbsp; financial and corporate viability and commitment of the Respondent; and </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:99%">(iii) previous performance of the Respondent and their key personnel in delivering similar projects or services.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0.3pt; margin-bottom: 6.15pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">5.2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Strategic Considerations </span></span></b></p>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">5.2.1&nbsp; &nbsp; Following the evaluation of the Proposal, the recommendations for the selection of successful Proposals may be reviewed by a steering committee who will take into account strategic and other matters that are considered relevant to the investment in innovation. The views of the steering committee or other advisers may be taken into account by the Delegate when making their decision in relation to a Proposal.<br>
5.2.2&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence is not obliged to disclose to the Respondent any of the strategic level or other considerations that may be or are taken into account by the steering committee in forming its views, or by the Delegate in making their decision in relation to the Proposal.</span></div>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">5.3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Advice on outcome of RFP</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">5.3.1&nbsp; &nbsp; The Respondent will be notified whether they are a preferred or non-preferred tenderer in relation to their Proposal.<br>
5.3.2&nbsp; &nbsp; If the Respondent is a preferred tenderer in relation to their Proposal, the Respondent will be invited to negotiate or execute an Innovation Contract. </span>

<h3 style="margin-left: -0.75pt;"><strong><span style="color:#70ad47">6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;DEFENCE’S RIGHTS DURING EVALUATION</span></strong><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">6.1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Proposal Evaluation</span></span></b></h3>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">6.1.1&nbsp; &nbsp; During the evaluation process, Defence may do all or any of the following: </span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; seek clarification in accordance with clause 6.3 of these RFP Terms;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; consider or decide not to consider additional information related to any evaluation criteria (including information obtained from sources other than the Respondent, and information obtained from the Respondent during any other procurement process conducted by Defence);<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; in selecting successful Respondents, Defence may consider whether it has obtained a suitable combination of innovations across the capability themes to meet Defence’s requirements. This includes considering the combination of Proposals that represent the most suitable combination<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; of innovations across all of the capability themes, even if not all those Proposals were the highest-ranked Proposals; and<br>
e.&nbsp; &nbsp; use material submitted in response to one evaluation criterion in the evaluation of other criteria.</span></div>

<div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">6.2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Exclusion from further consideration </span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">6.2.1 &nbsp; &nbsp;At any time during the evaluation process, in addition to the other rights in this RFP, Defence may exclude a Proposal from further consideration for any of the following reasons: </span>

<div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">a.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Proposal does not include a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) that relates to the entity lodging the Proposal;<br>
b.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence considers that the Proposal contains insufficient information to enable Defence to undertake a detailed evaluation of the Proposal;<br>
c.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Proposal does not include a completed Declaration or the Declaration provided with the Proposal has been amended;<br>
d.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence considers that the Respondent, its Key Subcontractors or their Related Bodies Corporate, or their officers, employees, agents and advisers have engaged in any collusive bidding, anti-competitive conduct, or any other similar conduct with any person in relation to the preparation or lodgement of the Proposal whether in respect of this RFP or RFP process or any other procurement process being conducted by Defence in respect of its defence capability requirements, including other procurement processes for Defence Innovation Contracts;<br>
e.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence considers that the Respondent, its Key Subcontractors or their Related Bodies Corporate, or their officers, employees, agents and advisers have failed to comply with clauses 4.2, 4.3, 4.5 or 4.6 of these RFP Terms, or clause 4.4 of these RFP Terms applies;<br>
f.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Proposal includes information that cannot be read or decrypted, or Defence believes the Proposal may contain a virus, malicious code or anything else which may compromise the integrity or security of its ICT environment;<br>
g.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence considers that the Respondent does not comply with the Commonwealth’s security requirements set out in clause 2.8 of these RFP Terms;<br>
h.&nbsp; &nbsp; the evaluation of the Proposal against any one or more evaluation criteria suggests that there is no reasonable prospect of being successful or no reasonable prospect of the proposed innovation being progressed by Defence;<br>
i.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence considers that the technology may present high risk to the environment, safety or security of persons or property, or may breach the law or infringe the rights of others;<br>
j.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence considers that the Respondent has not accepted the Innovation Contract Standard Terms (without departure, qualification, amendment, limitation or exclusion);<br>
k.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence considers that there is a more appropriate program or source of funding for the proposed innovation;<br>
l.&nbsp; &nbsp; the proposed innovation is covered by existing procurement activities Defence is undertaking;<br>
m.&nbsp; the proposed innovation has been developed under a contract with Defence (unless the contract specifically allows this);<br>
n.&nbsp; &nbsp; Defence considers the Proposal includes false, misleading or deceptive claim or statement; and<br>
o.&nbsp; &nbsp; if any of the circumstances specified in clauses 1.5.4a, 1.5.4b or 1.5.4c applies to the Respondent;<br>
p.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Proposal is incomplete;<br>
q.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Proposal, or any part of the Proposal, is not submitted in accordance with the Cover Letter by the Proposal Closing Time;<br>
r.&nbsp; &nbsp; the Respondent does not comply with clause 2.3; or<br>
s.&nbsp; &nbsp; the proposed innovation submitted is evaluated to be at TRL 9 or a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf solution without consideration of a development pathway to meet ADF contexts, as specified in the Challenge Statement.</span></div>

<div style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">6.3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Clarification</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">6.3.1 &nbsp;&nbsp; Defence may, at any time during the RFP process, seek clarification from and enter into discussions with the Respondent in relation to its Proposal.<br>
6.3.2 &nbsp;&nbsp; Defence may request the Respondent to provide a presentation on its Proposal, or request, attend or conduct any site inspections, or observations of product, plant, equipment or other demonstrations, trials or tests of the Respondent or its Key Subcontractors to verify or clarify attributes of the Proposal. Defence may use information obtained during such activities in interpreting the Proposal and in evaluating the cost and risk to Defence of accepting the Proposal. Defence is not under any obligation to request presentations or conduct visits or other activities in relation to a Proposal, or to take information obtained during such activities into account.</span>

<h3 style="margin-left: -0.75pt;"><strong><span style="color:#70ad47">7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;OTHER MATTERS</span></strong><br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">7.1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Withdrawing a Proposal</span></span></b></h3>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">7.1.1 &nbsp;&nbsp; The Respondent may withdraw its Proposal at any time by submitting an email in accordance with clause 2.7 of these RFP Terms.<br>
7.1.2&nbsp; &nbsp; If the Respondent withdraws its Proposal before Defence has evaluated it, or during its evaluation, Defence will not evaluate it, or continue evaluating it.<br>
7.1.3 &nbsp;&nbsp; If the Respondent withdraws a Proposal that has been put on hold, Defence will not progress that Proposal further.</span><br>
<br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">7.2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Debriefing</span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">7.2.1&nbsp;&nbsp; Other than where a Proposal is withdrawn in accordance with clause 7.1 of these RFP Terms, the Respondent may request an oral or written debriefing from Defence in relation to its Proposal (whether they are a preferred or non-preferred tenderer). Respondents can request a debriefing by submitting an email in accordance with clause 2.7 of these RFP Terms.<br>
7.2.2&nbsp;&nbsp; The Respondent will be debriefed against the evaluation criteria contained in clause 5.1.2 of these RFP Terms. </span><br>
<br>
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:#70ad47">7.3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Complaints</span></span></b>

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">7.3.1&nbsp; &nbsp; If the Respondent wishes to lodge a formal complaint regarding this RFP process, the complaint is to be directed in writing to: <a href="mailto:procurement.complaints@defence.gov.au">procurement.complaints@defence.gov.au</a>. On the request of Defence, Respondents are to cooperate with Defence in the resolution of any complaint regarding the RFP process. </span></div>
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<p style="border:none; margin-top:6.0pt; text-align:justify; padding:0in"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#70ad47">Evaluation Criteria and Process</span></span></span></b><b> </b></p>
<strong><span style="font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14.0pt;">for Special Notice: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Defence</span></strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<br>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">At the Request For Proposal (RFP) stage, all Proposals are evaluated against the following criteria with all criteria being equally important. The evaluation criteria allows Proposals to be evaluated individually and in comparison with other Proposals, in order to make informed recommendations for investment. The RFP evaluation criteria may differ slightly between activities and are found in the RFP Terms relevant to the procurement.</span> </span>

<p class="PlainParagraph" style="margin:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#65b32e">Evaluation Criteria</span></span></span></span></b></span><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">Criterion 1 – Suitability </span></span></b></span><br>
<em><span style="font-size:10.0pt">The extent to which the proposed innovation could further the effectiveness of a Defence capability, enterprise or technology challenge. </span></em></p>

<p class="PlainParagraph" style="margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:6.0pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">Defence will consider the following elements:</span></span></span></p>

<p class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">i. The extent to which the Respondent’s submission addresses the Challenge Statement;</span></span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">ii. The extent to which the Respondent’s submission clearly articulates and explains the proposed innovation; and</span></span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">iii. The extent to which the proposed innovation is unique within an ADF context, and would provide a new or enhanced capability, or improves Defence’s effectiveness and efficiency through innovation.</span></span></span></p>

<p class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li" style="margin-top:6.0pt; text-align:justify"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Criterion 2 </span></span></span></b><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">–</span></span></span></b></span><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> Feasibility </span></span></span></b><br>
<em><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The extent to which the proposed innovation will be able to be developed and adopted with relevant Defence systems, from a technology perspective.</span></span></span></em><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">Defence will consider the following elements:</span></span></span></p>

<p class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">i. the current technology readiness level of the proposed innovation within an ADF context, and the relevance and credibility of any claims made by the Respondent relating to the feasibility of the proposed innovation; </span></span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">ii. the level of effort that is required to implement the proposed innovation into the relevant Defence system or platform; </span></span></span></p>

<p class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li" style="margin-top:6.0pt; text-align:justify"><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Criterion 3 </span></span></span></b></span><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">–</span></span></span></b></span><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> Timeliness</span></span></span></b></span><br>
<em><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The anticipated timeframe that the proposed innovation would require to realise a positive impact on Defence capability.</span></span></span></em><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">Defence will consider the following elements:</span></span></span></p>

<p class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li" style="margin-top: 6pt; text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">i. the extent to which the schedule of the proposed innovation aligns with the preferred timeline of 12 months (from contract commencement);</span></span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">ii. the extent to which the proposed scope of work matches the scope of work stated in the Challenge Statement to develop the innovation for a demonstration ready proof of concept evaluation with Defence within the preferred 12 month timeline (from contract commencement); and </span></span></span><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">iii. alignment to potential future Defence capability requirement windows.</span></span></span></p>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Criterion 4 </span></span></span></b></span><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">–</span></span></span></b></span><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"> Contribution to Australia’s Defence Industry Capability</span></span></span></b></span><br>
<em><span style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The extent to which the proposed innovation has the potential to improve or contribute to Australia’s Defence Industry capability and capacity.</span></span></span></span></em><br>
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<span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Criterion 5 – Cost</span></span></span></b></span><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><em>The cost of the proposed innovation, including contract price, Defence items and any other costs to Defence.</em></span></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">A qualitative statement on the:</span></span></span></div>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">i. reasonableness of the contract price, including the level of effort;</span></span></span></div>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">ii. costs of the Defence items, time and other contributions required from Defence to ensure the success of the innovation; </span></span></span></div>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">iii. costs of Defence project management;</span></span></span></div>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">iv. proposed liability cap; and</span></span></span></div>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">v. proposed insurance policy limits.</span></span></span></div>

<p class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The focus will be on the current phase however consideration may also be given to potential future phase costs to Defence such as acquisition and in service where applicable.</span></span></span><br>
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<span style="page-break-after:avoid"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Criterion 6 – Organisational Capability and Capacity</span></span></span></b></span><br>
<em><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The extent to which your organisation is capable of, and has the capacity to, successfully progress the proposed innovation now and into the future. </span></span></span></em><br>
<span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">Defence will consider the following elements:</span></span></span></p>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 6pt 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">i. the extent of the project management capability of the Respondent, and appropriateness of any proposed or existing governance arrangements;</span></span></span></div>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 6pt 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">ii. financial and corporate viability and commitment of the Respondent; and</span></span></span></div>

<div class="PlainParagraph" style="margin: 6pt 0in 6pt 40px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%">iii. previous performance of the Respondent and their key personnel in delivering similar projects or services. </span></span></span></div>

<p style="margin-top:4.8pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.8pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#65b32e">Value for money evaluation</span></span></span></span></b></span></p>

<p style="margin-top:4.8pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.8pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#222222">After each proposal submitted in response to an RFP is evaluated against the above evaluation criteria, it will then be evaluated to determine best value for money consistent with Commonwealth procurement policies. The value for money evaluation will include the consideration of:</span></span></span></span></span></p>

<div class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0in 40px;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">a. whether there is a reasonable prospect that the proposed innovation will satisfactorily address the problem described in the Challenge Statement;</span></span></span></div>

<div class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0in 40px;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">b. whether the proposed innovation is affordable by reference to the funding available to address the problem described in the Challenge Statement;</span></span></span></div>

<div class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0in 40px;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">c. any risks or potential consequences for Defence that may arise if it were to proceed with the Proposal, such as potential non-compliance with the Innovation Contract Standard Terms or technical risks arising from the technology; and</span></span></span></div>

<div class="StyleCalibri11ptAfter6ptLinespacingMultiple115li" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0in 40px;"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">d. the extent to which all the shortlisted technologies, taken together, best meet the objectives and requirements of Defence as set out in the Special Notice. This may include selecting technologies across a range of capability sub-themes.</span></span></span></div>

<p style="margin-top:4.8pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.8pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"></p>

<p style="margin-top:4.8pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.8pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#65b32e">Clarification and exclusion from further consideration</span></span></span></span></b></span></p>

<p style="margin-top:4.8pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.8pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#222222">At any stage during the evaluation process, Defence may:</span></span></span></span></span></p>

<div style="margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">a. seek clarification of your proposal in accordance with clause 6.3 of the RFP Terms; or</span></span></span></span></div>

<div style="margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">b. exclude your proposal from further consideration in accordance with clause 6.2 of the RFP Terms.</span></span></span></span></div>

<p style="margin-top:4.8pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.8pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#65b32e">Evaluation outcome</span></span></span></span></b></span></p>

<p style="margin-top:4.8pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.8pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#222222">Respondents will be notified whether they are a preferred or non-preferred tenderer in relation to their Proposal. Defence will advise this outcome as soon as practicable.</span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-top:4.8pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.8pt; margin-left:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#222222">If the Respondent is a preferred tenderer in relation to their Proposal, the Respondent will be invited to negotiate or execute an Innovation Contract.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
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<div class="instructions" style="text-align: justify">
<div><strong>Addendum&nbsp;- Frequently Asked Questions</strong><br>
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<p style="color:red"><u><b>Please note Defence will not answer any further clarification questions after 5:00 PM (Australian Capital Territory local time) on</b> </u><b><u>Friday 29 January 2021.</u> </b></p>
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<span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><strong>Question 1</strong>: What does Defence mean by ‘innovative development pathway’?<br>
<strong>Answer</strong>: Defence will only consider proposals that state a clear development pathway. Proposals that offer commercial solutions or that are evaluated as TRL 9 must clearly state how the technology will be developed for use in a Defence context. Proposals that do not meet this requirement will not be evaluated as stated in the Terms. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><strong>Question 2</strong>: Can I submit a Clarification Question over the Christmas and New Year period?<br>
<strong>Answer</strong>: The Defence Innovation Hub will not be able to answer questions between 18 December 2020 and 10 January 2021, however, the Defence Innovation Hub can continue to receive clarification questions. Clarification questions submitted during the stand down period will be answered from 11 January 2021 onwards. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><strong>Question 3</strong>: Are there any resources available to assist me with my Proposal?<br>
<strong>Answer</strong>: Additional resources to assist with the development of Proposals can be found on the Defence Innovation Hub Resource page (<a href="https://hubpreprod.microsoftcrmportals.com/using-this-site/resources/">https://hubpreprod.microsoftcrmportals.com/using-this-site/resources/</a>) and includes ‘The Defence Innovation Hub Industry Information Guide’, ‘HUB-20-AIAD-001 SN: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Defence Additional Context’ and answers to frequently asked questions.</span></span><br>
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<span style="tab-stops:center 233.95pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><strong>Question 4:</strong> Is the Challenge Statement intended to cover non-Radio Frequency (RF) data formats under the Intelligence Mission Data Category of the Special Notice for HUB-20-AIAD-001?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Defence has identified a number of priorities for Intelligence Mission Data under Category A, i-v within the Challenge Statement. Respondents should look to address one or more of these priorities.<br>
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<strong>Question 5:</strong> What types of Radio Frequency (RF) data formats is Defence seeking for this Special Notice?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Defence is seeking commercial and open source data formats. If proprietary data formats are being used, Respondents should identify this in their Proposal.<br>
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As Defence is seeking commercial and open source RF data formats, no sample data will be provided.<br>
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<strong>Question 6:</strong> What Radio Frequency (RF) formats will Defence provide for this Special Notice?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Defence will not be supplying RF data as this Special Notice seeks commercial and open source formats.<br>
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<strong>Question 7:</strong> What does Defence mean by the identification of objects of interest in relation to RF? Will Defence provide examples of the types of objects that Defence wishes to detect and identify?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Defence’s expectation is that data formats will be able to identify objects of interest in radio frequency data and / or streams. Defence will not supply example anomaly types or patterns.<br>
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<strong>Question 8:</strong> Will Defence accept technologies from overseas-based companies? If so, how will this be considered as part of an evaluation?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Defence will accept technologies from overseas-based companies. Respondents should clearly state the source of the technology within a Proposal, and where necessary, the relevant sections of the Contract Phase Statement (e.g. Item 14 – Key Subcontractors, Annexure C – IP Schedule).<br>
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Please be aware that Proposals will be evaluated against the extent to which the proposed innovation has the potential to improve or contribute to Australia’s Defence Industry capability and capacity. Under clause 5.1.2.d of the RFP Terms.<br>
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<strong>Question 9:</strong> How are the proposals evaluated under this Special Notice assessed?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Proposals are evaluated against the Evaluation Criteria found in clause 5.1 (Evaluation Criteria) of the RFP Terms.<br>
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<strong>Question 10:</strong> If a platform (hardware and/or software) is provided, will it be considered as a framework under the Challenge Statement?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Defence will consider all aspects of a Proposal to determine whether it meets the Challenge Statement.<br>
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If a Respondent considers a platform to be a framework that enables successful delivery of a Proposal, justification should be provided. Respondents should consider and state requirements for integration into Defence systems where appropriate within Item 17 (Project Execution Plan) of the Contract Phase Statement.<br>
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<strong>Question 11:</strong> Can security clearances be granted for third parties that are required to be part of the project?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Respondents are required to provide details of all personnel involved including third party involvement as per section 2.8 and 3.1 of the Project Execution Plan. Defence will advise if Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) accreditation and security clearances are required. Respondents should advise if either are held for another Defence contract, quoting applicable references.<br>
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<strong>Question 12:</strong> Can environments be established outside Defence to showcase the technology prior to integrating technology into the Defence environment?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> This Special Notice seeks commercial and open source formats. Non-Defence Environments are accepted.<br>
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<strong>Question 13:</strong> What data sets for Virtual Reality (VR) and Graphics Applications&nbsp;will Defence provide for this Special Notice?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Defence will not be supplying Virtual Reality and Graphics Applications datasets for the Special Notice. For any intelligent (AI-enabled) applications or agents that are being proposed for use in VR and graphics applications, Defence is happy for proposals to use any graphics environment as it will be the algorithms and techniques of the “intelligent” approach that will be assessed. The same applies to any environmental or similar graphics modelling proposals.<br>
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<strong>Question 14:</strong> Will defence provide an extension?<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> Defence has taken into account the lockdown in Victoria and has granted a <strong>final</strong> extension for all Respondents to submit a proposal. The new closure date is <strong>Wednesday 24 February 2021, 12:00 ACT Local Time. </strong><br>
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