Call for Submissions · Defence Innovation Hub

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Solicitation ID

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<h1>Challenge Statement</h1>

<p class="font-size-1-3em"><strong>For Special Notice: <em>Counter Robotic and Autonomous Systems for the Land Force</em> (including exhibition at Army Innovation Day 2023)</strong></p>

<p></p>

<p class="font-size-1-3em">Challenge Owner: Head Land Capability (HLC)</p>

<div class="header-with-underline">
<h2>Call for Submissions</h2>
</div>

<p><strong>Date: 07 MAR 2023 </strong></p>

<p><strong>Special Notice reference no: HUB-23-AID-001 </strong></p>

<h3>Aim</h3>

<p>The Department of Defence (Defence) via the Australian Army and the Defence Innovation Hub (DIH) are seeking innovation Submissions that will assist Defence in exploring Counter Robotic and Autonomous Systems (C-RAS) capabilities for the Land Force. Just as Army is growing its own inventory of Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) capabilities, in parallel, it has a need to counter RAS threats as highlighted through recent conflict. Army requires a layered system of systems that can detect, identify, target and counter individual, multiple and swarms of RAS threats, simultaneously, across the air, ground and littoral environments. For context, industry could consider <a href="https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/robototic_autonomous_systems_strategy.pdf">Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Strategy</a> which outlines the need for un-crewed and autonomous platforms being used for several mission scenarios in order to consider how they can be best countered. Participants are encouraged to maximise the use of passive means to detect and identify.</p>

<p>This Challenge Statement is focused on addressing Army’s C-RAS needs and is seeking a minimum of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 systems. Defence is seeking Submissions that will include a technology demonstration of at least TRL 5 for Australian Army user evaluation within 12 to 18 months of contract commencement.</p>

<h3>Overview</h3>

<p>This Call for Submissions (CFS) comprises this Challenge Statement, the Terms and the Evaluation Criteria and Process. This CFS is Stage 1 of a two stage procurement process. Any enquiries or questions about this CFS should be submitted to the email address (<a href="mailto:army.innovation.day@defence.gov.au">army.innovation.day@defence.gov.au</a>). Questions and answers will be uploaded onto the DIH portal.</p>

<h4>Stage 1 – Call for Submission</h4>

<p>It is open to Tenderers registered in Australia and offering Australian designed and manufactured solutions only. Defence’s objective in this CFS (Stage 1) is to evaluate&nbsp;and down-select a number of Tenderers who will be offered the opportunity to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Stage 2 and attend Army Innovation Day 2023 (AID23). Stage 1 requires industry to complete and submit a CFS form (mandatory).</p>

<p>Tenderers <u>must</u> submit a response to this CFS using the ‘Special Notice Submission Form’ at <a href="/call-for-submissions">https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call-for-submissions/</a> <strong>by 1400h (local time in the Australian Capital Territory) on 18 April 2023 (Closing Time)</strong>.</p>

<h4>Stage 2 – Request for Proposal</h4>

<p>Stage 2 involves the lodgement&nbsp;and evaluation of the RFP which includes exhibition and presentation of Proposals at AID23 to be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (mandatory). Attendance at AID23 forms part of the RFP evaluation process through industry engagement and clarification.</p>

<p>Defence’s objective in the RFP is to conduct detailed evaluation of Proposals to select a number of Tenderers to enter into Innovation Contract negotiations with Defence. Proposals&nbsp;should clearly articulate the development activities to be completed and commit to deliver a demonstration of the technology at a minimum of TRL 5 for Australian Army user evaluations within 12 to 18 months of contract commencement, including cost and milestone profiles.</p>

<p>If the technology will not be ready at TRL 5 in this timeframe, Tenderers are encouraged not to respond to this CFS. An alternative is to consider an innovation Submission through the DIH portal as a Priority Innovation Notice at the following link: <a href="/call-for-submissions">https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call-for-submissions/</a>. Submissions submitted through this method at the DIH are less time-constrained than AID23 Submissions.</p>

<h3>Army Innovation Day 2023 (AID23)</h3>

<p>AID23 will be held as an event within the Chief of Army’s Symposium on 29-30 Aug 2023 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre over a period of two days. The purpose of AID23 is for Tenderers to exhibit their proposed innovation concepts to Defence personnel. This will include industry engagement and Proposal clarification as part of the procurement process. The Deed of Participation Terms will govern the Tenderers’ participation, Proposal clarification, and exhibition at AID23.</p>

<p>AID23 will be open to Defence personnel, invited Defence contractors, invited guests and the media with an exclusion to the general public. Invitations will be extended to the Minister for Defence, Minister for Defence Industry, State Ministers, Service Chiefs, Defence Group Heads, and senior Australian Defence Force officers responsible for capability development. Optional invitations include Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Department of Home Affairs and select foreign nationals.</p>

<h3>Challenge Context</h3>

<p><strong>The Challenge: Defence is seeking innovative Counter Robotic and Autonomous Systems (C-RAS) that can detect, identify, target and counter RAS threats to protect the Land Force. These RAS threats are capable of operating as individuals, multiples, and swarms across air, ground, and littoral environments. Additionally, Defence seeks the ability of C-RAS capabilities that can deliver an area denial effect to deter, shape, fix and or neutralise RAS threats in both offensive and defensive operations.</strong></p>

<p>Defence seeks innovative C-RAS capabilities in the following areas:</p>

<ul style="padding-left: 1em !important;">
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Theme 1 – Counter Aerial RAS.</strong> Defence is seeking C-RAS that can protect Land Forces from aerial RAS threats, both commercial and military grade platforms. The emerging RAS threats are most likely to be tactical in nature including anti-armour, one way attack and ISR RAS.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Theme 2 - Counter Ground RAS.</strong> Defence is seeking C-RAS that can protect Land Forces from ground RAS threats, both commercial and military grade platforms. The emerging RAS threats are most likely to be tactical in nature including anti-armour, one way attack and ISR RAS.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Theme 3 - Counter Littoral &amp; Riverine RAS.</strong> Defence is seeking C-RAS that can protect Land Forces from waterborne&nbsp;RAS threats, both commercial and military grade platforms, operating in the littoral environment or conducting riverine operations. The emerging RAS threats are most likely to be tactical in nature including anti-ship, one way attack and ISR RAS.</div>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>C-RAS capabilities need to deliver protection to the Land Force, including mobile tactical forces, mission critical command and control nodes, logistics hubs, fixed civilian assets and military infrastructure. There is also a desire for systems capable of providing offensive area denial effects for mobile tactical forces across the full spectrum of conflict. C-RAS capability which can deliver these effects against RAS threats across multiple themes will be highly regarded. Tenderers to this CFS may lodge one Submission per solution. A solution may address one or multiple themes. Tenderers may submit multiple Submissions for different solutions.</p>

<h4>New RAS Threat Technology Trends</h4>

<p>RAS technology continues to develop at a rapid pace. As new technology is integrated into RAS platforms, greater sophistication is required in our ability to defeat these RAS threats. Emergent trends augmenting RAS threats employ the following technologies or combination thereof:</p>

<ul style="padding-left: 1em !important;">
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) Equipped RAS.</strong> Emerged RAS can operate in a Radio Frequency (RF) and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) denied environment with future systems capable of operating independent of any link to a control station. Defence will need to consider how to counter RAS threats with reduced reliance on RF signals and Global Navigation Satellite Systems.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network and SATCOM Control. </strong> Several commercially available UAVs are now being developed to enable control through mobile LTE networks and Satellite Communications (SATCOM) rather than through a radio frequency (RF) link. UAVs operated through an LTE network or SATCOM link essentially enable an indefinite range for the user and thus in turn make the operator much harder to find or maybe not detectable at all depending on the range of the C-RAS system. Defence will need to consider how to counter RAS threats with undetectable control points.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Massed RAS. </strong> A vast number of autonomous systems within a brief period of time to provide an overwhelming effect. Defence will need to consider a layered system of C-RAS capabilities, but also the use on novel systems that can deliver an area effect to counter more than one RAS system at a time.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Swarming RAS. </strong> The large mass of autonomous systems interoperating collectively to act and respond in a coordinated effort to provide an overwhelming effect. Defence will need to consider a layered system of C-RAS capabilities, but also the use on novel systems that can deliver an area effect to counter more than one type of RAS system at a time.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Heterogeneous RAS. </strong> As the numbers of RAS and their varied capabilities have increased dramatically, new approaches are required for countering of a heterogeneous RAS. Modern military operations are shifting from homogeneous to heterogeneous RAS concepts as a result of hybrid-threat missions to achieve a teaming effect. Swarms or mass RAS can be of varying type and capability requiring a combination of different effectors to counter. Defence will need to consider how to counter swarms or masses of RAS systems made up of heterogeneous RAS.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>On-board AI. </strong> The incorporation of AI on-board RAS platforms poses several challenges for C-RAS. In addition to enabling drone swarm technology, on-board AI soon may empower RAS to autonomously avoid incoming projectiles, limiting the effectiveness of kinetic kill C-RAS systems. Defence will need to consider how to counter RAS threats capable of sensing and responding in real time to counter measures.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Computer Vision. </strong> Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers and systems to derive meaningful information from digital images, videos and other visual inputs — and take actions or make recommendations based on that information. Defence will need to consider how to counter RAS threats capable of independently identifying Land Force systems, including the employed C-RAS.</div>
	</li>
</ul>

<h4>C-RAS Key Requirements.</h4>

<p>Note: Essential requirements of Submissions are denoted by the word ‘must’.</p>

<ul style="padding-left: 1em !important;">
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Deployability. </strong> Must be able to be deployable and transportable by or integrated with an in-service vehicle, trailer or container solution. The system should seek to utilise as little container or vehicle space as possible to ensure deployment with current transport assets.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Employability.&nbsp;</strong> Must be robust, mobile and able to be assembled for operating and disassembled for transport in as little time possible. The system must be able to operate at the halt. It is desirable that the system can operate on the move.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Effect. </strong> Should consider both soft and hard kill solutions that can neutralise RAS as well as crewed platforms operating in the air, ground and littoral (water surface and under water) environment. Innovations should also consider the operating costs of the system relative to the cost of the intended threat.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>RAS Detection. </strong> Should consider both active and passive RAS detection capabilities that function across the air, land and littoral (water surface and under water) environments. Preference is for passive RAS detection solutions to reduce detection of the C-RAS system.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>RAS Categories. </strong> RAS can be distinguished and categorised based on size, application and capability. For example, NATO categorises UAS into three dedicated classes as referenced in <a href="https://nso.nato.int/nso/nsdd/main/standards?search=ATP-3.3.8.1">NATO ATP-3.3.8.1, Ed. B, Ver. 1.</a></div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>RAS Design Principles. </strong> Defence recognises that RAS can follow varying design principles based on application and purpose. Depending on the RAS design features, potential detection and countermeasures may be challenged, denied or not applicable.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>System of Systems. </strong> By comparing different types of RAS, Defence highlights how countering the complete spectrum of RAS threats can require varying approaches, Defence is not assuming the C-RAS will be a single system capable of delivering these RAS neutralising and shaping effects. Defence is open to industry offering a specific C-RAS focussed system or multi-layered capabilities to deliver these C-RAS combat effect needs by the most efficient and effective means. Defence will accept a prime offering an integrated solution drawing on other industry partner capabilities.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Software Architecture. </strong> The system should utilise open software architecture enabling integration with other systems allowing Army to achieve a layered C-RAS effect.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Modular. </strong> The system should consider modularity in design to enable major components to be easily repaired or upgraded.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>All Weather Capable. </strong> Operating environments will include littoral, tropical and riverine. The system should be capable of operating in the rain and fog.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Day &amp; Night Capable.&nbsp;</strong>The C-RAS capability must be capable of operating in day, night, or low light conditions.&nbsp;</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Redundancy. </strong> The system should be designed to provide operational redundancy.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Safety. </strong> Safety must be considered in the Domestic and Operational environments. Use of high power microwave, lasers, projectiles and kinetic effects must have regard to safety and collateral damage.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Detectability. </strong> The system should consider how to minimise its detection.</div>
	</li>
	<li>
	<div class="margin-left"><strong>Interfaces. </strong> The system should consider what in-service Defence platforms and or containers it needs to interface with.</div>

	<ul class="inner-list">
		<li>
		<div class="margin-left"><strong>Platforms. </strong> Army platforms including the PMV-L Hawkei, PMV Bushmaster, and or Medium Heavy Cargo truck fleet, as well as future platforms.</div>
		</li>
		<li>
		<div class="margin-left"><strong>Containers.</strong>&nbsp;If a containerised solution is considered, it must comply with an ADF used military standard container such as the 6’ TRICON, 10’ BICON, 20’ ISO Standard and / or 20’ ISO Taller.</div>
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<h3>Timeline of Special Notice</h3>

<div>
<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr class="table-header">
			<td width="189">
			<p><span><b><span>Stage</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="189">
			<p><span><b><span>Procurement Authority</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="252">
			<p><span><b><span>Title</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="276">
			<p><span><b><span>Estimated Date</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="280">
			<p><span><b><span>Milestone</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td rowspan="3" width="189">
			<p><span><b><span>Stage 1</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td rowspan="3" width="189">
			<p><span><b><span>Army</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td rowspan="3" width="252">
			<p><span><b><span>Call for Submission Opens</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="276">
			<p><span><span>07 March 2023, 1200 (ACT Local Time)</span></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="280">
			<p><span><span>CFS Opens</span></span></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="276">
			<p><span><span>18 April 2023, 1400 (ACT Local Time)</span></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="280">
			<p><span><span>CFS Closes</span></span></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="276">
			<p><span><span>May 2023</span></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="280">
			<p><span><span>Tenderers notified of outcome of CFS (Part 1)</span></span></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td rowspan="4" width="189">
			<p><span><b><span>Stage 2</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td rowspan="2" width="189">
			<p><span><b><span>Defence Innovation Hub</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td rowspan="2" width="252">
			<p><span><b><span>Request for Proposal</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="276">
			<p><span><span>23 May 2023</span></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="280">
			<p><span><span>RFP packs released</span></span></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="276">
			<p><span><span>18 July 2023</span></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="280">
			<p><span><span>RFP Closing Time</span></span></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="189">
			<p><span><b><span>Army</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="252">
			<p><span><b><span>Army Innovation Day</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="276">
			<p><span><span>29-30 August 2023</span></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="280">
			<p><span><span>Display and presentation of Proposals</span></span></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="189">
			<p><span><b><span>Defence Innovation Hub</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="252">
			<p><span><b><span>Notification</span></b></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="276">
			<p><span><span>October 2023</span></span></p>
			</td>
			<td width="280">
			<p><span><span>Tenderers notified of outcome of RFP</span></span></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
</div>

<h3>Total Procurement Value</h3>

<p>Defence has allocated up to $16,000,000 (GST exclusive) for this procurement process. 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 the best procurement practices and guidelines to achieve best value for money for the Commonwealth.</p>

<h3>Technical Readiness Levels</h3>

<p>Defence seeks Submissions based on products that are at minimum technological maturity of TRL 3. Submissions at lower level of technical maturity will not be able to be exhibited and presented at AID23 (as per CFS Terms) and will not be considered, in accordance with Clause 11 of the CFS.</p>
</div>

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<div class="header-with-underline">
<h1>CFS Terms for Special Notice: Counter Robotic and Autonomous Systems for the Land Force (including exhibition at Army Innovation Day 2023)</h1>
</div>

<ol class="first-level-ol">
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Call for Submissions</span>

	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>This is a Call for Submissions (CFS), which represents stage 1 of 2 of the AID23 procurement process. Tenderers (also referred to as ‘you’ in these Terms) must lodge a Submission before the Closing Time using the “Special Notice Proposal Submission Form” available on the Defence Innovation Hub Web Portal for each specific solicitation. Defence will evaluate Submissions received in response to this CFS in accordance with these Terms and in accordance with the Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process.</li>
		<li>If Defence selects your Submission to progress to stage 2 Request for Proposal (RFP), you will be invited to submit a Proposal that Defence will then consider in accordance with the terms of that process.</li>
		<li>You will be notified of the outcomes of each stage and may request a debriefing at the end of each stage in which you participated.</li>
		<li>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 Defence and a Tenderer unless and until an Innovation Contract is signed by Defence and that Tenderer.</li>
		<li>The additional rules in Division 2 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) do not apply to this process.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Preparing a Submission</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>Submissions lodged after the Closing Time (whether in whole or part) may be excluded from consideration.</li>
		<li>Your Submission, including attachments, must be in English, and measurements must be in Australian legal units of measurement.</li>
		<li>Your Submission must include a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) that relates to the entity lodging the Submission.</li>
		<li>Your Submission must not contain viruses, malicious code, or other disabling features which may affect Defence’s or any other Commonwealth of Australia ICT environment.</li>
		<li>You must not rely on any representation, letter, document or statement, either oral or in writing, or other conduct as adding to or amending these Terms other than amendments issued by Defence in accordance with clause 3.1 of these Terms.</li>
		<li>You must comply with the security provisions at clause 16 and not include security classified material (Australian or foreign) in your Submission.</li>
		<li>You must not engage in any collusive bidding, anti-competitive conduct or other similar conduct in connection with your Submission or any engagement with Defence in relation to your Submission.</li>
		<li>You must make sure that your officers, employees, agents and advisors involved in the Submission or the process also observe this restriction.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Defence’s rights</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>Without limiting its other rights under this CFS or at law or otherwise, Defence may amend, suspend, defer or terminate this CFS, and any aspect or the whole of the process (including the Submission form), at any time by issuing a notice in writing via AusTender and the Innovation Hub Dashboard.</li>
		<li>In addition to its other rights, Defence will not invite you to respond to the stage 2 RFP if you:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>are non-compliant under the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth);</li>
			<li>have a judicial decision against you (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; or</li>
			<li>are an individual or entity on the Consolidated List to which the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 and Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 currently applies.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Defence may at any time do any number of the following:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>clarify Submissions with Tenderers;</li>
			<li>enter into discussions with Tenderers in relation to their Submission;</li>
			<li>consider additional information related to a Submission (including information obtained from sources other than a Tenderer);</li>
			<li>shortlist one or more Tenderers;</li>
			<li>exclude a Submission from further consideration under clause 11.1;</li>
			<li>decide not to undertake, or discontinue, this CFS if Defence considers it does not have sufficient Submissions to make the continuation viable;</li>
			<li>terminate further participation in the CFS process by the Tenderer for any reason, regardless of whether the Submission conforms with the requirements of the CFS;</li>
			<li>permit any person to participate in the CFS process prior to Closing Time;</li>
			<li>negotiate with the Tenderer and/or its project partners; and</li>
			<li>deal with any other organisations (whether or not they have submitted a Submission) in relation to proposed innovations that may have Defence applications.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Defence reserves the right to determine the order in which it evaluates the Submissions it receives in response to this CFS.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Inappropriate Behaviour</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>Defence reserves the right to exclude a Submission that, in the opinion of Defence, has been compiled:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>with the improper assistance of current or former Defence personnel or Defence service providers;</li>
			<li>with the utilisation of information unlawfully obtained from the Commonwealth;</li>
			<li>in breach of an obligation of confidentiality to the Commonwealth; or</li>
			<li>contrary to these CFS Terms.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Use of former Defence personnel or Defence service providers in Submission preparation and CFS process</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>Without limiting the operation of Section 4 of these CFS Terms, a Tenderer or its project partners must not, without prior written approval from Defence (the Defence Innovation Hub Delegate), permit any Defence personnel or Defence service provider to contribute to, or participate in, any process or activity relating to the preparation of the Tenderer’s Submission or the CFS process, if:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>the person was involved at any time in the planning of the procurement to which this CFS relates, the preparation of this CFS, or the management of the CFS process; or</li>
			<li>the person was at any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of issue of this CFS involved in a Defence procurement process or activity relevant or related to this CFS.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>For further information on the use of Defence personnel in preparing a Tender response, consult the Integrity Policy Manual at <a href="https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/integrity_policy_manual.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/integrity_policy_manual.pdf.</a></li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Evaluation of Submissions</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>Your Submission will be evaluated in accordance with these Terms, including against the Evaluation Criteria set out in the Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Process Document, located on the DIH Web Portal under this Special Notice CFS.</li>
		<li>Defence reserves the right to determine the order in which it evaluates the Submissions it receives in response to this CFS.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Costs</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>You are responsible for all of your costs associated with this CFS.</li>
		<li>In accordance with clause 8.1, Defence is not responsible for any costs you incur in relation to any of the following:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>preparing or making a Submission; and</li>
			<li>any engagements with Defence in relation to your Submission.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>In accordance with clause 8.1, Defence is not liable to you for any costs or expenses incurred by you in taking part in this CFS, including without limitation, instances where:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>your Submission is excluded or you are not invited to respond to a RFP;</li>
			<li>your Submission is put on hold in accordance with clause 12 of these Terms;</li>
			<li>Defence varies or terminates this CFS or the process;</li>
			<li>Defence exercises any of its other rights in these Terms;</li>
			<li>you rely on advice from Defence or any other Commonwealth of Australia entities, including the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS), in relation to your Submission; or&nbsp;</li>
			<li>there are failures or problems involving your infrastructure, browser or internet connectivity.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Specific guidance on allowable and unallowable project costs is located in the Budget Calculator should you progress to stage 2 RFP.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Who owns your Submission?</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>Defence will own any Submission you make - see clause 9 below. This does not affect the ownership of any intellectual property.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Confidentiality</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>In accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs), Defence will treat your Submission as confidential.</li>
		<li>Notwithstanding clause 9.1, Defence may use and disclose the information in a Submission in accordance with clauses 9.3 to 9.6.</li>
		<li>You agree that Defence can use the information in your Submission and any further information you give Defence about your Submission:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>for the purposes of evaluating, shortlisting and selecting any Submission and the preparation and conduct of any procurement process prior to the award of an Innovation Contract. For clarity, this includes determining whether to invite you to make a formal Proposal (through a RFP) to enter into an Innovation Contract for funding and development of the proposed innovation in your Submission;</li>
			<li>to inform the evaluation of your response to a RFP;</li>
			<li>to verify the currency, consistency and adequacy of information provided by you under any other procurement process conducted by Defence;</li>
			<li>for internal management purposes, including to evaluate and review its processes, in order to make improvements in relation to future CFS;</li>
			<li>as part of any industry engagement activities undertaken by Defence; and</li>
			<li>in the planning for, and development of, any other procurement process conducted by Defence.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>You agree that Defence may disclose or provide access to information included in your Submission to:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>authorised personnel within Defence, including contractors and advisers, or third parties for the purposes of assisting Defence in the conduct of the procurement process for the purposes contained in clause 9.3. The Commonwealth may obtain appropriate confidentiality undertakings from any third party prior to disclosure;</li>
			<li>upon obtaining any appropriate confidentiality undertakings, other government agencies, including state and territory government agencies, to:
			<ul class="fourth-level-ol">
				<li>consult with them about any information you have provided in your Submission; and/or</li>
				<li>achieve broader inter-governmental objectives in order to ensure alignment and coordination, including for other government agencies to conduct analysis of the market.</li>
			</ul>
			</li>
			<li>take appropriate action if any statement made in your Submission is incorrect, incomplete, false or misleading, including using the information contained in the Submission for a fraud investigation that would be consistent with the Australian Government’s Investigations Standard and Fraud Control Guidelines.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>You acknowledge 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 CFS process. Any Innovation Contract resulting from this CFS 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.</li>
		<li>You acknowledge that you are aware of the impact of the Auditor-General Act 1997 on your participation in this CFS and any subsequent Innovation Contract.</li>
		<li>Defence will not use or disclose information in your Submission other than as set out in clauses 9.3 to 9.6 unless:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>you agree;</li>
			<li>the information is in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach of confidence;</li>
			<li>to comply with legal obligations or statutory or portfolio duties, or for public accountability reasons;</li>
			<li>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</li>
			<li>to defend any claim made in relation to the process or a procurement by Defence (whether or not of the innovation proposed in your Submission).</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Privacy
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>You agree that Defence may collect, store, use and disclose the personal information provided in your Submission for the purposes of evaluating your Submission and for other purposes relating to the administration of this process, the RFP stage and or in relation to 9.3;</li>
			<li>You may choose not to provide personal information but in this case Defence may not be able to evaluate your Submission; and</li>
			<li>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" target="_blank">http://www.defence.gov.au/privacy.asp</a>.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Your acknowledgments and agreements</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>By making a Submission you:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>acknowledge that you do so, and participate in the process (including any potential attendance at AID23), at your own risk and cost;</li>
			<li>acknowledge that Defence is not obliged to proceed further with any Submission you make, or enter into arrangements with you about the innovation proposed in your Submission;</li>
			<li>acknowledge that if your Submission is progressed, you will need to comply with RFP Terms issued by Defence;</li>
			<li>acknowledge that, subject to these Terms, Defence may deal with other organisations (whether or not they have made a Submission) in relation to proposed innovations that may have Defence applications;</li>
			<li>acknowledge that in evaluating Submissions, Defence may consider additional information related to any Evaluation Criteria (including information obtained from sources other than you);</li>
			<li>acknowledge that Defence may or may not allow another legal entity to take over your Submission in substitution for you, including where an event occurs that has the effect of substantially altering the composition or control of your business. If Defence allows such substitution, it may allow the substitution on such terms as considered appropriate, and may consider the impact of the substitution in its evaluation of your Submission;</li>
			<li>declare that the information provided in the Submission is accurate, complete and current and acknowledge that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the <em>Criminal Code Act 1995;</em></li>
			<li>declare that you have not – and your related bodies corporate (as defined in the <em>Corporations Act 2001</em>), as well as officers, employees, agents and advisors of you or your related bodies corporate, have not – broken any applicable law (including foreign laws) about offering of inducements in connection with the preparation of your Submission; and</li>
			<li>declare that all actual, potential or perceived conflict between Defence’s interests and your interests in relation to the process (if any), have been identified in your Submission, and that you will immediately notify Defence if you become aware of any actual, potential or perceived conflict between Defence’s interests and your interests in relation to the process. "Your interests" includes the interests of your related bodies corporate, and the interests of the officers or employees of you or your related bodies corporate.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>By making a Submission which names you as the lead Tenderer and other entities as project partners, in addition to your acknowledgements and declarations in clause 10.1, you acknowledge and declare that:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>each of the project partners make the acknowledgements and declarations referred to in clause 10.1; and</li>
			<li>you have the authority to provide the acknowledgements and declarations on behalf of each of the project partners.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Exclusion</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>Defence may, at any time, exclude a Submission from further consideration if:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>clause 2, clause 4, clause 5 or clause 11 of these Terms is breached;</li>
			<li>the evaluation of the Submission against any one or more Evaluation Criteria or value for money considerations suggests that there is no reasonable prospect of the proposed innovation being progressed by Defence;</li>
			<li>Defence considers that the technology may present high risk to the environment, safety, security, persons or property or may breach the law or infringe the rights of others;</li>
			<li>Defence considers the Submission includes a false, misleading or deceptive claim or statement;</li>
			<li>if any of the circumstances specified in clauses 3.2a or 3.2b or 3.2c applies to the Tenderer;</li>
			<li>Defence considers that there is a more appropriate program or source of funding for the proposed innovation;</li>
			<li>the proposed innovation has been developed by or with the assistance of an individual during the course of their employment with Defence;</li>
			<li>the Submission has been complied using information unlawfully obtained from the Commonwealth (including in breach of an obligation of confidentiality owed to the Commonwealth);</li>
			<li>the proposed innovation is covered by existing procurement activities Defence is undertaking;</li>
			<li>the proposed innovation has been developed under a contract with Defence (unless the contract specifically allows the submission to be made);</li>
			<li>the Submission includes information that cannot be read or decrypted, or Defence believes the Submission may contain a virus, malicious code or anything else which may compromise the integrity or security of its ICT environment;</li>
			<li>minimum content and format requirements in clauses 2.2 and 2.3 have not been met;</li>
			<li>the Submission or a part of the Submission is lodged after the Closing Time, as specified in clause 2.1;</li>
			<li>the Submission is incomplete;</li>
			<li>the Submission does not include that includes all the information requested as part of this CFS; or</li>
			<li>the proposed innovation submitted is evaluated to be at Technical Readiness Level 9 or a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf solution without consideration of a development pathway to meet ADF contexts, as specified in the Challenge Statement;</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Should any of 11.1 apply to a Tenderer, Defence may consider the Submission as unsuccessful.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Putting a Submission on hold</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>Where, due to value for money considerations, Defence has evaluated that a Submission cannot currently be invited to progress to RFP, Defence may put that Submission on hold.</li>
		<li>If a Submission is put on hold in accordance with this clause, Defence will advise the Tenderer accordingly, and will contact the Tenderer to discuss how the Submission may be progressed.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Withdrawing a Submission</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>You agree that your Submission is valid unless or until it is withdrawn.</li>
		<li>You may withdraw a Submission at any time by submitting an <a href="/enquiry" target="_blank">online enquiry</a> form via the Innovation Hub Dashboard.</li>
		<li>If you withdraw a Submission before Defence has evaluated it, or during its evaluation, Defence will cease any further evaluation.&nbsp;</li>
		<li>If you withdraw a Submission that has been put on hold, Defence will not progress that Submission further.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Debriefing</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>You will be notified whether your Submission has been successful or unsuccessful. You may request an oral debrief from Defence in relation to a successful or unsuccessful Submission.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Complaints</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>In the event you wish to lodge a formal complaint regarding this process, the complaint may be directed in writing to: <a href="mailto:procurement.complaints@defence.gov.au">procurement.complaints@defence.gov.au.</a> Tenderers must cooperate with Defence in the resolution of any complaint regarding the process.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Security requirements</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>You must not include security classified material (Australian, foreign or proprietary) in your Submission. If there is a concern that your Submission would not be able to adequately convey the innovation and its benefits to Defence without including more sensitive or potentially classified information, the Tenderer is to contact the Defence Innovation Hub and make arrangements to provide the additional information using appropriate security protocols <u>prior to</u> the Submission of your CFS. Submissions containing classified information are to be prepared and transmitted as follows:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>for Australian Submissions, in accordance with Principle 71 of the Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF) as amended from time to time; or</li>
			<li>for overseas Submissions, in accordance with the applicable industry security information system regulations issued by the appropriate government security authority in their country. If transmission involves transmission by diplomatic bag, the overseas Tenderer is to use the diplomatic bag of its own government.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>If only part of a Submission contains classified information, that part must be segregated from the remainder of the Submission for separate transmission prior to the Submission of your CFS.</li>
		<li>If required and on request by Defence, the Tenderer is to comply with the Commonwealth security clearance and accreditation process as detailed in Principles 40, 72 and 73 of the DSPF as amended from time to time, including obtaining the level of security clearance and accreditation required by the Commonwealth.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li><span class="tablegroup first-level-ol-header">Interpretation of these Terms</span>
	<ol class="second-level-ol">
		<li>In these Terms, unless the contrary appears:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>the singular includes the plural and vice-versa;</li>
			<li>a reference to one gender includes the others;</li>
			<li>“AID23” means Army Innovation Day 2023;</li>
			<li>“Call for Submission or CFS” means the terms notified to the market that govern the first stage CFS process for this Special Notice;</li>
			<li>“Challenge Statement” means the cover document to these Terms that sets out the challenge statement for this Special Notice;</li>
			<li>“Closing Time” means the time and date specified as such in the Challenge Statement;</li>
			<li>“Contract Phase Statement” means the document included in the Innovation Contract entitled Contract Phase Statement;</li>
			<li>“Defence” refers to the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Defence, including its advisers or contractors;</li>
			<li>“DIH Web Portal” means the webpage available at <a href="/call-for-submissions/" target="_blank">https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call- for-Submissions/</a>;</li>
			<li>“DIH Dashboard” means the page visible to users of the DIH Web Portal after login;</li>
			<li>“Evaluation Criteria” means the evaluation criteria described in the Evaluation Criteria and Process Document;</li>
			<li>“Evaluation Criteria and Process Document” means the document which contains the evaluation criteria and process for this Special Notice published by Defence on the DIH Web Portal;</li>
			<li>“Evaluation Process” means the process described in the Evaluation Criteria and Process Document;</li>
			<li>“Innovation Contract” means a contract between Defence and a Tenderer, formed after the Tenderer has provided a successful response to a RFP;</li>
			<li>“Request for Proposal” or “RFP” means the second stage request for Proposal process for this Special Notice;</li>
			<li>“Special Notice” means a two-stage or single stage procurement process issued by Defence under the DIH program to address a specific problem or technical challenge;</li>
			<li>“Standard Terms” means the document entitled “Innovation Contract – Standard Terms”;</li>
			<li>“Statement of Tax Record” means a statement of tax record issued by the Australian Taxation Office following an application made in accordance with the process set out at <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Bus/Statement-of-tax-record/?page=1#Requesting_an_STR" target="blank">https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Bus/Statement-of-tax-record/?page=1#Requesting_an_STR;</a></li>
			<li>“Terms” means these terms for the CFS, and includes the Evaluation Criteria and Process; and</li>
			<li>“the process” refers to the procurement process commenced by this CFS.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>To the extent of any inconsistency, these Terms take precedence over:
		<ul class="third-level-ol">
			<li>information set out in the Challenge Statement, or on relevant Commonwealth websites including business.gov.au, AusTender or on the Defence Industry &amp; Innovation social media platforms;</li>
			<li>instructions or guidance within the “AID23 Special Notice Proposal Submission Form” for this Special Notice; and</li>
			<li>any other guidance documents on completing the “AID23 Special Notice Proposal Submission Form” for this Special Notice.</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>

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<h1>Evaluation Criteria and Process for Army Innovation Day 2023 – Counter Robotic and Autonomous Systems for the Land Force (including exhibition at Army Innovation Day 2023)</h1>
</div>

<h1>Call for Submissions (CFS)</h1>

<h1>Evaluation Criteria</h1>

<p>As part of Stage 1, each Submission in response to the CFS will be evaluated against the following Evaluation Criteria, not in any order of importance:</p>

<ul class="section-list">
	<li><strong>Suitability</strong> - The extent to which the proposed innovation could further the effectiveness of a Defence capability, enterprise or technology challenge. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:

	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the extent to which the Tenderer’s Submission addresses the Challenge Statement;</li>
		<li>the extent to which the Tenderer’s Submission clearly articulates and explains the proposed innovation; and</li>
		<li>the extent to which the Tenderer’s Submission can be introduced into service within the ADF context.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Feasibility</strong> - The extent to which the proposed innovation will be able to be developed from a technology perspective (i.e. both the feasibility of the proposed scope of work to be delivered, as well as the feasibility of the technology to be developed). Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the current technology readiness level of the proposed innovation within an ADF context;</li>
		<li>the relevance and credibility of any claims made by the Tenderer relating to the feasibility of the proposed innovation, which is supported by evidence; and</li>
		<li>the proposed level of effort to meet the scope and 12-18 month timeframe of the Challenge Statement (from contract commencement).</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Timeliness</strong> - The anticipated timeframe that the proposed innovation would require to realise a positive impact on Defence capability. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the extent to which the proposed timeframe and duration of the innovation project aligns with timelines for any Defence capability requirements or related activities undertaken by Defence; and</li>
		<li>the extent to which the innovation provides a capability benefit over a Defence capability need window.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Innovation</strong> - The extent to which the proposed innovation provides a novel or unique way of improving C-RAS for Defence. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the extent to which the innovation is a new or non-obvious invention;</li>
		<li>the extent to which the innovation is a new or non-obvious means of achieving the claimed improvement in C-RAS for Defence over an existing well-known approach; and</li>
		<li>the extent to which the innovation presents a high risk – high reward outcome.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<h1>Value for money evaluation</h1>

<p>After each Submission in response to the CFS is evaluated against the above Evaluation Criteria, it will then be evaluated to determine best value for money (VFM) consistent with Commonwealth procurement policies and value for money framework within the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs). The VFM evaluation will include the consideration of:</p>

<ul class="section-list">
	<li>whether there is a reasonable prospect that the proposed innovation will satisfactorily address the problem described in the Challenge Statement;</li>
	<li>whether the proposed innovation is affordable by reference to the funding available to address the problem described in the Challenge Statement;</li>
	<li>any risks or potential consequences for Defence that may arise if it were to proceed with the Submission, such as potential non-compliance with the Innovation Contract Standard Terms or technical risks arising from the technology; and</li>
	<li>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 themes.</li>
</ul>

<h1>Clarification and exclusion from further consideration</h1>

<p>At any stage during the evaluation process, Defence may:</p>

<ul class="section-list">
	<li>seek clarification of your Submission in accordance with clause 3.3 of the CFS Terms; or</li>
	<li>exclude your Submission from further consideration in accordance with clause 3.3 of the CFS Terms.</li>
</ul>

<h1>Evaluation outcome</h1>

<p>It is Defence’s intention to select Submissions from Stage 1 - CFS to be shortlisted to progress to Stage 2 – RFP and attend the AID23 event. Tenderers will be advised of the outcome of their Submission, which will either be that the Submission is:</p>

<ul class="section-list">
	<li><strong>successful</strong>, in which case the Submission will be progressed to Stage 2 – RFP and the Tenderer will be invited to attend the AID23 event; or</li>
	<li><strong>unsuccessful</strong>, in which case, the Submission will not be progressed to Stage 2 – RFP and the Tenderer will not be invited to attend the AID23 event.</li>
</ul>

<p>If invited to AID23 the event, Tenderers will be required to execute a Deed of Participation which will include additional terms regarding your attendance at AID23.</p>

<hr>
<h1>Request for Proposal</h1>

<p>As part of Stage 2, invited Tenderers will be required to provide more detailed information on the proposed innovation than required in the Stage 1 - CFS. Defence will also provide a draft Innovation Contract for Tenderers to complete the draft Contract Phase Statement, draft Project Execution Plan and relevant Annexes (e.g. the IP and Technical Data Schedules). <strong>Defence will not negotiate the Standard Terms of the Innovation Contract. Defence will not allow Tenderers to propose any new innovation which was not included as part of the CFS</strong>.</p>

<p>Defence will evaluate the Proposals received against the RFP Terms and evaluation criteria (set out below) in order to decide which Proposals represent the best VFM for the Commonwealth. Defence’s intention is to select a number of Proposals to execute a Phase 2 Innovation Contract.</p>

<h1>Evaluation Criteria</h1>

<p>All Proposals submitted in response to a RFP will be evaluated against the following Evaluation Criteria, not in any order of importance:</p>

<ul class="section-list">
	<li><strong>Suitability</strong> - The extent to which the proposed innovation could further the effectiveness of a Defence capability, enterprise or technology challenge.&nbsp;Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:

	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the extent to which the Tenderer's Proposal addresses the Challenge Statement;&nbsp;</li>
		<li>the extent to which the Tenderer’s Proposal clearly articulates and explains the proposed innovation; and</li>
		<li>the extent to which the Tenderer’s Proposal can be introduced into service within the ADF context.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Feasibility</strong> - The extent to which the proposed innovation will be able to be developed from a technology perspective&nbsp;(i.e. both the feasibility of the proposed scope of work to be delivered, as well as the feasibility of the technology to be developed). Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the current technology readiness level of the proposed innovation within an ADF context;</li>
		<li>the relevance and credibility of any claims made by the Tenderer relating to the feasibility of the proposed innovation, which is supported by evidence; and</li>
		<li>the proposed level of effort to meet the scope and 12-18 month timeframe of the Challenge Statement (from contract commencement).</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Timeliness</strong> - The anticipated timeframe that the proposed innovation would require to realise a positive impact on Defence capability. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the extent to which the proposed timeframe and duration of the innovation project aligns with timelines for any Defence capability requirements or related activities undertaken by Defence; and</li>
		<li>the extent to which the innovation provides a capability benefit over a Defence capability need window.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Innovation</strong> - The extent to which the proposed innovation provides a novel or unique way of improving C-RAS for Defence. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the extent to which the innovation is a new or non-obvious invention;</li>
		<li>the extent to which the innovation is a new or non-obvious means of achieving the claimed improvement in C-RAS for Defence over an existing well-known approach; and</li>
		<li>the extent to which the innovation presents a high risk – high reward outcome.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>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. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>what and how much work will be conducted in Australia; and</li>
		<li>how the project will contribute to the ongoing development of Australia’s Defence Industry.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Cost</strong> - The cost of the proposed innovation, including contract price, Defence items and any other cost to Defence.</li>
	<li><strong>Organisational Capability and Capacity</strong> - The extent to which the Tenderer is capable of, and has the capacity to, successfully progress the proposed innovation now and into the future. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:
	<ul class="subsection-list">
		<li>the extent of the project management capability of the Tenderer, and appropriateness of any proposed or existing governance arrangements;</li>
		<li>financial and corporate viability of the Tenderer; and</li>
		<li>previous performance of the Tenderer in delivering similar projects or services.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Defence’s evaluation will include consideration of the written responses to the clarification questions asked at AID23 against the RFP Evaluation Criteria.</p>

<h1>Value for money evaluation</h1>

<p>After each Proposal submitted in response to an RFP is evaluated against the above Evaluation Criteria, it will then be evaluated to determine best VFM consistent with Commonwealth procurement policies and value for money framework within the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs). The VFM evaluation will include the consideration of:</p>

<ul class="section-list">
	<li>whether there is a reasonable prospect that the proposed innovation will satisfactorily address the problem described in the Challenge Statement;</li>
	<li>whether the proposed innovation is affordable by reference to the funding available to address the problem described in the Challenge Statement;</li>
	<li>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</li>
	<li>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 themes.</li>
</ul>

<p>The cost of a Proposal is not the only consideration. The lowest priced Proposal will not necessarily be selected to proceed to an Innovation Contract.</p>

<h1>Evaluation outcome</h1>

<p>Defence will advise the Tenderer as soon as practicable whether its Proposal is successful or unsuccessful. If a Proposal is successful, the Tenderer will be invited to negotiate or execute an Innovation Contract.</p>
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<p><strong style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Addendum - Frequently Asked Questions</strong></p>

<p><br>
<span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Please note Defence will not answer any further clarification questions after 5:00PM (Australian Capital Territory Time) on Tuesday 11th of April</strong></span></span></span></span></p>
<br>
<span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Question 1: </strong>To respond to the AID23 Special Notice do you require Tenderers to be registered in Australia only? Will Submissions for solutions that are designed and manufactured overseas be excluded from this Special Notice?<br>
<br>
<strong>Answer: </strong>In accordance with the Call for Submissions (CFS) Terms and the AID23 procurement process, the CFS is open to Tenderers registered in Australia only. As per clause 2.3 of the CFS Terms, the Submission must include a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) that relates to the entity lodging the Submission. However, a Submission that incorporates a foreign or manufactured design will not be excluded from consideration. Submissions to AID23 can propose solutions which seek to integrate, enhance or modify existing designs. These could either be domestic or foreign designed or manufactured. Please note, each Submission in response to the CFS will be evaluated equally against the criteria of Suitability, Feasibility, Timeliness and Innovation. Contribution to Australia’s Defence Industry Capability, Cost and Organisational Capability and Capacity will be evaluated at the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage in addition. The design, manufacturing and source of the system will be considered in this evaluation.</span></span></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>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. Defence will consider the following elements in making an evaluation against this criterion:</span></span></span>

	<ul>
		<li><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">what and how much work will be conducted in Australia; and</span></span></span></li>
		<li><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">how the project will contribute to the ongoing development of Australia’s Defence Industry.</span></span></span></li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>
<br>
<span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Question 2: </strong>What are the key differences between the Call for Submissions (CFS) for Army Innovation Day 2023 and Army Robotics Exposition 2023?<br>
<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> <strong>Army Innovation Day 2023</strong> and <strong>Army Robotics Exposition 2023</strong> are separate activities, both being held during the Chief of Army Symposium in Perth.<br>
<br>
<strong>Army Innovation Day 2023 (AID23)</strong> is part of a competitive 2 stage procurement process for developing capabilities based on a specific Challenge Statement each year (this year is Counter Robotics and Autonomous Systems technology). Army will evaluate all Submissions and select a number of successful vendors to submit a more detailed Proposal and present at AID23 later in the year at the Chief of Army Symposium.<br>
<br>
<strong>Army Robotics Exposition 2023 (ARX2023)</strong> is much broader and is focused on the five identified capability offset areas described in the <a href="https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/rico/robotic-and-autonomous-systems/robotic-autonomous-systems-ras-strategy">Army RAS Strategy</a>. The CFS on AusTender may result in an invitation to participate in ARX2023. However, ARX2023 is not being conducted as a procurement activity, but is an opportunity for industry to engage with Army at all levels and other like-minded industry partners.<br>
<br>
<br>
<strong>Question 3:</strong> What are the conditions for participation in the Army Innovation Day 2023 event? Can anyone attend?<br>
<br>
<strong>Answer:</strong> The purpose of Army Innovation Day 2023 (AID23) is for Tenderers successful in Stage 1 <a href="https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call-for-submissions/solicitation/?id=bd652ccd-7d84-4461-80d3-b6e4d513b3ab">Call for Submission</a> (CFS) to exhibit their proposed innovation concepts to Defence personnel as part of Stage 2 Request for Proposal of the AID23 Special Notice procurement process.<br>
<br>
AID23 will only be open to Defence personnel, invited Defence contractors, invited guests and the media with an exclusion to the general public. Industry interested in participating are encouraged to submit to the AID23 CFS in response to the Challenge Statement.</span></span></span>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Question 4:</span></span> </strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">I have a technical solution that will integrate with a C-RAS system. Who should I present this technology to?</span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Answer:</span></span></span></strong><strong> </strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Army's aim through this Special Notice is to identify and sponsor the development of innovative C-RAS systems. As such, Defence are not in a position to recommend who to present your technology to as a potential partner.<br>
<br>
<strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Question 5: </span></strong>The </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Portal uses the terminology 'create new Proposal' despite the Challenge Statement asking for Submissions. Is there a difference?</span></span></span><br>
<br>
<strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Answer:</span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> </span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">To </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">make a Submission to AID23 please use the 'create new Proposal' link on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/call-for-submissions/solicitation/?id=bd652ccd-7d84-4461-80d3-b6e4d513b3ab">solicitation page</a>. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">The Portal collectively refers to Call for Submission (CFS) and Request for Proposal (RFP) lodgement as submitting a 'Proposal'.</span></span></span></p>
<span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Question 6: </span></strong>What investment phase is the </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">AID23 </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Special Notice? Should a Submission to this Call for Submission (CFS) seek to address all four Defence Innovation Hub investment phases?</span></span></span>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Answer:&nbsp;</span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Defence's objective of the AID23 Special Notice is to down-select a number of Tenderers to execute a phase two Innovation Contract that will include a technology demonstration of at least TRL 5 for Australian Army user evaluation within 12-18 months of contract commencement. Further details on the Defence Innovation Hub's investment phases can&nbsp;</span></span></span>be found in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.innovationhub.defence.gov.au/defence-innovation-hub-industry-information-guide">industry guide</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;page 5.</p>
A<span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">s</span></span></span> part of <span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">CFS, Defence also asks Tenderers to outline the expected technology development pathway beyond a phase two technology demonstration contract. Please refer to section D.4 Development Approach within the CFS form.</span></span></span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Question 7:</span></strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> Can images be included as part of the Call for Submission (CFS) response?<br>
&nbsp;</span></span></span><br>
<strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Answer: </span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">Tenderers are welcome to attach images at Section E of their CFS response. We recommend converting the image file type to .PNG, .JPG or .BMP which are the acceptable file types for this section.&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></span><br>
<br>
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