IHMS - PR - Frequently Asked Questions · Defence Innovation Hub

Frequently Asked Questions – Implications for the Defence Innovation Hub

Defence’s new innovation entity, the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, will officially commence on 1 July 2023 and the Defence Innovation Hub will cease to operate.
Submissions will no longer be accepted or progressed under this program either via the Priority Innovation Notice (PINS) or via Special Notices.

The Defence Innovation Hub online Portal will close on Friday 2 June 2023 5pm AEST and no new proposals can be submitted after this time.
Submissions received through the Portal before 2 June 2023 5pm AEST will still be evaluated following the Hub’s two stage process. Proposals may be deemed suitable and progress to contract negotiation if they meet Defence’s critical priorities outlined in the Defence Strategic Review, they have strong Capability Manager support, and fall within the budget available.
Defence will inform companies as soon as a decision is made.
Keeping the Portal open until 2 June 2023 5pm AEST will not disadvantage companies that have been preparing a submission to the Defence Innovation Hub and will facilitate a gradual wind down of the program as the new Defence Accelerator commences on 1 July.
Draft proposals not submitted by 2 June 2023 5pm AEST will not be considered and will be removed from the system.

Contract negotiations currently underway with the Defence Innovation Hub will continue.
Contracts may be negotiated, and executed if approved, for successful submissions received before 2 June 2023 5pm AEST.

Submissions received under Army Innovation Day 2023 will still be evaluated and Defence will inform companies as soon as a decision is made.
Companies that are successful at Stage 1 – Call for Submission will be expected to lodge their Request for Proposal and attend AID23 in Perth on 29-30 August 2023.
Successful tenderers will be notified after AID23, and invited to negotiate a contract to develop their technology. If approved and executed, contracts will be delivered in accordance with the contract Terms and Conditions.

All Defence Innovation Hub contracts will continue in accordance with agreed contract Terms and Conditions.
There will be no changes to current arrangements regarding Capability Manager sponsorship or Hub Project Managers.

Defence understands that companies at times may experience delays with their project, and there will still be the ability to seek agreement from Defence for a variation to a current contract.
Companies should discuss any potential delays with their project as soon as practicable with their Capability Manager sponsor and Project Manager.

Companies will be expected to submit their final report on conclusion of their project.
Upon conclusion of their Hub project, companies will no longer be invited to respond to a Request for Proposal for the next phase of technology development under the Defence Innovation Hub program.
All companies are encouraged to discuss what opportunities are available to further develop their technology with Defence with their capability manager sponsor or the Office of Defence Industry Support (odis.contact@defence.gov.au).

Industry and research partners are critical to the success of the new Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.
Over the next 12 months, the Accelerator's operating model will be refined and the details worked through.
There may be opportunities to partner with Defence under the new Accelerator programs for companies and universities with innovations that support the priorities of the Defence Strategic Review and AUKUS.

For more details on the Defence Accelerator, visit www.defence.gov.au/asca or contact the Office of Defence Industry Support (odis.contact@defence.gov.au).