Bulletin JULY 2011
Creating a culture
of reform
C-17A flock to expand
A fifth Globemaster III secured
The big picture
Understanding the Tiered Body Armour System
DMO PURPOSE | Equip and Sustain the Australian Defence Force
DMO NEWS
Thank you to the following who
provided information for the articles
in this issue of the
DMO Bulletin: IN ThE NEwS
Will Ashcroft, Harry Baxter,
MAY
Warren Bishop, Mic Bowbrick,
Stacey Brandon, Michael Bruce, The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will have access
Robert Cantrell, Squadron Leader to interim Basic Flying Training while AIR 5428 is being
Darren Dunk, Grace Franco, Lynn completed, following an $86.6 million agreement with
Gill, Sarah Gillis, Squadron Leader BAE Systems Australia. Under the six year contract, BAE
Jules Greening, Genevieve Hassall, Systems will continue to provide basic training at Tamworth
Jeannette Hector, Group Captain using the CT-4B Airliner aircraft.
James Hood, Lynn Hutteball,
Defence will save $100 million over the next decade after
Amanda Kerr-Thomson, Ruth
the DMO revised the contracts for operating the radar
Kirchner, Wendy Messer, Michele
network protecting Northern Australia, said the Minister for
Miller, Zuzana Milne, Judy Paule,
Defence Materiel, Jason Clare. The savings will be achieved
Michelle Perks, Squadron Leader
by Defence working in partnership with BAE Systems and
Amool Prasad, Peter Purcell,
Lockheed Martin to deliver more efficient support services
Douglas Ridd, Peter Ridley, Polly
to the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).
Ringoen, Maggie Robinson,
Adrian Rodrigues, Erin Russell, JUNE
Flight Lieutenant Rebecca Sharp,
Matt Sprakel, and Abdella Umar. RAAF Base Amberley staff operating the new KC-30A air
to air refuelling tanker will have access to on the ground
training services after the DMO secured a $20 million
Artwork styled and produced by the contract with CAE Australia. CAE will provide maintenance
Strategic Communication team. and support to the simulator on which aircrews of the
KC-30As will be trained. Issues with the simulator will
No part of this publication can be be addressed quickly as experts will be based at the
reproduced without the permission of training centre.
the Editor. The ADF will have new naval combat helicopters after
the Government approved the acquisition of 24 MH-60R
All articles reprinted must be attributed Seahawks for over $3 billion. The helicopters are largely
to the DMO Bulletin. military off-the-shelf built Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin
and will be purchased through the Foreign Military Sales
Contact the process from the United States (US) Navy.
DMO Bulletin Editor, Force protection measures will be enhanced after the
Michelle Perks, with your story ideas: Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, announced a
michelle.perks@defence.gov.au $9 million contribution towards research for protection of
or telephone 02 6265 1636. soldiers of the ADF. The funding is part of a partnership
with Industry who will provide around $11 million in funding
For general enquiries or support and in-kind contributions to improve protective equipment
please email the DMO Strategic that soldiers wear to combat a range of existing and
Communication team: evolving threats.
DMO.Communication@
101 additional Bushmaster vehicles will be supplied by
defence.gov.au.
Thales Australia, as announced by the Minister for Defence,
Stephen Smith, and the Minister for Defence Materiel,
Editorial staff reserve the right to Jason Clare. The vehicles, together with associated
edit and rearrange all items in the support, are being purchased at a total cost of $133
DMO Bulletin for the reasons of clarity million. The Ministers also announced finalisation of the
and space. While editorial staff are acquisition process for the United Kingdom Bay Class
not responsible for the accuracy of amphibious ship Largs Bay.
the information submitted, every
reasonable effort will be made to
verify content.
The DMO: www.defence.gov.au/dmo
Skilling Australia's Defence Industry: www.defence.gov.au/sadi
The Defence and Industry ePortal: www.dplusi.defence.gov.au
2 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
FROM THE CEO
hIgh PRAISE fOR OPS SUPPORT INSIDE THIS ISSUE
04 | People power
ood news is often team is commendable. Colonel Blain
overlooked in our business. and his team from Diggerworks have
Our customers are rightly been intimately involved in gauging the
very demanding of the DMO, and it response from 2RAR and MTF3 soldiers
is inevitable that attention centres to the equipment suites delivered by
on those times when we can’t, or Major Juchniewicz and Lieutenant
don’t, meet their high expectations. Colonel Mellier. They have also actively
sought to facilitate the validation of
Over the last 18 months, a great other equipment not linked to existing 09 | Staying
deal of effort has been placed into Army minors or majors projects that connected
strengthening and reinforcing the would enhance the capacity in close
collaborative working relationships combat to operate and fight in both
between Army, DMO, Defence Science war and, more broadly, a war - the war
Technology Organisation (DSTO) and that we have and a war into the future.
Capability Development Group (CDG). I request that you forward a copy of
An area of immediate attention has been this letter to Nathan, Alan and Colonel
a stronger focus on the requirements of Blain as a token of my appreciation
soldiers on operations, now and into the for the exceptional support that they 12 | The big picture
future and to expedite delivery of kit for have provided to 2RAR and MTF3 over
our troops. the last 12 months. The superlatives
In that context it was very pleasing accorded in describing the efforts of
to hear of a letter that the Head of these officers and their staff are well due.
Modernisation and Strategic Planning- This is a very welcome
Army, Major General John Caligari, acknowledgement of DMO’s efforts,
received from the commanding officer including our establishment of the
of the next rotation of Mentoring Integrated Soldier Systems Branch
Task Force (MTF) troops heading for and also our response to the 2010 14 | C-17A flock
Afghanistan. The Chief of Army was Lewincamp and Whalan reviews. to expand
good enough to bring it to the attention It shows that our focus remains on
of Senators, and tabled the letter at the tangible actions to improve our support
recent Estimates hearings in Canberra. to the ADF.
In part the letter read: The improved liaison and feedback
The Defence Materiel Organisation channels from the soldier back to the
and, more recently, Diggerworks have headquarters are complemented by
provided exemplary support to the a new spiral development approach 16 | JSF checkup
equipping of both the 2nd Battalion and a more efficient supply chain.
and the MTF3 with leading equipment. Together, initiatives like MyDefenceGear
Major Nathan Juchniewicz [in Army and Diggerworks will ensure that
headquarters] is an outstanding officer successive rotations of operational
and has worked closely with my staff to forces are getting the best kit and
ensure that 2 Royal Australian Regiment taking advantage of new developments,
(RAR) and MTF3 have been equipped but also that these new items of our
with leading body armour, webbing and inventory are properly tested and
weaponry. Not only has the equipment accepted by the customer.
been delivered in a timely manner but
To the three gentlemen named here, and
the design of the equipment has been
to your teams and to the leaders of Land
world-class. The overwhelmingly positive
Systems Division, I pass on my thanks
response to the issue of this equipment
and congratulations for your efforts.
by 2RAR and MTF3 personnel
underscores the superb professionalism, Your strong focus on the needs of
responsiveness, foresight and agility our deploying forces is true to DMO’s
of Nathan and his team. In a similar mission and a great example for others
fashion, Lieutenant Colonel Alan Mellier to follow.
and his team from the Defence Materiel
Organisation have provided both
sage advice and exceptional support
to 2RAR and MTF3 in facilitating the
delivery of the key tiered body armour
system and associated soldier combat
equipment. The professionalism,
responsiveness and agility evidenced Dr Stephen Gumley AO
by Lieutenant Colonel Mellier and his CEO DMO
DMO Bulletin July 2011 | 3
DMO REFORM
PEOPLE POwER
ave you ever watched a flock Although the team had been preparing One Team
of birds fly in a ‘V’ formation? for months, a problem at the eleventh
AEWCSPO is buzzing with a sense of
Determined to get to their hour looked set to cripple the entire
community. DMO, RAAF and Boeing
destination these birds soar through mission. The day before 42WG was
staff are all working together under
the sky together to maximise the due to depart, the team realised that
the same roof with their desks side
efficiency and speed of the team. the brackets to attach the fly-away-kit
by side. There are joint lolly jars and
As each one flaps its wings it weren’t compatible with the Wedgetail
biscuit tins between pods of staff and
becomes easier for the birds behind aircraft. As this kit was essential to the as you walk through the hallways,
to follow, and when the leading bird team's mission, the pressure was on posters detailing the organisational
gets tired another takes its place. to find a solution. structure and goals show all three
The DMO team looking after Australia’s Although AEWCSPO managed to areas under a single name and
Wedgetail – the 737 Airborne Early locate a supplier for this bracket, vision; ‘Wedgetail One Team' - Swift,
Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft – engineers from all areas – the Resilient, Decisive, Respected.
has taken a leaf out of this book. DMO, Boeing and RAAF’s 42WG – This relationship has evolved into a
discovered that by working together three way partnership - it hasn’t
Over the last 18 months, the AEWC
they could address the problem more always been like this.
Systems Program Office (SPO) has
efficiently.
welcomed everyone involved in keeping When the Wedgetail aircraft first
this aircraft in the air to its flock. This In the space of 24 hours, these came into operation in early 2010, the
means the DMO’s AEWCSPO, the engineers worked around the clock to SPO experienced the usual teething
prime contractor - Boeing, and the design, build, test, verify and certify problems associated with managing
aircraft’s capability managers - RAAF replacement brackets, which ultimately a new capability. It had to learn all of
personnel at 42 Wing (WG), are now meant the aircraft could complete its the idiosyncrasies of its new weapon
supporting one another in an effort to scheduled task. system and cement its relationship
meet a common goal. with industry and 42WG.
After hearing this story, the DMO
Last year, the Chief of Air Force, Air Bulletin visited AEWCSPO at RAAF At this stage, Defence – being the
Marshal Mark Binskin, organised for Base Williamtown, New South Wales, DMO and the RAAF – and Boeing staff
an Australian Wedgetail aircraft to fly to learn how this remarkable outcome worked separately. Lawyers facilitated
to South Korea for a flag ceremony. was achieved. meetings between the three parties
The change
has to come
from the top
down through
visionary
leadership.
But it’s the
people on
the ground
who know
where reform
can be made
and without
their support,
change just
can’t happen.
4 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO REFORM
and security doors actually prevented In an effort to facilitate a relationship “We need to be smarter with our
access between physical areas of change, DMO and Boeing staff decided spending. We need to look for new
the building. to collocate in the same building. and better ways of doing business,”
The DMO’s Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) he said.
This meant that people were
Rebecca Sharp, said it was as if the now sitting and working with The tripartite team has mapped out its
three parties were working against their equivalents in each of the joint business processes in an effort
each other. organisations. The security doors were to understand where improvement
“It was a real case of us verses removed so that staff from all three can be made. By applying what the
organisations could float between business world calls LEAN principles,
them and these attitudes were deep
areas, the managers moved next door AEWCSPO has identified the five areas
seated,” she said.
to one another and the corporate, of the program that are essential in
“The DMO staff felt as if the contractor meeting its goal. See 'page 7' for LEAN
operational, contracting, training and
was just in it for the money while the explanation.
maintenance teams were all grouped
Boeing staff felt as though they were
together. ‘Wedgetail One Team’ These are known as value streams
being used.” became a reality. and are actually common to all DMO
Polly Ringoen, from Boeing’s Program The SPO now works in a collaborative SPO projects:
and Operations team, said this division manner with its partners and the three • Engineering takes an idea and
had even crept into the more social organisations refer to themselves as a turns it into a physical artefact.
parts of office culture. tripartite team. This doesn’t mean they
always agree or that support services • Operations takes the physical
“We couldn’t even share kitchen artefact and produces a military
facilities. We had Commonwealth for the new AEWC aircraft are perfect,
but they’ve got systems in place effect.
coffee and Boeing coffee and
across all levels of the organisation to • Maintenance takes a broken
there was absolutely no cross
ensure their joint goal can be satisfied. artefact and returns it to a
over,” she said.
serviceable state.
The integrated Wedgetail team is
Something had to give.
a great example of what the DMO • Supply Chain acquires and moves
With nothing to lose, the three CEO, Dr Stephen Gumley, was bits from one location to another
organisations tried to find some discussing in our last edition of the location.
shared ground, and in doing so, they DMO Bulletin. He explained the need
• HR/Training takes inexperienced
discovered they had a common goal to engage genuinely with our capability
people and makes them smarter.
– support the Wedgetail aircraft, which managers and industry suppliers to
assists the ADF in protecting the meet our future savings targets under The SPO measures value in each
Australian Public. the Strategic Reform Program (SRP). of these streams by balancing the
1
The tripartite Wegetail
Team outside its
Williamtown office.
5 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO REFORM
2
FLTLT Derek
Aranha, explaining
the AEWCSPO
Storyboard. This
storyboard is
centrally located
and the metrics are
regularly updated
so that everyone
can see how the
organisation is
performing in terms
of minimising the
Wedgetail’s cost
and downtime and
maximising its utility.
competing needs to minimise the Wedgetail “When the Commonwealth engages with
aircraft’s downtime and cost while maximising a contractor, the contractor has to supply
its utility. pages of documentation showing how it will
fulfil its duties,” she said.
The Officer Commanding (OC) AEWCSPO,
Group Captain (GPCAPT) James Hood “While some of this paperwork is necessary,
(Hoody), said all members of the Wedgetail we’re usually required to produce dozens of
team – no matter what rank or level – are these unnecessary documents which means
encouraged to focus on these three key our team is tied up completing a task that
measures to differentiate between value doesn’t minimise downtime and cost or
adding and non-value adding tasks. improve utility.”
“I’ve had instances where junior staff “The key is working out which of these
There are no members tell me that some of their duties necessary non-value adding tasks can
don’t reduce cost and downtime or maximise be eliminated or at least reduced – which
secrets, no is what the integrated Wedgetail team
utility,” he said.
disputes and has done.”
“They say they only do these tasks because
But it’s not just the management of these
no surprises. they’re policy requirements.”
three areas that is pushing reform and
We work “If this is the case, then we need to challenge collaboration.
these policy requirements.”
together As FLTLT Sharp said, strong leadership is
AEWCSPO’s Contracting Officer, Amanda essential but the lower ranks have to be on
to review Kerr-Thomson, said this way of thinking has board as well.
the budget, shaped the SPO’s contract arrangements “The change has to come from the top
with Boeing.
identify down through visionary leadership. But it’s
“Our contract is seen as an enabler that the people on the ground who know where
pressures allows us to come up with innovative ideas reform can be made, and without their
and risks and that prevent us being bound to unnecessary support, change just can’t happen,” she said.
tasks, review and rework,” she said. Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Jules Greening
how we work from 42WG, the SPO’s Technical Lead,
Boeing has welcomed this fresh approach.
the finances SQNLDR Amool Prasad, and Boeing’s Chief
Polly Ringoen is actually a third generation Engineer, Matt Sprakel, are all key members
to achieve Boeing employee and said this value adding of what’s called the Joint Integration Group
the one goal. principle has transformed the way business (JIG). This body is made up of representatives
is done. from all three organisations, who are at the
6 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO REFORM
SQNLDR level – those who are on the front management teams can focus on strategy
line in keeping the Wedgetail flying. and future planning.
SQNLDR Prasad, says the JIG meets on a With an integrated, focussed team and an
weekly basis to share problems, ideas and all acute awareness of its primary goal, the
issues relating to the capability. AEWCSPO has transformed the way
it operates. It’s all about
“The idea is to devolve as much of the
responsibility and decision-making as For the first time in the DMO’s history, the
Commonwealth and contractor share a
empowering
far down the organisation as possible,”
he said. common financial process because their the worker
finance teams – like the rest of the SPO –
SQNLDR Greening said this enables the front
are collocated.
level
line to identify and eliminate constraints in
keeping the Wedgetail aircraft operational. AEWCSPO’s Cost-Plus Manager, Michael
managers
“It’s all about empowering the worker level
Bruce, said this has made both sides more who have the
transparent in their dealings.
managers who have the knowledge and the knowledge
resources to create change and get the job “We’re a joint finance team. We share the one
done,” he said. set of numbers and manage Commonwealth
and the
“Rather than directing everything up to the
funds together,” he said. resources
management level and waiting a month for a “There are no secrets, no disputes and no to create
decision to be made, we have the ability to surprises. We work together to review the
take action.” budget, identify pressures and risks and how
change and
The same groups exist higher up the food
we work the finances to achieve the one goal.” get the job
chain, but with the working level taking care This arrangement works so well because of done.
of the aircraft’s daily operations, senior joint the novel contracting approach used by the
fAST fACT AEWCSPO INTEGRATED BUSINESS MODEL
ACQUISITION IN-SERVICE
Engineering Value Stream
Operations Value Stream
Maintenance Value Stream
Supply Chain Value Stream
HR/Training Value Stream
Project Mangement Sustainment Management
Cost Cost
3
This diagram shows how 42WG,
AEWCSPO and Boeing undertakes
acquisition and sustainment activities Schedule Capability Downtime Utility
in an integrated way to satisfy their
common goal; protecting the Australian
public with the Wedgetail aircraft.
7 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO REFORM
4
The tripartite team
during the Boeing
LEAN training.
L-R:
FLTLT Scott
Harvey (AEWCSPO
Engineering
Management Unit),
Verne Sheather
(AEWCSPO Logistics
Management
Unit), Jim Cole
(Boeing Engineering
Management Unit),
Amanda Atkins
(AEWCSPO Business
Support Unit).
AEWCSPO to engage Boeing’s While Boeing has more responsibility, organisation, benchmarking itself
services. it now has the flexibility to be against best business practices and
innovative in how it gets the job done. improving its relationship with its
Traditionally, companies are
This is creating real savings that can industry partner, the AEWCSPO has
contracted for a defined scope of
be channelled into other activities become a living example of smart
work and the DMO is responsible
that help the entire Wedgetail Team sustainment.
for providing the remaining support
services. Under the Wedgetail achieve its goal.
For more information about
arrangement, the DMO has Although AEWCSPO doesn’t have any AEWCSPO’s transformation
outsourced all SPO functions to SRP savings targets – because the and operations, contact
Boeing – rather than just parts of it – aircraft is a new capability – last year’s the Executive Officer, Maggie
which means Boeing does everything, savings reached $1.78 million and Robinson, on 02 4034 8275.
unless it is explicitly excluded in the around $10 million worth of savings
contract as a DMO responsibility. look set to be achieved this year.
This reverse contracting approach
means that the DMO and Boeing are
This contracting approach is
underpinned by the AEWCSPO’s
fAST fACT
never in dispute over the scope of tripartite culture. Boeing is really seen
work to be done by the contractor. It as a member of AEWCSPO rather
also makes the process more efficient than a contracted supplier and is
as there are fewer contract change working with AEWCSPO to protect
proposals going through the DMO. the Australian people and spend
Unlike a traditional cost-plus contract, Commonwealth funds wisely.
Boeing’s profit is not based on the
Lessons Learnt
cost of the services it provides. Rather,
the DMO pays Boeing a fixed-fee to SRP is all about creating a cultural
manage the contract. shift to change the way the Defence
environment operates.
Boeing managers are then rewarded
internally if they make efficiencies By establishing a clear goal,
and reduce costs, meaning there’s understanding value in the eyes of
incentive for Boeing to get more value the ultimate customer, removing
for the Commonwealth's dollar. constraints at all levels of the
8 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO CAPABILITY
STAYINg
CONNECTED
f you’ve ever spent time living overseas, supply five maritime satellite communications
you know how important it is to keep in terminals for Australia’s future Landing We realised
touch with family, friends and of course Helicopter Docks (LHD) and Air Warfare
what’s making news back in Australia. Destroyers (AWD). But these additional
early in the
ADF personnel are no different. While they’re terminals are different. piece that
away on operations or exercises, it’s essential The DMO Bulletin recently caught up with we had a
they can experience some parts of their SAT-T-SPO’s Major Projects Director, Peter
normal lives. Ridley, who explained what makes these
common goal
More importantly, ADF personnel, whether terminals so special. - to provide
they’re on the ground, at sea or in the sky,
need reliable and secure communication
“Ships typically have only one antenna system the LHD and
designed to work within a single SATCOM
tools to stay connected to one another, their
frequency band. Some European vessels have AWD ships
commanders, and their headquarters.
two antennas but they still only operate using with the best
Satellite Terminal (SAT-T) SPO, and Joint a single frequency band,” he said.
Project (JP) 2008 Phase 3E, is supporting this SATCOM
“The SATCOM terminals for the LHD and AWD
requirement by bringing a cutting edge voice,
are equipped with two antennas, but both capability
data and video communication network for the
ADF to reality. antennas will be capable of transmitting and available.
receiving on multiple bands simultaneously.”
The JP 2008 3E project has been
delivering a part of this advanced satellite “It will also be possible to be connected
communications (SATCOM) capability to the to two different satellites at the same time -
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) since 2004. The a significant capability improvement for
SATCOM system, known as MASTIS, has the RAN.”
been installed on the RAN’s Landing Platform This dual-band, dual-antenna approach will
Amphibious, Fast Frigate Guided, and Fast provide the LHD and AWD with advanced
Frigate Helicopter ships. SATCOM availability and will allow a substantial
Back in November 2008, the SPO extended increase in the ship's data capabilities, even
this contract with BAE Systems Australia to under heavy interference conditions.
5
Dual MASTIS
Antenna under
test.
9 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO CAPABILITY
6
Installing the MASTIS
antenna.
The high speed network access will improve television programs at their fingertips,
the professional duties and personal lives of they’ll be able to stay in touch with what’s
those on board the ships, and it’s not too happening at home.”
far away with the team progressing in leaps But it’s not just the personnel on board the
and bounds. ships who will be benefitting from this project.
Factory Acceptance Testing of the second According to Mr Ridley, JP 2008 3E is giving
LHD terminal has just been completed and Australian Industry companies that are
senior representatives from the DMO and the contracted by BAE Systems, an opportunity
DID YOU ADF will be able to see the third terminal in to display their technology and capability.
action later this month when BAE Systems
KNOW? hosts a demonstration of this new technology. “The products developed by the locally based
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are
What will this new technology state of the art and world first technologies in
actually do? their respective fields,” he said.
Situational awareness and command “EM Solutions, VIPAC, EMC Technologies,
and control will be enhanced with greatly and SKM have all contributed to the
increased data rates and access to Defence development and delivery of this capability
specific information networks in real time. and are receiving great exposure.”
On a more personal note, the terminals will Good relationships foster
also allow sailors, soldiers and airmen serving good outcomes
aboard these ships, access to Australian You may recall that the Project Office and
television content, the Internet, Voice over BAE Systems won the Major Project Prize
Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephone services at the Australian Defence Magazine's 2011
and Video VOIP. Defence and Industry Awards.
Mr Ridley said this will give the personnel a SAT-T SPO and BAE Systems attribute the
sense of normality while at sea. success of this project to their strong
working relationship.
“They’ll be able to contact friends and family
easily, and with news, sport and selected “We realised early in the piece that we had
10 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO CAPABILITY
a common goal - to provide the LHD
and AWD ships with the best SATCOM
capability available,” said Mr Ridley.
“We have been able to work together
to achieve this outcome on time,
budget and to the required quality.”
“We’ve also engaged in open
and honest discussions to ensure
emerging issues are dealt with, or
clearly understood, before they
become serious.”
BAE Systems' Program Manager
Terminals - Business Stream,
Mark Greenwood, echoed similar
comments.
TELL US YOUR SRP STORIES
“The BAE Systems and Project Office
relationship has matured over a
significant period. We have reached
a point where there is always honest
and robust communication, and a
genuine commitment to work together
to achieve the best outcomes,” said
Mr Greenwood.
“Whilst people come and go on the
project, the fundamental culture of
open and collaborative communication
between our organisations remains.”
Stay tuned for more updates on the
progress of this project.
Your initiatives could help others
determine where savings and
improvements could be made.
Keep us in the loop
by emailing the Bulletin Editor:
michelle.perks@defence.gov.au
7
MASTIS racks
installed.
11 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO CAPABILITY
ThE bIg PICTURE
8
Australian Regular
Army; Operation
Slipper.
he DMO is a cog in the Defence to be tailored to the threat and mission
machine. If we focus on this cog, requirements, as determined by the mission
we see DMO staff and industry commander on the ground.
companies working together to better
understand the needs of the ADF, develop The new equipment is, on average,
equipment to satisfy these needs and then three kilograms lighter and is designed
provide and sustain the necessary for troops patrolling on foot rather than
requirements. in vehicles.
When you’re involved in the day-to-day Colonel (COL) Jason Blain, who commanded
workings of a large organisation like MTF-1 in Afghanistan in 2010 and is now
the DMO, it can be difficult to see how Head of Diggerworks, said the new ensemble
your work fits into the bigger picture. will significantly improve the agility and
With this in mind, the DMO Bulletin flexibility of the dismounted soldier.
caught up with two parts of the DMO, the “The weight savings combined with a more
Soldier Modernisation (SM) SPO and the appropriate vest design for dismounted
Diggerworks directorate, to see how these operations will enhance the performance of
teams directly assist troops on the ground the Diggers mentoring and partnering the
The weight in Afghanistan.
Afghan National Army.”
savings Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan are now
Feedback from personnel who are currently
issued with a new Tiered Body Armour
combined System (TBAS), called the Soldier Combat
undertaking mission rehearsal exercises prior
to deployment has also been positive.
with a more Ensemble. This ensemble is designed to
provide a more effective body armour and Corporal Daniel Treveton, a member
appropriate load carriage system for soldiers involved of Combat Team Charlie from the 2nd
vest design for in close combat and has been rolled out Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment,
to members of MTF-3 and the Special said the equipment felt much better than
dismounted Operations Task Group. previous models.
operations will The ensemble, jointly developed by the “Once you put it on you hardly notice it
DMO, the Army and industry, includes an
enhance the enhanced combat uniform, vest and plate
because it hugs the body so well,” he said.
performance carrier, protection (ballistic plates), packs and “This means our fighting endurance is
pouches, and has recently received extensive much better.”
of the Diggers praise during mission rehearsal exercises. The ensemble body armour vest is currently
mentoring and It is designed to efficiently integrate made by Australian Defence Apparel in
partnering components worn by individual soldiers Victoria and the design is based on extensive
to protect them from the enemy and the feedback from operations and trials.
the Afghan environment as well as help them carry Planning has commenced to release an open
National Army. mission loads. Additionally, the different tiers of tender later this year for the entire Soldier
the ensemble enable protection and mobility Combat Ensemble.
12 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO CAPABILITY
ThE ARMY CLOSE
COMbATANT
Combat Helmet
Goggles with ballistic
and laser protective
lenses
Hydration System
Quick release Tourniquet
Austeyr Assault Rifle
fitted with 4 Power Day
Optic, White Light Torch
and Night Aiming Laser
Soldier Personal Radio
TBAS Belt and chest
webbing to carry
equipment pouches and
body armour inserts
Combat uniform with
advanced technologies
in fire resistance and rip
stop materials
Multicam™ pattern for
visual and non-visual
camouflage
Removable knee and
elbow pads built into
combat uniform
13 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO CAPABILITY
C-17A fLOCk
TO ExPAND
9
DMO and Boeing
staff stand alongside
our C-17A aircraft
at the Boeing Plant,
California, USA.
t’s over 50 metres long, can house more the distance in three-quarters of the time,”
than 100 troops while carrying over he said.
76,000 kilograms of cargo and it’s only
“The C-17A aircraft can lift very large and
a matter of months until this aircraft joins
heavy cargoes over long distances providing
the Australian fleet.
a significant contribution to Australia’s ability
It’s official; the DMO has secured a fifth to reach and respond to events.”
C-17A Globemaster III that will be flying
Three months on, this fifth C-17A aircraft has
alongside its siblings within a month of
The C-17A arriving down under.
become a reality.
aircraft can Speaking to the DMO Bulletin, Wing
Since we acquired our first C-17A aircraft back
Commander (WGCDR) Warren Bishop said
in 2006, this heavy lifter has proven itself as a
lift very large reliable aircraft in countless operations. It has
this smooth and incredibly fast acquisition is
a testament to the hard work of the C-17A
and heavy completed fortnightly missions to the Middle
project team and the DMO as a whole.
East to support Australian forces in Iraq and
cargoes Afghanistan as well as delivering humanitarian “Everyone has pitched in to secure this
over long assistance to helpless survivors of natural aircraft,” he said.
disasters here in Australia and abroad, in
distances places like Indonesia, Papua New Guinea,
“The DMO's Chief Finance Officer (CFO),
CDG, and Defence Materiel Washington
providing a Burma and Japan.
(DEFMAT-W) have been assisting the C-17A
significant Although we had planned to acquire two project team with this acquisition, while
additional C-130 Hercules aircraft to meet Heavy Airlift (HAL) SPO, Air Lift (AL) SPO and
contribution our future force's' needs, it appears another the RAAF are preparing to bring the aircraft
to Australia’s C-17A aircraft would be more useful. home,” he said.
ability to At this year’s Avalon International Airshow, This is a great example of the DMO and the
the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, wider Defence organisation working together
reach and explained why an additional Globemaster III to re-prioritise work to achieve better
respond to would be beneficial. outcomes for our current and future forces.
events. “One C-17A can carry up to four C-130 WGCDR Bishop said while there’s still work to
Hercules loads in a single lift and cover twice be done, an exciting outcome is on the horizon.
14 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO CAPABILITY
“We still have to get the C-17A registered
under the ADF, source and engage
engineering resources from HALSPO and
Everyone SECURINg ThE C-17A
ALSPO and organise support from the RAAF has AIRCRAfT
Air Lift Group to ensure air and ground crews
are available when the C-17A Globemaster III
pitched
arrives down under.” in to
“All of these activities take time – but by the secure January 2011:
year’s end, an additional Heavy Airlift aircraft The DMO joins CDG, and CFO Group
will be supporting the ADF.”
this to begin planning the C-17A Acquisition
The DMO Bulletin will keep you posted on
aircraft. project.
this aircraft’s arrival. 10 February 2011:
The Prime Minister approves
the release of a Letter of Request to
the US Government seeking price and
availability for the aircraft.
March 2011:
Members from the C-17A Project team,
CFO DMO, and the DEFMAT-W, meet in
the US to finalise the Materiel Acquisition
Agreement and the payment schedule
with the US Government.
1 April 2011:
The US Government responds with
a Letter of Offer and Acceptance in
record time.
6 April 2011:
10 DMO staff in the Australian Embassy in
A United States Washington DC sign a Letter of Offer and
Air Force (USAF) Acceptance in the presence of the US
C-17A Globemaster Government and USAF.
III makes a
dusty landing in
Afghanistan.
11
Representatives from
the DMO and US
DoD after signing the
C-17A LOA.
L–R: Defense Security
Cooperation Agency’s
Country Program
Director, Bill Ellis;
Minister Counsellor,
Defence Materiel,
David Marshall;
Director, Regional
Affairs, Secretary of
the USAF, International
Affairs, Brigadier
General Lyn Sherlock;
Air Attaché member,
Air Commodore
Leo Davies; Vice
President, International
Operations & Policy,
The Boeing Company,
Jefferson Hofgard.
15 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
JSf ChECk UP
12
L-R:
Group Captain Ian
Farnsworth; Minister
Counsellor, Defence
Materiel, David
Marshall; DMO CEO,
Dr Stephen Gumley;
AVM Kym Osley;
Lieutenant COL Hank
Griffiths, with the JSF.
ast month’s Defence budget cuts he is confident Defence has budgeted
have put more pressure on DMO appropriately for the JSF aircraft.
projects to be on time and “Based on available information, Defence is
accurate in terms of cost. not asking for additional money over what
The American made Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has been allocated. Our staged acquisition
is one of our most anticipated acquisitions strategy for the JSF, commencing with 14
and therefore needs to be closely monitored aircraft, allows time for refinement of costs,”
to ensure cost and schedule remain said Dr Gumley.
on track. He also said he was confident that the
But Australia isn’t the only nation with a long term support costs of the aircraft
vested interest in the development of this would be reduced, after a number of
The critical aircraft. The JSF Program is the world's partnering countries expressed concern
development largest collaborative defence initiative about this expense.
ever undertaken. As a result, it’s crucial AVM Osley echoed similar comments saying
is the JSF that everyone involved can share their the US is committed to refining and reducing
Program thoughts, aspirations and concerns about support cost estimates.
the project.
Office's “The critical development is the US JSF
Every 12 months, senior acquisition officials Program Office's commitment to taking a
commitment from the nine partner nations purchasing far more active role in sustainment planning
to taking the JSF meet in Fort Worth, Texas, to than previously. 2011/12 has been variously
discuss the program’s progress. described as the ‘year of sustainment’,”
a far more he said.
During April, DMO CEO, Dr Stephen Gumley,
active role in and the DMO’s Program Manager New Air Schedule
Combat Capability, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM)
sustainment Kym Osley, travelled to the US for this With the aircraft meeting a number of
planning meeting, which continued its focus on the important milestones over the last few
JSF’s cost, schedule and capability. months, Australia’s first JSF aircraft will be
than ready for training in the US in 2014.
Cost
previously. JSF aircraft production has stabilised, with
Following the talks, Dr Gumley said the time (in man hours) to build a JSF on the
16 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
production line being halved since the first aircraft “Some of the best accolades for the JSF have come
was produced. from the USAF test pilots. They believe USAF squadron
pilots will find the JSF much superior to the current
Dr Gumley said some tasks have even been met ahead
generation fighters.”
of time.
Capability
“The flight test program for the Conventional Take-Off
& Landing (CTOL) variant being bought by Australia is Dr Gumley also reported that the JSF appears to be
exceeding its planned test rate and has been doing so making ground in terms of its specialist mission software.
since late last year.” “Briefings confirmed that flight testing and stability of JSF
With the USAF agreeing to share any information gained mission software is progressing well and that effective fixes
through this CTOL variant testing, Australia will be in a for some of the widely reported technical issues, such as
better position to meet our Initial Operational Capability Helmet Mounted Display, are in train,” said Dr Gumley.
date in late 2018. “While there are still several areas that need close
AVM Osley added that the JSF aircraft is ahead of its flight watching in the program; the Conference has given me the
opportunity to discuss the JSF with very senior US and
test milestones for 2011.
international acquisition chiefs; and I am confident that
“It has flown a total of about 800 flights and over 1200 flight the level of commitment I saw will translate into even more
hours,” he said. positive outcomes for the JSF in 2011 and beyond.”
ShARINg IS CARINg
n today’s globalised environment, and equipment identified for urgent Requests to use the SOSA to expedite
it makes sense for the DMO to operational needs much faster,” US Industrial Resources should be
collaborate with our sibling she said. directed to the Director International
sustainment bodies abroad. As the agreement works both ways, Materiel Cooperation in Commercial
the DMO will provide the US with a Group, DMO.
The DMO and the US Department
of Defense (DoD) have a common list of accredited Australian companies What does the SOSA mean for
purpose; to equip and sustain our that have signed the voluntary Code industry companies?
national defence forces. With this in of Conduct and agreed to make US
Defense Materiel needs a priority Under this new agreement, Australian
mind, our CEO, Dr Stephen Gumley, industry companies have the opportunity
if requested.
has recently made an agreement to shift into a transnational sphere and
with his US counterpart, the Under What goods and services are support both the Australian and US
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, included in the SOSA?
Defence organisations when required.
Technology and Logistics, Dr Ashton This agreement covers what’s called
Carter, to better meet this joint goal. The DMO will invite companies to
Industrial Resources. This refers to
participate by signing the voluntary
On 14 April 2011, Dr Gumley and materials, services and facilities and
includes the construction materials Code of Conduct, which is currently
Dr Carter signed a Security of Supply being negotiated as part of the
needed to meet approved defence
Arrangement (SOSA) which allows implementation process. When the
requirements.
Australia and the US to assist one US DoD requires Australian goods
another in obtaining urgent goods All raw, in process, or manufactured and services, the DMO will liaise with
and services. material is included as well as any these accredited companies, their
article, commodity, supply, equipment, subcontractors and suppliers, to ensure
Under the SOSA, Australia now has component, accessory, part, assembly,
access to the US system that allocates US DoD receives priority service.
product technical information, process,
and contracts goods and services to or service. Michele Miller said the agreement
meet urgent operational requirements. may also assist Australian Defence
This means that Australia can now
How will the SOSA work?
companies meet their contractual
place urgent orders on the American The SOSA is built on reciprocal requirements with the DMO.
system and these orders have the same assistance between the DMO and
the US DoD. “The Australian defence industry may
status as those placed by the US.
benefit through quicker delivery of
The Director of the DMO’s International If either party requests assistance components sourced from the US,
Material Cooperation team, Michele from the other, each participant must which are required for items identified
Miller, said this will expedite the DMO’s do everything possible to uphold its as urgent operational needs,” she said.
acquisition procedures for certain goods. international commitment and help
its partner country to supply Defence For more information about the SOSA,
“With access to this US system, the products, materials, and services to contact the Director of International
DMO will be able to deliver spares complete its military duties. Materiel, Michele Miller on 02 6144 2761.
17 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
DMO AND INDUSTRY
IN ThE SPOTLIghT
DEfENCE + INDUSTRY
CONfERENCE 2011
13
The DMO stand at
the D+I 2011 trade
exhibition.
epresentatives of Defence and the • Public DCP June 2011 Supplement -
Defence Industry met in Adelaide http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/id/dcp/
during the last week of June for dcp.cfm
the 17th Defence and Industry (D+I)
Independent Project Performance Office:
Conference.
• Joint Ministerial Release - http://
Like its predecessor events, this year’s www.defence.gov.au/minister/112tpl.
D+I provided delegates with access to cfm?CurrentId=12044
everything from keynote presentations
to information sessions, networking Disposal Strategy for ADF Assets:
opportunities and more than 200 trade • MINDM Media Release - http://www.
exhibition stands. defence.gov.au/minister/112tpl.
cfm?CurrentId=12048
A successful conference program was
capped off by a sparkling event dinner that • DMO Internet site - http://www.defence.
included special tributes for retiring Industry gov.au/dmo/disposals/index.cfm
executive Paul Johnson and retiring DMO
Reforms to Projects of Concern:
executive Major General Tony Fraser.
• Joint Ministerial Release - http://
Transcripts of the speeches delivered by www.defence.gov.au/minister/105tpl.
the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, cfm?CurrentId=12046
and the Minister for Defence Materiel
(MINDM), Jason Clare, are available at Australian Industry Capability (AIC)
http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/ Program Changes:
• MINDM Media Release - http://www.
Transcripts of speeches delivered by the
defence.gov.au/minister/112tpl.
CEO DMO and other DMO speakers will be
cfm?CurrentId=12049
progressively available on the DMO internet
site: http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/dmo/ • AIC Program Factsheet – http://www.
function.cfm?function_id=15 defence.gov.au/dmo/news/dmobulletin/
July11/AIC_Flyer.pdf
More information on major policy
and reform announcements are Commercial Group (Initiatives discussed
also available. during the seminar):
Release of Defence Capability Plan • DMO Internet site - http://www.defence.
Supplement: gov.au/dmo/osc/di/index.cfm
• Joint Ministerial Release - http://
www.defence.gov.au/minister/105tpl.
cfm?CurrentId=12045
18 | DMO Bulletin July 2011
PROCUREMENT ChANgE
On 1 July, a policy to strengthen Indigenous employment opportunities came into effect and will influence the
way the DMO does business.
Under the Indigenous Opportunities Policy (IOP) additional requirements have been placed on Commonwealth
Procurements valued at $5 million ($6 million for construction) that take place in regions with significant Indigenous
populations.
In relation to these procurements, the DMO must:
• Consult with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and community groups
in the planning stages of these projects.
• Explain in our tender how we will be enforcing a DEEWR approved Indigenous training, employment and supplier
plan with the successful tenderer.
For more information see the Defence Procurement Policy Manual or to view the IOP Guidelines, head to
www.deewr.gov.au/iop
19 | DMO Bulletin July 2011