As of December 2021, NIOA has successfully completed Stage 1 of Tranche 1 of the Lethality System project. The end of Stage 1 marks approximately 500 days since the appointment of the Prime Contractor, and collaboration between CASG, Army and NIOA under this supplier engagement model. During this period, a truly collaborative approach to acquisition has been achieved to analyse requirements and approach the market for 11 mission systems across two capability categories (Sniper and Close Combat Systems), comprising over 1610 individual requirements.
Over 200 Australian and international companies registered their interest in the Tranche 1 approach to market, with 52 companies, including 35 Australian-based companies, invited to tender for major weapon, ancillary or munitions sub-systems. 44 companies were invited to respond for lower cost or complexity ancillaries and accessories under a Request for Proposal activity. Ultimately, nearly 650 individual products were offered for consideration under Tranche 1.
During a comprehensive series of evaluation activities including safety, performance, and integration test serials, some 31,000 small arms rounds have been fired by NIOA, in addition to multiple rigorous Army Preview Test and Evaluation events to inform Commonwealth Mission System decisions.
Supporting the Tranche 1 approach to market, to ensure integrity of the process and management of sensitive CoA and Industry equipment and information, 376 Non-Disclosure Agreements, Loan Agreements or Loan Agreement Extensions have been undertaken.
The CoA’s LAND 159 Tranche 1 submission is planned for Government consideration in early- to mid-2022. Acquisition of Tranche 1 capabilities will be contingent on Government approval. Debriefs to tenderers will be conducted after Government consideration.