The 2012 public Defence Capability Plan (DCP) entry for JP157, which seeks to replace and enhance the Australian Defence Force’s aviation ground refuelling vehicle fleet, remains current with First Pass Approval now expected by the first quarter of 2014.
When many people think of vehicles and the ADF, both Land 121 Overlander and Land 400 spring to mind. But that’s not the be all and end all of vehicles needed by the ADF. Valued roughly at $150 million, JP157 is most likely seeking a COTS solution for the requirement. JP 157 Phase 1 seeks to replace and enhance the ADF’s aviation ground refuelling vehicle fleet which includes bulk fuel tankers and hydrant dispenser vehicles to ensure the effective and efficient refuelling of current and approved future fixed and rotary wing aircraft fleets.
“The JP157 requirement remains the same as identified in the public DCP 2012 and the Request for Information (RFI) released in April last year, with the minor exception of the removal of HMAS Albatross from the scope of the project,” according to a Defence spokesperson. “HMAS Albatross aviation refuelling requirements are to remain within the scope of the current Defence Support Reform Group Base Services Retender.
“As announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation in December last year, SG Fleet Australia Pty Ltd has been selected as the Vehicle Fleet Management and Leasing Services provider for the Australian Government. This Fleet Services Contract was awarded for an initial term of six and half years effective 1 February 2013.”
The RFI in June last year generated world wide interest, resulting in a number of Australian-based responses across the three procurement options (purchase, lease and fully contracted service).
“Defence considers the RFI to be successful, providing a sound basis of estimate of industry’s capacity to support each option in terms of capability, cost and schedule,” said a Defence spokesperson.
The DCP speaks of a range of procurement options for the program such as a lease or contracted service solution but these will be considered at first pass, which is now expected by the first quarter of 2014.
The DCP also acknowledges that ‘this project will require minor expansion and enhancement of existing vehicle garaging facilities and supporting infrastructure. This will be further defined as the project matures.’
The RFP will also cover proposed support arrangements for the fleet, which has an estimated life of type of 20 years.
