New OPV sustainment model sought in Request for Tender
New vessels, new approach to sustainment
Tenders are being sought from Australian industry for an innovative sustainment model for the Royal Australian Navy’s new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), the Arafura class.
The Capability Life Cycle Manager will provide specialist asset management services to support and sustain the Arafura class.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said in a news release that the Request for Tender was the first part of a tailored sustainment plan.
“This will be a modern, innovative and highly skilled sustainment plan to deliver a complex naval capability which is reliable, fit-for-purpose, and represents a new generation of naval operations,” Minister Price said.
“Establishing a skilled Australian industrial base with the capacity and skills to maintain our new fleet is key to building and maintaining a sovereign capability.
“Australia’s regional small businesses will play a key role in delivering sovereign maritime sustainment to support the program.”
Construction is well underway on two of the twelve Arafura class OPVs which are a key part of the Morrison Government’s $90 billion continuous Naval Shipbuilding Program.
An Industry Briefing will be held in Perth on 16 March 2020 about the Capability Life Cycle Management services model.
Submissions for the Request for Tender will close on 24 April. Further information is available on Austender.
I think that the proposed weapons are a little “light”, it needs at least a 76mm main gun.