Collaboration Lays Benchmark for International Award
A combined Defence and industry team has won the International Association of Contract and Commercial Management Innovation Award for Operational Improvement.
The FFG Enterprise is a collaboration between Defence's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Royal Australian Navy, Thales Australia and BAE Systems Australia, working together to sustain and deliver seaworthy guided missile frigates.
Deputy Secretary Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Mr Kim Gillis, said the award recognises the FFG Enterprise as conducting world’s best practice in relational contracting and collaboration.
“Since its inception in 2014, the FFG Enterprise has completed complex maintenance periods and delivered every frigate back to Navy either on or ahead of schedule and in full seaworthy condition,” Mr Gillis said.
“The ships are in excellent materiel condition, offering increased availability and improved efficiency for the Royal Australian Navy and Australia as a whole.
“This outcome is directly attributed to the framework put into place by the FFG Enterprise and all partners can be justly proud of the award.”
The award recognises initiatives that have delivered significant business value through improved commercial or contracting process or practices.
Mr Gillis said the team created an environment where competitors such as Thales and BAE could work together towards delivering for Defence on time, every time.
“This international award demonstrates how focusing Australia’s Defence industries on outcomes and adopting a cooperative approach can lead to exceptional results,” Mr Gillis said.
“Thales Australia and BAE Systems Australia, together with Defence have created a truly integrated and effective team and made tremendous progress over the last few years.
“This award reflects the growing maturity and relationship between Defence and its industry partners in delivering increased performance through collaboration.
“Overall it costs less and delivers more, which is an excellent outcome for Navy, Defence and Australia.
“The FFG Enterprise demonstrates how industry is a fundamental input to capability not just in the construction, but in the long term, ongoing sustainment of Defence platforms.”
The FFG Enterprise will continue to deliver reliable, available and affordable FFGs through best practice industry and Defence collaboration
