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The Australian defence industry is being invited to bid on a critical defence infrastructure project in Darwin to enhance US–Australian joint military operations and training exercises.
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The contract opportunity for eligible Australian companies, announced by the United States Department of Defense, includes construction of a parking apron, a maintenance support facility, and an aircraft maintenance hangar at RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory.
“As part of the US Force Posture Initiatives, the project will enhance the capacity of the US and Australia to complete joint military operations and training exercises, promote opportunities to engage with regional partners, and demonstrate our shared commitment to Indo-Pacific security,” according to a statement published by the US embassy in Australia earlier this month.
The defence infrastructure contract presents the opportunity for Australian industry to support Force Posture Initiatives in northern Australia, according to Defence’s Security and Estate Group (SEG).
“These projects are part of force cooperation with the United States to enhance interoperability and improve our ability to respond to regional crises,” an SEG statement said.
“Under the Force Posture Initiatives, Australian businesses and joint ventures have won United States-funded contracts for force-posture infrastructure projects to the value of US$198.4 million.
“This latest tender opportunity are (is) valued at around US$250–500 million.”
The Darwin contract was originally published on 4 March this year and offers are due on 18 April this year.
The contract also reportedly includes aircraft rinse facility, aircraft wash rack, helicopter landing pads, and supporting facilities as well as the construction of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron and Marine Wing Support Squadron facilities in support of the Marine Corps Air Combat Element, according to information published by the United States government.
In addition, construction of a Type II aircraft maintenance hangar, telecommunications distribution facility, supporting facilities, utility connections, site improvements, and earthwork necessary for full operation is also required.
Earlier this year, the Australian federal government announced a new 9,000-panel solar farm based at RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory.
The 3.2-megawatt system solar farm, operated and maintained by Assure Energy, is installed at RAAF Base Darwin and is expected to deliver up to 40 per cent of the Australian Defence Force base’s energy requirements
Construction of the solar farm included design of the solar array and battery storage solution, procurement, installation, and commissioning of the system, following the signing of a 20-year power purchase agreement between Defence and Assure Energy NT Darwin in April 2019.
