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The panel will support the Commonwealth’s procurement of geospatial goods, services and technologies.
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Dubbed the GeoPanel, it is expected that the new organisation will develop a framework for the Australian Defence Organisation and Defence portfolio agencies to improve engagement with industry and further innovate geospatial technology.
The panel is expected to acquire between $8 million and $20 million of goods and services and serve for an initial term of five years. The Commonwealth maintains the option to extend and refresh the panel beyond the initial term.
According to Tom Hamilton, director of the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation, the organisation will support Defence in accessing geospatial goods from approved industry providers in Australia and abroad.
“I am proud to announce the establishment of the GeoPanel, allowing Defence to access essential industry capability to support its geospatial requirements,” Hamilton said.
“Geospatial data is a critical enabler for Defence. Reliable data supports planning and conduct of Defence operations; ensures safety of navigation; and informs situational awareness, policy advice, and intelligence insights.
“Geospatial data allows the government to make rapid, well-informed decisions based on the best available understanding of the strategic environment.”
It is hoped that the GeoPanel will facilitate the transference of geospatial capabilities across five categories, including satellite, optical and radar data, aerial imagery light detection and ranging, hydrographic services and professional services.
Earlier this week, Defence unveiled their new biotech security framework, strengthening biotech awareness within the defence and national security sectors.
The Safeguarding Australia through Biotechnology Response and Engagement (SABRE) alliance was recently launched at the inaugural Australian Defence Science Technology and Research (ADSTAR) summit.
SABRE aims to bolster biotech collaboration between Australian universities, research institutes and SMEs to inform projects across the Defence and national security spaces.
The three initial themes to be explored by SABRE include:
- human performance and decision making;
- genomics, bioinformatics and synthetic biology; and
- agriculture and biosecurity.
According to Defence Chief Scientist Professor Tanya Monro AC, the new framework would ensure defence and national security stakeholders have access to the latest biotech capabilities.
“SABRE will lead to the right questions being asked by the right people under the right framework,” Professor Monro said.
“This will ensure that Defence and the national security sector capitalise on new opportunities arising from biotech research and development conducted within Australia’s research and industry sectors.
“SABRE, with its national focus, will draw together the right capabilities and capacities which currently exist in the biotech sector and support new horizon research into tangible outcomes.”
