Parallel Negotiations for Pacific Patrol Boat Support and Third Refit Tender Contract

03/02/2011         MECC 42/11

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has commenced parallel negotiations with two tenderers for the re-fit and support of Pacific Patrol Boats.This decision was made following an independent internal review conducted as a result of a tenderer complaint regarding the initial tender process. This is normal practice in accordance with the Defence Procurement Policy guidelines. DMO has now agreed and commenced a parallel negotiation process with Birdon Pty Ltd and DMS Maritime Pty Ltd. On 1 October 2010, Defence announced that the DMO had selected DMS Maritime Pty Ltd as the preferred tenderer for the provision of the Pacific Patrol Boat Support and Third Refit services. The tender is for support for 19 Pacific Patrol Boats that were built and gifted to Pacific Island countries, and are sponsored and funded by the Defence Cooperation Program.  These vessels are used by the Pacific Island countries to patrol their Exclusive Economic Zones, conduct search and rescue operations and disaster relief. In the interim, the Pacific Patrol Boats remain supported by the current contractor, BAE Systems.