This is an Approach to Market (ATM) for the provision of air deployable drift modelling buoys (DMBs) by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The DMBs will utilize Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to measure maritime drift and transmit positional data via satellite to the AMSA Response Centre (ARC) for search and rescue (SAR) planning. The contract is intended to commence on August 6, 2026, for an initial period of five years with an option to extend for up to two additional years. Tenders must be lodged electronically via Austender by 2:00 PM Canberra local time on June 9, 2026. Key requirements include operational reliability in various environmental conditions, data reporting capabilities, deployment from aircraft and surface vessels, and a minimum shelf life of two years. Tenderers must provide a completed response cover sheet, statement of noncompliance, profile of tenderer, response to schedule 1, pricing and delivery details, and a tenderer's declaration. AMSA will evaluate tenders based on best value for money, considering technical capability, management capability and capacity, experience and expertise, and compliance.
The tender closing time and date is 2:00 PM Canberra local time on June 9, 2026. The resultant contract is expected to commence on August 6, 2026, with delivery timeframes to be determined by negotiation.
The warranty conditions are to be included in the contract.
The objective of the evaluation is to identify the tenderer which represents the best value for money, with a weighted evaluation criteria including technical capability (60%), management capability and capacity (15%), experience and expertise (15%), and compliance (10%).
Tenderers must meet the mandatory conditions for participation, which include the provision of an Australian Business Number (ABN), if an Australian registered company. Tenders must also meet minimum content and format requirements, including all attachments and supporting technical data being written in English and including completed response schedules.
AMSA may require tenderers or shortlisted tenderers to allow inspection of their premises from where any aspect of the goods and services may be performed or where information relevant to the goods and services may be stored.
Requests for further information may not be accepted after 2:00 PM Canberra local time, June 2, 2026.
