Overview
BAE Systems Australia works across all defence and security domains, using new ideas and know-how to ensure that their customers have access to the latest cutting-edge capability. Our work helps keep Australia safe and contributes to creating a more prosperous and innovative nation.
BAE Systems Australia has an established local supply chain that spans the nation. With over 1,430 Australian businesses on our Approved Supplier List (ASL), we recognise the enduring benefits of fostering and supporting sovereign capability development, and we continually seek to identify and introduce new entrants to the Defence sector. In 2023, we spent $683 million (AUD) procuring goods and services from Australian suppliers, $135 million of which was spent with local Small to Medium Enterprise (SMEs). We will continue to provide opportunities for Australian businesses to get involved with our programs, both in Australia and abroad.
BAE Systems encourages you get in touch if you believe your company can add value to its supply chain. For more information, check out its website HERE.
Opportunities
Global Access Program
In response to the Australian Government's Global Supply Chain Program, BAE Systems Australia established the Global Access Program (GAP) in 2012. It has a team that is embedded across the company's international business units, which allows GAP to identify and facilitate export opportunities for Australian companies within the supply chain of BAE Systems group and partner organisations.
In addition to identifying opportunities and providing introductions, BAE Systems' GAP team also offers companies mentoring and assistance through their supplier training programs.
To learn more about the Global Access Program, visit the website HERE.
To learn more about the Global Supply Chain Program visit the website HERE.
The Global Access Program is built upon supply and demand principles and focusses on providing export opportunities for local businesses. BAE Systems' team engages with program managers and procurement professionals across the global business to identify sources of demand which an Australian company may be able to service. They also engage widely with Australian industry to ensure they have current and detailed knowledge of local capability and export ambitions.
Specific opportunities related to the Global Access Program can be found in the Work Package section of this page.
Indirect Procurement Opportunities
The indirect procurement function is responsible for acquiring products and services in support of BAE Systems Australia's business operations. This includes IT equipment right through to contingent labour, etc. This function is essential to the organisation, however the goods supplied don't typically end up in the finished products and services delivered to the customer. Rather, they ensure that the process of turning direct supplies into finished goods goes smoothly.
Current opportunities are listed in the Work Packages section.
For opportunities related to HCFP - please click HERE.
Click HERE to read the latest news from the program and wider BAE Systems Australia business.
Cyber Security Support
A new cyber security tool has been developed to help small businesses gain access to work in Australia's defence industry.
BAE Systems Australia, Saab Australia, industry partners and government have developed the Cyber Framework for the Defence Industry (CFDI) to measure and increase the cyber resilience of SMEs wanting to work on Defence programs.
The CFDI was developed to simplify and help address the growing cyber risk facing SMEs as many don't have the same level of cyber resources and protections as the larger defence contractors.
The CFDI provides a standardised approach to cyber maturity assessment and can also be used to guide users to next steps to increase their levels of cyber protection. The tool aims to support companies so they can self-manage their cyber security requirements and risks.
More information in the media release HERE.
SMEs can download a sample of the cyber assessment tool in the Cyber Security document section at the bottom of the project page.
BAE Systems encourages companies to utilise this tool to familiarise themselves with the process and the questionnaire.
It can help you understand your levels of cyber security maturity.
Follow on engagement with the tool will occur if you are invited to a supplier on-boarding/qualification activity.
You do not need to submit a completed tool to BAE Systems Australia unless invited to.
Building Supplier Capabilities
BAESA/GAP Industry Training: Estimating For Defence:
Expression of Interest
Estimating For Defence is a newly evolved two-day course replacing the previous Fundamentals and Masterclass courses. Developed by BAE Systems Australia's Estimating and Pricing Team, and delivered in partnership with GAP, the course is designed to increase supplier knowledge and expertise in the art of estimating and presenting a price to a customer. The course provides participants with practical exercises to apply the knowledge gained over the two days. For further information, please see the course synopsis attached to the work package.
BAE Systems Australia: Navigating Defence Series
Register for your location now in the appropriate work package.
Our Navigating Defence Series is designed to provide SMEs with improved knowledge in areas where standards can be difficult to achieve or maintain. Presented by the Industry Capability Team, these areas include:
- Working with Primes: Learn what to expect when working with defence prime contractors, from your onboarding experience to cyber and export obligations.
- Estimating and Pricing: A condensed session of the popular Global Access Program Estimating and Pricing course. Understand the basic principles of estimating and pricing used within BAE Systems Australia.
- Supplier Quality Assurance: Understand the importance of supplier quality assurance to Defence Primes (plus customers), and the role of supplier quality assurance in your business.
- Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP): An insight into industry leading 'built in quality' practices, which are being used to prevent defects occurring within the manufacturing process.
The course content will apply equally to existing supply chain partners and those seeking to offer products or services in the future.
Navigating Defence: Industry Handbook
Our industry handbook has been developed alongside BAE Systems Australia's Navigating Defence Series training and education program to support the development of Australia's defence industry. It is intended to be a resource for leaders of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are beginning their defence industry journey and would like to understand what is required, and what supports are available.
The handbook can be accessed here: BAE NDS Industry Handbook
Upcoming Events
The GAP team welcomes the opportunity to meet with existing and potential suppliers at the events they attend. You can request a meeting at one of these events by contacting the GAP team directly or through the event website.
How to register an Expression of Interest
This is a general EOI submission and Work Packages currently available to submit an EOI for can be viewed by clicking the Work Packages tab above.
Shortlisted companies will be invited to tender Work Packages as needed.
To submit an initial EOI for the Work Scopes, companies must have an ICN Gateway company profile. Information on how to register your company on ICN Gateway is detailed below.
ICN Gateway Company Registration
Click here to create your company profile on ICN Gateway.
Your company summary and company description are used to assess your ability to complete projects when you lodge an EOI - please ensure that your company invests the time and energy required to represent your company in the most effective manner possible.
