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. The GAP team is embedded across the company's international business units, enabling it to identify and facilitate export opportunities for Australian companies within the supply chains of the BAE Systems group and its partner organisations.

GAP is built upon supply-and-demand principles and focuses on creating export opportunities for local businesses. The BAE Systems team engages with program managers and procurement professionals across the global business to identify demand that may be met by Australian companies. It also works closely with Australian industry to maintain current and detailed knowledge of local capabilities and export ambitions.

In addition to identifying opportunities and facilitating introductions, BAE Systems' GAP team offers mentoring and access to BAE Systems subject matter experts through its suite of training workshops.

For more information, please visit the Work Package section of this page.

Learn more about the Global Access Program

Learn more about the Global Supply Chain Program

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

Global Access Program Supplier Workshops

For more information, or to submit an Expression of Interest to attend one of the training sessions listed below, please refer to the relevant Work Package

Navigating Defence Series

BAE Systems Australia's Navigating Defence Series is a free one-day workshop designed to equip participants with the knowledge and information required to supply to the defence sector. It is intended to support new market entrants to the defence sector.

The course provides:

• an overview of BAE Systems' global business
• guidance on how to become involved in the BAE Systems supply chain
• an understanding of the expectations for supplying into Prime contractors, including meeting the required quality and cyber standards
• an introduction to estimating for defence work
• an overview of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) practices.

This course is suitable for both existing supply chain partners and businesses seeking to offer products or services to the defence sector in the future.

Organisational Resilience

BAE Systems Australia's Organisational Resilience is a free one-day course designed to strengthen an organisation's ability to anticipate, withstand, and recover from business disruptions.

The course provides:

• an introduction to the fundamentals of Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS)
• guidance on developing effective continuity plans and making sound decisions under pressure
• practical advice on establishing an effective "war room" and applying the four pillars of business continuity.

This course is suitable for active SMEs in the defence supply chain that are looking to strengthen their business resilience.

Winning Defence Business

BAE Systems Australia's Winning Defence Business is a free two-day workshop designed to strengthen supplier capability in identifying, capturing and winning work within the defence sector.

The workshop covers:

• assessing opportunities and positioning your business within the defence value chain
• engaging key stakeholders, and planning and executing effective capture campaigns
• developing compliant and competitive proposals.

This workshop is suitable for SMEs with existing or emerging defence opportunities, as well as organisations seeking to strategically expand their presence in the defence market.

Estimating for Defence

BAE Systems Australia's Estimating for Defence is a free two-day workshop designed to strengthen supplier capability in developing, validating, and presenting robust cost estimates for Australian Government defence contracts.

The workshop covers:

• developing a sound Basis of Estimate
• applying learning curves to improve estimating accuracy
• using Variation of Pricing indices for cost escalation
• practical approaches to quantifying cost and risk uncertainty

techniques for challenging estimates and supplier quotes, understanding price breaks, and recognising how contractual terms and conditions influence price outcomes.

This workshop is suitable for SMEs that are actively participating in defence supply chains and seeking to strengthen their estimating capability for defence-related opportunities.

Navigating Defence: Industry Handbook

BAE Systems Australia has developed an Industry Handbook aligned with the content from the Navigating Defence Series training to support the development of Australia's defence industry. The handbook serves as a practical resource for leaders of SMEs who are beginning their defence industry journey. It provides guidance on defence industry requirements, key considerations for entering the sector, and the support services available to help businesses build capability and pursue defence opportunities.

Download the Navigating Defence Industry Handbook

Events

The GAP team welcomes the opportunity to connect with existing and potential suppliers at industry events. If you would like to arrange a meeting, you can do so by contacting the GAP team directly or submitting a request through the event website.

The GAP team will be attending the following events:

• Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition - Perth, WA - 6-8 October 2026
• Undersea Defence Technology - Adelaide, SA - 2-4 December 2026

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.

Key Documents