AWD Alliance project update
In recent months the AWD project has seen the achievement of several significant milestones. Both the Combat Systems and Shipbuilding teams are making progress with their procurement. There have been 12 Requests for Combat System Products issued to the market to date. Following a series of communications with industry including the successful Block Fabricators Bidders Conference in January 2008, a Request for Proposals was issued to potential block contractors, and a restricted RFT has now been issued.
Procurement of combat system products and ship blocks status
The AWD Alliance recently selected Ultra Electronics as the preferred supplier for the AWD's Undersea Warfare Sonar System. The AWD sonar system capability includes an integrated hull mounted sonar and a towed array with both passive and active capabilities. The purpose of that capability is the detection and tracking of submarines beyond their lethal range and defence against torpedoes.
RFTs covering areas including the Under Sea Warfare (USW) Suite and Above Water Warfare (AWW) Suite are currently being evaluated. Further RFTs for Ship Systems, Support and Communications Information are in the process of release or evaluation. These combat system products will be what makes the ships the most advanced warships in the Australian navy.
While there is not yet much physical evidence of one of the biggest defence projects in Australia’s history, the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance is on target for commissioning the fabrication of the first 29 or so ship modules called “blocks”, to start at various sites around the country in approximately the third quarter next year (2009) with final deliveries expected in late 2014.
A block fabricators Bidder’s Conference was held in Adelaide in January 2008. At the conference a review of the contents of the Request for Proposal to build approximately 29 +200t blocks and expression of interest was taken. The evaluation of these initial proposals has now been completed and a restricted RFT sent to selected tenderers, with likely preferred block contractors down-selected by fourth quarter 2008. During this high profile competitive procurement there are strict probity and commercial in confidence guidelines being followed by the Alliance to ensure one of the largest procurements is managed equitably and above reproach.
The blocks when completed will be transported via ship or barge to the ASC facility in Osborne SA where the block erection and integration will occur. Average block sizes are approximately 15m x 12m x 9m and weighing 200 tonnes.
For more information on supplier opportunities, please see the AWD Supplier Registration Portal.
Design and reviews
The project as a whole is subject to a series of regular reviews to ensure it is on track the first of which have already taken place.
A Systems Functional Review was held in March and was performed to review the segment level requirements for the Hobart Class. All major actions relating to the Provisional Pass awarded to the Combat, Platform and Support Segment requirements by which the Ship design will be developed were closed out on June 2 2008. The focus is now preparation for preliminary design review (PDR).
The Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) is a technical and schedule review focusing on the assignment, definition, scheduling and resourcing of work. The Alliance was awarded IBR pass in June 2008.
Both the Combat System and Platform teams are now concentrating on the upcoming Preliminary Design Review (PDR) scheduled for the end of 2008
The design of the HOBART Class AWDs continues apace with the key Operations Room arrangement approved at a Configuration Review Board (CRB) meeting in February. The design has been developed following studies by the Alliance, USN, Lockheed Martin and Navantia and has been endorsed by the RAN.
