LNIC Generic Vehicle Architecture Technical Lead

⁠⁠⁠1. The Commonwealth requires the services of Level 3 Advanced Practitioner Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) Technical Lead to supplement the military and contractor workforce within the Land Network Integration Centre (LNIC). The position is accountable to the Staff Officer Grade 2 (SO2) Generic System Architectures (GxA) and reports to the GVA Project Manager (GVA PM), covering the (enduring) development of the Generic Vehicle Architecture Standard, DEF(AUST) 11316, and the associated Vehicle Standard Operating Environment (VSOE) at the LNIC.

2. The AS GVA DEF(AUST) Standard is part of the LNIC GxA Program which is responsible for the development and definition of standards to enable digital integration on land platforms. The GxA Program Office is responsible for the development and ongoing review, maintenance of currency GxA artefacts in order to ensure they reflect emerging capabilities and satisfy project integration needs.

3. The GxA DEF(AUST) Standards are a suite of documents which inform the design and manufacture of military land platform systems (i.e. vehicle, soldier, unmanned systems etc.), delivering standardisation of materiel via standardised interface definitions (Interfaces; size, weight, power, digital, human systems). The intent is to improve military preparedness and effectiveness via materiel systems which are integrated, adaptable, interoperable, affordable and effective.

4. The GVA DEF(AUST) is applicable to all crewed and large uncrewed vehicle platforms utilised within the Land Force including tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, protected mobility platforms, littoral watercraft, reconnaissance vehicles, and logistic and support platforms. GVA version 1.0 was released in December 2017, and work is commencing for LNIC to develop and deliver a version 2.0 through the GxA Program. As part of the AS GVA area of responsibility is the ongoing development and assessment of conformance of the VSOE.

5. The GVA Technical Lead will be responsible for planning and as necessary directing and/ or executing GVA technical operations. They will oversee an agile multi-disciplinary capability delivery team including engineers (software, computer, mechatronics, electronic, mechanical etc), business analysts, designers, developers, architects, administrators and testers.

6. The GVA Technical Lead will work closely and collaboratively with the GVA PM, supported by the GxA Engineering Manager (EM) and under the direction of the GxA Executive. The GVA Technical Lead will collaborate with Army capability manager representatives, CASG SPOs, Australian and international Defence industry representatives, and international coalition partner groups.

7. The GVA Technical Lead will be responsible for exercising technical authority over the development and maintenance of the AS GVA and of the VSOE, as delegated by the LNIC Chief/ Principle Engineer. The GVA Technical Lead will also be responsible for providing GVA and VSOE specific technical support or advice to the other areas of the GxA and the LNIC as required.

8. Working as part of the Australian Army’s LNIC team offers a friendly, flexible and supportive environment, within a highly capable, reputable and innovative organisation. In addition, access to a range of benefits is included, such as flexible work practices, access to leading expert practitioners and processes within the Defence, Defence Industry and Military Digital Integration domains (domestic and international).

9. The duration of this contract is expected to commence 11 April 2022 and conclude on 12 April 2024. The Commonwealth may seek to extend the contract by up to two (2) x 12 month periods for 230 days effort for each extension option.

10. It is expected that the majority of services delivered under this contract will be at the LNIC facility in Symonston, ACT. Interstate and international travel will be required to support Army exercises and integration activities. Consideration will be given to the Key Person being located in another location. Any submissions of this nature are to include travel to the LNIC facility in the ACT at least once a month at vendor expense, pending COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements.

11. A three (3) month period of probation is imposed as a condition of engagement for all new contractors

Deliverables:

12. The contractor engaged under this RFQTS will be employed on a time and materials basis. The following deliverables are envisaged during the term of this engagement:

a. Priority of effort will be to develop and execute a schedule of works delivering the next iteration of the GVA, version 2.0, with an anticipated publish date of Q4 2022

b. Plan and manage the delivery of GVA (including VSOE) project technical tasks and outcomes with the GVA PM and GxA EM

c. Assure fitness of purpose and safety of GVA product line outputs

d. Coordination across the GVA team of technical experts and constituent products, to realise strategic objectives for platform integration and materiel standardisation

e. Oversee and or execute engineering process/ conduct within the GVA product line, in accordance with GxA Program, LNIC, Army and CASG engineering policies

f. Work closely with GxA technical writing and editing staff to convert expert technical and engineering knowledge output from GVA development activities into high quality technical Standard appropriate for diverse audiences.

g. Represent GVA and GxA to industry, Defence, and international stakeholders under the Land Integration Framework (LIF), and provide GVA and VSOE technical support and advice to the LNIC LIF Subject Matter Experts

h. Advise GxA Executive on future technical development pathways to realise strategic intent

i. Provide advice on technical workforce management and requirements to the GxA