NMP70401 - DSE Organisational Guidance

The Australian Government released its 2024 National Defence Strategy (NDS) on 17 April 2024 setting out an ambitious transformation of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) into an integrated, focused force. Defence Digital Group (DDG) have identified that Future Defence Secret Environment (DSE) will be critical for Defence to deliver on the NDS. The DSE is Defence's sovereign operational level warfighting network, and is an essential component of Defence's military capability.

To meet and support the direction of the NDS, the DDG has identified secret cloud solution(s) that need to be designed, developed, integrated, maintained and evolved over time. The DSE Program consists of DEF2222 and JP9111, and is a key enabler to the majority of Defence capability at the SECRET classification for the Future DSE. Defence requires effective organisational planning and development support to ensure the fast and effective delivery of this complex Defence ICT capability.

The DSE Program is at a critical juncture and DDG has a requirement for organisational guidance in the establishment and operation of the DSE delivery team. This DSE Delivery Team will comprise an APS/ADF and external workforce, utilising a single tool-set and co-located as much as practical. Specifically, the Commonwealth has a requirement for:

• Organisational guidance in the establishment and operation of the DSE Delivery Team, especially in ensuring clear accountabilities between the Commonwealth and vendors. This guidance should enable the Commonwealth to effectively position responsibilities between parties in an effective and strategic manner.
• The Service Provider will facilitate weekly DSE Advisory Board and CIO Sync meetings, prepare governance packs, and provide secretariat support.
• Best-practice communication support to enable the Commonwealth to strategically engage with key stakeholders, especially in setting expectations with multinational vendors.
• Uplifting cultural and behaviour expectations within the DSE Delivery Team, enabling effective collaboration and accountability across all areas.
• Guiding contract management practices and frameworks through-out the DSE program, ensuring alignment to the established Commercial Management Strategy. These practices and frameworks should capture the required approaches/artefacts needed to actively manage vendors, utilising best-in class techniques, and be commensurate with the scale and complexity of the DSE Program.
• The Service Provider must support post-execution activities, including the preparation and readiness of internal GFX for the DSE Delivery Team, and assist with supplier on-boarding.
• Provision of technical upskilling for the DSE Delivery Team, including conducting an assessment of technical capability and implementing effective technical aptitude to support Commonwealth oversight of delivery.

As part of these services, the Service Provider must develop a ‘DSE Delivery Challenges Report’, 10 Working Days prior to the Order Completion Date, for the Commonwealth’s Acceptance. Additional deliverables include the PgO Operating Model and ‘GFx Readiness’ checklist.

The Commonwealth anticipates a team of three (3) to five (5) expert advisors being required to provide the services, over the initial period of 60 Working days with a single extension option of an additional 60 Working days. These advisors must be well placed to provide advice that is independent and accurate, helping to inform decision making as the project progresses. These services of will be instrumental to achieving positive outcomes for this critical work. Key personnel must be identified and approved by the Commonwealth, with substitution subject to Commonwealth approval. Due to the nature of the services, Expert Advisors must hold NV2 clearance or be able to obtain the clearance prior to Order Commencement Date.

Deliverables:

• PgO Operating Model

1. Draft Operating Model provides an effective and considered structured operating model, with supporting governance documents, for the Commonwealth Consideration.
2. Draft Model to be provided 30 Working Days prior to Order Completion Date.
3. Final version of the Model incorporates any Commonwealth feedback or requested changes.

‘GFx Readiness’ Checklist

1. Checklist details the internal readiness of the GFx within the Delivery Team.
2. Draft Checklist to be provided 30 Working Days prior to Order Completion Date.
3. Final version of the Checklist incorporates any Commonwealth feedback or requested changes.

Estimated start date: Monday, 10 November 2025

Initial contract duration: 3 Months

Extension term: 3 months

Number of extensions: 1

Location of work: ACT

Working arrangements: Onsite