Common capability for Rapid Impact Assessment Data

Rapid Impact Assessment (RIA) data is a critical component in building a robust evidence base for informed decision-making. By understanding the extent of impact and damage caused by disasters, NEMA can prioritise resources, design effective recovery strategies, and strengthen resilience for future events. Currently there is no nationally consistent method for collecting this data. Responsibility for gathering RIA data rests with individual states and territories, which can then share it with federal departments.

To address this gap NEMA is conducting a project focused on developing a common capability for RIA data collection. This initiative will follow a phased approach through the establishment, of a dedicated team required to undertake this work.

The objectives of this project include:

1. Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to evaluate current Rapid Impact data maturity levels and identify barriers to effective data collection within states and territories that do not have a formal RIA data collection framework.

3. Establish robust data sharing agreements between eligible state and territory and the Commonwealth to enable secure, efficient, and transparent exchange of RIA data.

NEMA is proposing two levels of expert personnel required to complete this project.

Project Manager: The Project Manager will ensure the effective coordination and delivery of the Common capability for Rapid Impact Assessment Data project. This role will oversee the day-to-day administration, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of key project milestones, including the consultation phase with all states and territories and the establishment of data sharing agreements. The Project Manager will ensure that the project aligns with national priorities, addresses capability gaps in rapid impact assessment data sharing, and delivers outputs within the required timeframes.

Data Specialist: The Data Specialist will provide technical expertise to uplift data collection arrangements, conduct needs assessments, and facilitate the development of nationally consistent rapid impact assessment data standards. This role is crucial for addressing technical barriers to data sharing, supporting states and territories in improving data maturity, and ensuring the project delivers fit-for-purpose outputs

Estimated start date: Monday, 26 January 2026

Initial contract duration: Contract end date will be 30/06/2026

Extension term: Not applicable

Location of work: ACT

Working arrangements: Hybrid

Additional budget information: Negotiations In accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) may intend to conduct negotiations to support the assessment of best value for money for this RFQ/RFT. Any negotiations that are conducted, will be in accordance with the requirements and evaluation criteria specified in the RFQ/RFT documentation. This clause X does not bind NEMA into having to conduct negotiations if it does not determine undertaking negotiations would support best value for money.