Operational Energy Transitions Defence Research Centre Lead Partner

The Commonwealth is undertaking two separate but related approaches to market (ATM) in parallel to support the establishment of the OET DRC and the delivery of its Inaugural Research Projects (IRPs). The processes being undertaken include: a. ATM ID 13016 Lead Partner Request For Tender (RFT) (this RFT): to engage a supplier as a Lead Partner to provide research leadership and expertise at the program and project level for the OET DRC; and b. ATM ID 13457 Contributing Partner Request For Information (RFI) (separate process): to engage with the market for the purposes of: (i) understanding market capability and potential suppliers that align with, and have interest in, research related to the OET DRC; and (ii) informing the development and conduct of this Lead Partner RFT as well as future procurement processes.

The Contributing Partner RFI:

a. is separate from, does not form part of, this RFT; and b. is governed by its own separate process. Further details on the Contributing Partner ATM can be found on AusTender. You are invited to submit a tender in response to Request for Tender (RFT) 13016 to provide research leadership and management services for the Operational Energy Transitions Defence Research Centre (OET DRC). Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy 2026 (DISTS 26) calls for Defence to progress the formation of DRCs in partnership with universities and industry to focus on enduring and complex IS&T priorities that require interdisciplinary teams. The OET DRC is a response to a fundamental shift in the role of energy within Defence capability and operations. It is intended to provide Defence with a scalable and enduring mechanism to shape the Defence energy landscape and deliver operationally relevant, deployable energy solutions that support the future Integrated Force The OET DRC will operate as a problem-led, outcome-focused enterprise, integrating Defence, academia, industry and international partners into a coherent, mission-driven effort. Its role is not to conduct isolated, exploratory or basic research, but to accelerate the adoption, integration, and transition of energy technologies into deployable Defence capability, particularly where conventional market or program mechanisms are insufficient.

Conditions for Participation

In accordance with the Conditions of Tender in the RFT pack.

Timeframe for Delivery:

Five years from commencement of contract

Other Instructions:

A virtual Industry Briefing will be held on 1 October 2026. Registration for attendance can be made at https://dstdefence.eventsair.com/oet-drc-industry-briefing/oetdrc/Site/Register. Additional details will be provided once registration are accepted. Please note:

• There is no restriction on virtual attendance numbers, however all attendees must be registered.
• Registration to attend Industry Briefing closes at 5pm AEST, Monday 28 September 2026
• Questions submitted after Industry Briefing will be responded to by Addendum to the RFT

Agency: Department of Defence - DSRG

ATM ID: 13016

ATM type: Request for Tender

Category (UNSPSC): 92111700 - Military science and research

Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart

Panel arrangement: No

Multi-stage: No

Multi-agency access: No

Closes: 26 Oct 2026 14:00 (Canberra time)

Published on AusTender, the Australian Government procurement portal. Responses are lodged through tenders.gov.au (free supplier registration).