Operational Energy Transitions Defence Research Centre Contributing Partner RFI

The OET DRC is being developed in response to a fundamental shift in the role of energy within Defence capability and operations. Energy is no longer a background enabler, but a central determinant of operational effectiveness, underpinning operational tempo, persistence, survivability, and freedom of action in increasingly contested and degraded environments. To support the establishment of the OET DRC and the delivery of its Inaugural Research Projects (IRPs), the Commonwealth is undertaking two separate but related processes in parallel as follows: 1. ATM ID 13016 Lead Partner Request For Tender (RFT) (separate process): 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 2. ATM ID 13457 Contributing Partner Request For Information (RFI) (this RFI): to engage with the market for the purposes of: - understanding market capability and potential suppliers that align with, and have interest in, research related to the OET DRC Themes; and - informing the development and conduct of other procurement processes (including future procurement processes). This RFI is separate from the Lead Partner RFT process. Further information regarding the Lead Partner RFT can be found on AusTender under ATM ID 13016. The OET DRC will initially address the following five areas (OET DRC Themes):

1. Dispersed Energy Access at the Tactical Edge

2. Sustainment Under Contested Conditions

3. Resilient and Scalable Forward Energy Systems

4. Enabling Next-Generation High-Power and High-Consumption Capabilities

5. Extended Endurance and Reduced Logistic Dependence

Defence’s overall objective is to support innovative, low Technology Readiness Level research that advances new knowledge, develops emerging concepts or prototypes and has the potential to contribute to future capability outcomes associated with the OET DRC Themes. This RFI invites entities interested in the OET DRC Themes to provide a response that outlines their research expertise, capability and facilities. Respondents are also invited to put forward unique or novel research and technology approaches to enable practical solutions under the OET DRC Themes.

Conditions for Participation

Refer to Conditions of RFI

Timeframe for Delivery:

This is a Request for Information. Delivery of any projects will be via a future procurement process.

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 RFI

Agency: Department of Defence - DSRG

ATM ID: 13457

ATM type: Request for Information

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).