Lighterage Innovation
Tender Overview
About this tender
Overview The Department of Defence, through the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Land and Integrated Force Division, is seeking information from Industry and Academia on innovative lighterage solutions to support future Defence ship-to-shore connectivity capabilities. About DSTG provides science and technology support to Australia's defence and national security priorities. Littoral manoeuvre, with ship-to-shore connectivity (lighterage) as a key element, has been identified by Defence as a priority capability area requiring innovation and capability development. Purpose Preliminary market research indicates that a range of commercial and military technologies may exist that could be adapted or enhanced to meet Defence requirements. DSTG is seeking to explore opportunities where innovation, science and technology can enhance existing capabilities or enable the development of entirely new concepts through the application of emerging technologies, advanced materials and novel engineering approaches. An understanding of technology readiness, risk, and the costs and schedules associated with the development and supply of the system(s) will form part of the Part 2 response, so that Defence can use this information to inform future planning of lighterage solutions. Scope This Lighterage Innovation Request for Information (RFI) seeks information on innovative solutions or concepts from Industry and Academia that can operate in conjunction with Army's future Landing Craft Heavy capability and enable the transfer of personnel, vehicles and cargo across the wet gap that can exist between the Landing Craft and the shore. The scope includes: Solutions capable of being transported, deployed, launched, operated, and recovered by Army's future Landing Craft Heavy Solutions adaptable to shallow beach gradients, surf zones, and a range of environmental and seabed conditions Lighterage solutions broadly defined to include vessels, vehicles, bottom stabilised or supported solutions, bridging systems, ramps, floating piers, causeways, or other novel concepts and enabling technologies Solutions from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 and above, submitted as complete systems or individual components Information Requested Respondents are asked to provide information via a two-part Annex A response: Annex A Part 1: registration of interest in attending the Industry Briefing and Innovation Day Annex A Part 2: Requested Information Response, including information on technology readiness, risk, and the costs and schedules associated with the development and supply of the proposed system(s) Instructions to Tenderers To register interest in attending the Industry Briefing and Innovation Day, submit the Annex A Part 1 response to dstglighterage.innovation@defence.gov.au by close of business 28 August 2026 The Requested Information Response, Annex A Part 2, should be submitted via the AusTender website www.tenders.gov.au using the 'Lodgement Page' link on this tender notification Respondents may submit clarifying questions to the contact person requesting additional information, noting that Defence makes no commitment to supplying the information requested Enquiries Contact: Eric Thompson Email: dstglighterage.innovation@defence.gov.au
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