Operational Energy Transitions Defence Research Centre Lead Partner

Overview The Department of Defence is inviting tenders under Request for Tender (RFT) 13016 to engage a Lead Partner to provide research leadership and management services for the Operational Energy Transitions Defence Research Centre (OET DRC). About The Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy 2026 (DISTS 26) calls for Defence to progress the formation of Defence Research Centres (DRCs) in partnership with universities and industry, focused on enduring and complex Innovation, Science and Technology priorities that require interdisciplinary teams. 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): 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 ATM ID 13457 Contributing Partner Request For Information (RFI), a separate process, to understand market capability and potential suppliers aligned with and interested in research related to the OET DRC, and to inform the development and conduct of this Lead Partner RFT as well as future procurement processes The Contributing Partner RFI is separate from, and does not form part of, this RFT, and is governed by its own separate process. Further details on the Contributing Partner ATM can be found on AusTender. Purpose 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. Scope The scope includes: Provision of research leadership and management services for the OET DRC Provision of research leadership and expertise at both the program and project level for the OET DRC Tender Briefing A virtual Industry Briefing will be held for this opportunity. Format: Virtual briefing Date: 1 October 2026 Registration: Register for the Industry Briefing Registration closes: 5pm AEST, Monday 28 September 2026 Additional details will be provided once registrations are accepted. There is no restriction on virtual attendance numbers, however all attendees must be registered. Defence invites respondents to submit questions in advance of the Industry Briefing to research.contracts@defence.gov.au. Questions submitted after the Industry Briefing will be responded to by Addendum to the RFT. Enquiries Contact: Director, Science Commercial Email: research.contracts@defence.gov.au