The project was removed from the Projects of Concern list on 29 Jun 11.

Cost Performance

The project is tracking within its approved budget. The contractor has achieved all major contracted milestones and has received payment against this achievement including the Contract Complete milestone.

Schedule Performance

The delays experienced in achieving Final System acceptance under the Prime Contract have led Defence to re-assess the scope of the Mobile platform upgrade program and to submit a proposal to Government for a change of scope. Subject to Government approval the Mobiles program will extend FOC to 2016.

The Black Hawk and Army Land Strategic HF platforms not subject to the proposed change of scope are currently being progressed.

Materiel Capability Performance

Capability includes a Core System and the Final System (incorporating the upgraded Fixed Network and Mobiles Upgrades).

Operators and maintenance personnel report a good degree of satisfaction with the Final Fixed Network System. The installation of two software maintenance builds has remedied outstanding issues and the system is now providing a reliable service.

The impact of the delays on the mobile platform upgrades is being addressed with Capability Development Group and the Services. This will lead to changes in scope to the Mobiles Upgrade programs. Issues being addressed include remaining Life of Type of in-scope platforms and the current need for either a full or partial modernised HF communications capability upgrade. Government approval of changes is currently being sought by Defence.

Future dates, Sections; 1.3 (Major Challenges), 4.1 (Measures of Materiel Capability Performance), 5.1 (Major Project Risks) and 5.2 (Major Project Issues) are out of scope for the ANAO's review of this Project Data Summary Sheet. Information on the scope of the review is provided in the Auditor-General's Independent Review Report at p.175.