Project

Explanation

Background

Risks associated with rapid technology change have been treated by adopting a project management strategy that aligns with the US continuous update program and its two-year update cycle.

The standard DMO acquisition approach was adapted to enable the project office to establish itself as prime contractor with a series of Integrated Project Teams working at various levels within DMO and industry. This role has required close collaborative relationships to be formed between the DMO, the USN and industry partners in Australia and the US.

By adopting an innovative approach, the project developed a successful acquisition strategy for managing the difficult situation of merging rapidly changing and sensitive US technology with the existing Australian platform sensors, and other submarine infrastructure. This also includes complex constraints associated with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the export control of US military equipment.

In July 2001 the Minister for Defence terminated the original tender process for the COLLINS Class RCS and made the following announcement:

"The Government has decided that a comprehensive arrangement with the USN on submarine issues is in Australia's best strategic interests and has therefore decided that the selection of the combat system for the COLLINS Class submarines cannot proceed at this time."

In September 2002 the Government approved the Project based on the procurement of the following off-the-shelf sub-systems:

•  the US Tactical Command and Control sub-system, consisting of the Combat Control System and the Virginia Class Weapons Integration Panel, to be acquired by Foreign Military Sales (FMS);

•  minor improvements to the sonar processing solution currently installed in HMA Ships SHEEAN and DECHAINEUX as part of the Combat System Augmentation initiative; and

•  other system support infrastructure and project support.

The USN Tactical Command and Control System is being supplied under an Armaments Cooperative Project which provides for system upgrades developed on a bi-annual basis. The project will provide one system baseline for the first two submarines and a later baseline for the remaining four submarines. These initial baselines will be upgraded at some later date as a sustainment activity.

Australian systems are being provided under a combination of contracts. The main Australian contractors include ASC Pty Ltd, Raytheon Australia, Thales Australia and Sonartech Atlas Pty Ltd. Installation is being undertaken in conjunction with SEA 1429 Phase 2 Heavyweight Torpedo and at locations in South Australia and Western Australia. Installation in all submarines is coordinated with the submarine docking program and is currently scheduled to complete in 2015.

The combat system capability enhancement required a significant change to submarine infrastructure that could only be achieved during a major docking. Furthermore, to ensure the required submarine availability was not impacted adversely and to work within the existing workforce at ASC, it was necessary to couple the installation program to the existing submarine docking program. Although there are significant benefits in coupling the RCS installation schedule to the submarine docking program, that coupling has dictated the delivery schedule of the RCS capability.

Uniqueness

The Commonwealth has undertaken the functions of a prime systems integrator. This role placed additional pressure on the Commonwealth project team to manage and coordinate a number of separate contracts and ultimately the integration, installation and testing of the delivered products.

Participation in a Joint Development Program with the USN to introduce hardware and software upgrades for Tactical Command and Control System and implementing that evolving system baseline into RCS.

Major Challenges

Changes to the submarine docking program challenge the completion of the RCS installation schedule. This is being managed by engaging with the RAN to maximise compatibility between the submarine docking cycle and installation schedules.

Other Current Projects/Sub-Projects

SEA 1439 Phase 1-6:  Following completion of SEA 1114 (Submarine Build Program) it was planned to address the remaining discrete upgrades and material deficiencies identified under that program through SEA 1439. There are six phases of project SEA 1439 constituting studies, replacement, and enhancement and improvement programs. The six phases, excluding project Phase 4A RCS are:

•  Phase 1&2 Platform and Combat System Studies (Both Closed);

•  Phase 3 Reliability and Sustainment Improvement and Phase 4B Weapon and Sensor Enhancement Program (both current); and

•  Phase 5 Continuous Improvement Program and Phase 6 Sonar Replacement System (Pre 2nd Pass and Pre 1st Pass respectively).