Aug 27, 2026

AIMEX CEO David Good recently attended a Defence-run industry information session on a major new procurement initiative from the Offshore Patrol and Specialist Ships (OPSS) Branch of the Department of Defence: the Australian Watercraft and Seaboats Standing Offer Panel. For members with capability in this space, the panel represents a significant opportunity worth understanding early.

What Is the OPSS Seaboats Program?

The OPSS Branch is establishing this strategic procurement panel (Tender Reference: PBSS/RFT/92347/1) to streamline how the Australian Defence Force and other Commonwealth agencies buy and maintain maritime assets. Rather than issuing individual contracts for every new boat, the panel gives Defence long-term access to a select group of qualified Australian marine suppliers.

Key Capabilities and Roles

Watercraft and seaboats procured under the panel are critical tactical enablers for offshore and coastal missions, supporting:

  • Tactical operations, including maritime boarding parties, force protection, and specialised military operations.
  • Logistics and personnel transfer, moving equipment, supplies, and personnel between larger ships such as the new Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels and the shore.
  • Search and rescue, including rapid maritime rescue and recovery missions.

Scope Outlined at the Session

The scope, as outlined at the information session, spans three categories:

  1. An open standing panel category, likely centred on future Army tasking requests, though it could extend to agencies such as the Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, DAFF, GBRMPA and other agencies.
  2. Hunter Class Frigate support vessels, specific tasking request 001 available now.
  3. Migami Class Frigate rescue boats, specific tasking request 002 available now.

Industry and Procurement Details

Sovereign capability is a strong focus of the tender, with selected suppliers handling design, manufacturing, structural integration, and ongoing technical support and sustainment of the fleet.

For businesses considering a submission, there is real work involved:

  • No joint submissions will be permitted.
  • Panel membership requires detailed labour rates, margins, and adjustments to be provided upfront, supported by an Acquisition Pricing Workbook.
  • The submission itself is substantial, running to somewhere between 160 and 170 pages.
  • Once on the panel, members are likely to face annual pricing update requirements to keep pace with changing costs.
  • The panel’s initial term runs for five years, with the potential for extension out to twenty years, so getting the foundations right from the start matters.

Timeline: The tender closing date for industry bids is scheduled for 2 November 2026.

Contact: Inquiries regarding the procurement process are managed by the project team via opss.commercial@defence.gov.au

It is worth noting that some members of the Defence Maritime Advisory Panel (DMAP) have expressed concern about this panel being established, seeing it as duplication and this is likely to remain a live discussion point within the industry.

For AIMEX members weighing up whether to pursue a place on the panel, now is the time to start preparing. If you would like to discuss the opportunity, understand the requirements in more depth, or explore how AIMEX can support your submission, please reach out to the team.

Where to Find the Tender and How to Register

The tender is published on AusTender, the Australian Government’s official procurement system:

How to register:

AusTender registration is free and straightforward. To sign up:

  1. Go to the AusTender registration page and select New User Registration.
  2. Have your ABN on hand. Registration takes around 15 minutes and gives you full access to the platform.
  3. Set up your business profile, including the areas of interest relevant to your business, so the system can match you with opportunities.
  4. Once registered, AusTender will email you a summary of matching business opportunities, with links to download tender documents and contact details for each opportunity.
  5. Check the account confirmation email and log in within 14 days to keep your registration active.

A couple of practical tips for members: when registering, specify as wide a range of relevant keywords as possible to make sure you are notified of all potential opportunities. It is also worth registering and setting alerts even if you already use other monitoring tools, since response windows on these opportunities can be tight.

One important note for Defence-related work in particular: AusTender covers federal opportunities but does not include classified Defence procurement, so members should also stay engaged directly with Defence industry channels and information sessions like the one covered above.