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Operations Analysis and Decision Support Tools for Modelling Complex Warfighting

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Expressions of Interest (EOI) are sought from Australian industry and research agencies for products and tools for use in operational analysis and decision-making support.

The Joint and Operations Analysis Division (JOAD) within Defence Science and Technology (DST) wishes to engage with partners in industry and research agencies who have tools which could add value and support the Modelling Complex Warfighting Strategic Research Investment program (MCW SRI).

Potential engagement activities include:

  • Working with DST to refine the tool for inclusion as part of the MCW SRI.
  • DST making available MCW SRI outputs for inclusion within your tool.

The MCW SRI seeks to revolutionise how DST undertakes operations analysis to better handle the interaction of complex geopolitical, social, technological, economic and cultural factors for design of the future force. Force design is the planning and decision-making process regarding military equipment and future defence operations. Such decisions are often made under conditions of high uncertainty and without assumptions on predictability or stability of the system. The MCW SRI aims to address four themes in the force design and future defence force employment problems.

Expressions of Interest are to include a brief description of the function of the tool, how it might support particular areas of interest within the MCW SRI program listed below and examples of where it is currently being used.

Successful EoIs will be invited to attend the Modelling Complex Warfighting Workshop being held Thursday December 6th 2018 in Melbourne and demonstrate their tool as part of the Workshop.

Expressions of Interest are not to exceed one A4 page of text plus one A4 page of diagrams/graphics (optional) and are to be submitted to by 5:00 pm (AEDT), Monday 12th November 2018.

Contacts for information

General & Administrative

Annette McLeod

ph: 03 8344 7079

Technical & MCW SRI

Deanne Bateman

ph: 08 7389 2363

Areas of interest

The Modelling Complex Warfighting SRI is organised around four themes with seven current areas of interest within the themes:

  1. Conquering Uncertainty - Scientific methods to enable robust force design decisions to produce a resilient force through the understanding and management of uncertainty in Defence.
    1. Modelling Complex Human Systems Under Uncertainty
    2. Trans-Disciplinary Approaches to Modelling Unknowns
  2. Innovative Simulations - Novel modelling and simulation techniques to enable exploration of whole-of-force warfighting concepts and force options.
    1. Simulation for Future Operating Concept Development
  3. Knowledge Synthesis – Synthesis of analytical and simulation results to support development of a joint force which is integrated by design.
    1. Data-Driven Defence Operational Analysis
  4. Modelling Complexity – Methods to enable understanding of properties of the joint force emerging as a result of nonlinear interactions between the many constituent elements.
    1. Concepts for Complexity-Enabled Warfare
    2. Machine-Discovered Behaviour
    3. Force Effectiveness Modelling

For the purposes of modelling complex warfighting, functions of the tools being sought include simulation for decision making, tactics development, operations analysis, and mission rehearsal. Human in the loop simulation systems can be included but systems for training development are outside the scope.

Frequently asked questions

Who can submit Expressions of Interest?

Expressions of Interest are sought from individuals and teams from the industry sector and research agencies with an ABN and physical presence in Australia.

Are there any limits on the number of submissions I can make?

No. Organisations can submit briefs on any relevant tools they have developed. The tools should be ready for use and not requiring further development prior to the demonstration event.

Do I need to have prior DST endorsement or an identified DST collaborator for my submission?

No. DST is particularly interested in identifying new tools available from external sources.

How long should the Expression of Interest submission be?

Expressions of Interest should be no more than 2 pages.

  • Approximately one page describing the technical function of your tool, relevance to the MCW research program, and any current users of the product.
  • Optional one page of images.

Are there any restrictions on having overseas companies participate in the EOI?

Submitters should have an ABN and physical presence in Australia.

Are there any security restrictions I should be aware of?

The Expression of Interest is an unclassified call and the demonstration will be an unclassified event, so there are no security restrictions associated with participating in the demonstration. However, if Defence utilises your tool for Defence purposes, then there may be restrictions to seeing your tool in use depending on security classifications.

What happens if my EoI submission is successful?

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a half-day workshop on December 6th 2018, to be held in Melbourne as part of the Defence Operations Research Symposium.

You will be asked to demonstrate the tool in an open forum with DST scientists and program leads associated with the MCW program, other industry attendees, Defence ADF stakeholders and representatives from academia.

You will have the opportunity to pitch your tool to the group with additional time dedicated to one-on-one discussions with relevant MCW SRI project leads.

Attendance on December 6th is at your own cost. There are no fees associated with the MCW SRI Workshop on December 6th. However, those who wish to attend the full DORS program (December 4th – 6th), will be required to register and pay the applicable fees. DORS provides industry with the opportunity to connect with over 150 representatives of Australia's Operations Research community.

I won't be able to attend the workshop, but think my tool might be of interest to the program. Can I still submit an EOI?

Yes. If DST selects your tool but you are unable to attend the Workshop, then a separate demonstration may take place on a case by case basis in 2019. Please indicate in your EoI response that you will not be available for the workshop.

What are the functions of the tool you are interested in?

For the purposes of modelling complex warfighting, functions include simulation for decision making, tactics development, operations analysis, and mission rehearsal. Human in the loop simulation systems can be included but systems for training development are outside the scope.

How will the EOI brief be assessed?

An assessment panel of 4 members consisting of DST scientists and external stakeholders (i.e. Defence users) will review the EOI to determine prospective tools fit for purpose for the MCW SRI research program.

What are the potential opportunities following the demonstration of my tool?

  1. DST may work in partnership with you to refine the tool, for inclusion as part of the MCW research program.
  2. DST may make available MCW SRI outputs for potential inclusion within your tool.
  3. Demonstration of your tools will give your tools greater exposure to the Operations Research community.

What are the intellectual property considerations I should be aware of?

There will be no exchange of IP initially.

IP will be managed on a case by case basis in accordance with Defence IP policies as promulgated at business.gov.au, should a collaborative project result from the demonstration.

Following any future partnership associated with the MCW research program, will be I become a Defence preferred supplier?

No.

Is there more information available about the MCW SRI program?

Yes, refer to the Modelling Complex Warfighting page.

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