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Aerial Dispersant Spraying Capability

Following endorsement by NPAC of the National Plan review recommendation for the development of a National Fixed Wing Aerial Dispersant Capability (FWADC), Requests for Proposals (RFP) were called in late 1994 for the provision of an aerial dispersant capability. Following receipt of responses by several companies and discussion with some of these, a Request for Tender (RFT) was prepared and sent to those companies which had responded to the RFP.

The FWADC is intended to supplement existing dispersant spraying capabilities with an efficient medium capacity capability using agricultural spraying type aircraft primarily on an "aircraft of opportunity" basis.

Plane used for aerial dispersant spraying
An example of the type of plane to be used in the aerial dispersant spraying capability.

Submissions received in response to the RFT underwent an extensive assessment resulting in a shortlist of two companies. The assessment was undertaken by AMSA, with the assistance of a consultant from the Aviation Section of the Victorian Department of Natural Resources. The process of review and assessment of tenderers was overseen and endorsed by NPAC.

Final evaluation consisted of interviews with the shortlisted companies and site inspections of facilities, including those of any sub-contractors. Assessment of best value for money was also made during the final evaluation. The tendering process was overseen by Purchasing Australia, who were engaged to provide advice and also performed an audit role.

A preferred Contractor was identified and further negotiations were successful in refining the delivery of service and in achieving a reduction in costs.

The contractor will be responsible for managing the entire operation, including management of sub-contractors, and for reporting aircraft availability to AMSA on a daily basis.

A key factor in entering into this contract has been the proposal that the cost of the contract be shared between the petroleum industry's Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre (AMOSC), the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP) and AMSA on behalf of the National Plan.

Following review and assessment of tenderers - in a process overseen and endorsed by NPAC - the AMSA Board has endorsed the recommendation for AMSA to enter into a contract. The AMOSC and AIP Boards have subsequently endorsed the shared funding of the capability.

The FWADC will provide two agricultural aircraft to be on stand-by each day of the year, one located in South Australia and the other in Queensland. These aircraft will be required to be airborne within four hours of call out. An additional three aircraft will be located at each of three locations in Victoria, Queensland and NSW for approximately 275 days of the year, depending on variations in the agricultural season.

The contract was expected to be in place by September 1996, with full capability developed by November 1996.

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last updated:
18 June 2001