Communications and Data Network Integration Engineering and Technical Support

Azooa is preparing a response for RFQTS 17415 – Future Air C3 Communications and Data Network Integration Engineering and Technical Support and is seeking suitably qualified contractors for this Defence opportunity.

This role supports the Directorate of Integrated Air & Missile Defence within Air Force Headquarters and focuses on communications networks, data networks, Tactical Data Links, systems integration and interoperability across Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control capabilities.

Azooa’s recommended maximum rate for this role is $133.58/hour including super.

Overview

The Future Air C3 Program is seeking an experienced specialist in Communications and Data Networks and Integration to support the production, review, update and management of Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control capability project documentation and supporting artefacts.

The role will support major Defence capability projects, including:

• AIR 6500 – Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control
• AIR 7004 – Air Component Command and Control System

These projects are central to establishing tactical and operational-level IAMD C2 capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.

Core Purpose

The core purpose of this role is to provide specialist systems engineering and technical support for communications networks, data networks, integration and interoperability across IAMD C2 capabilities.

The contractor will support the design and development of a coherent and integrated IAMD architecture across the Integrated Force, with a focus on:

• Capability definition
• Requirements development
• Systems integration
• Architecture development
• Technical analysis
• Stakeholder engagement
• Joint system-of-systems interoperability

Scope / Responsibilities

The Communications and Data Network Integration Specialist will be expected to:

• Conduct communications and data network, bearer and system integration development
• Conduct requirements analysis for IAMD C2 networks, bearers and integration
• Conduct system design for integration of sensors and weapons systems across all domains into an IAMD architecture
• Support Tactical Data Links, Defence Networks and related engineering services
• Review contract deliverables
• Support analysis, review and concept development of multi-domain systems integrated within IAMD C2
• Support certification of networks and integration standards
• Analyse, develop and integrate complex, networked IAMD C2 capabilities
• Provide technical advice to support capability development, project milestones and decision-making
• Serve as a technical SME for communications and data networks, system integration, interoperability and network capabilities
• Support development, integration, testing, deployment and sustainment of IAMD C2 capabilities and sensor networking
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy in a Joint system-of-systems environment

Key Deliverables

Expected deliverables may include:

• Development, review and maintenance of IAMD networks and integrated capabilities
• Technical inputs across networks, sensing, Integrated Fire Control, weapons data links, security and Command and Control
• IAMD network and integration capability analysis
• Research and development inputs
• Technical assessments
• Design reviews
• Trade studies
• Configuration-controlled interface definitions and artefacts
• Operational Concept Descriptions
• Systems engineering inputs to mature and de-risk integration options
• Requirements development outputs
• Capability gap analysis
• Schedule and sustainment assessments
• Certification and interoperability assessments
• Network and system architecture diagrams
• Interface control documentation
• Configuration baselines
• Operations publications and supporting technical artefacts
• Vulnerability assessment and security accreditation support
• Workshop planning, facilitation and documentation

Mandatory / Essential Criteria

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience supporting Integrated Air and Missile Defence
• Systems engineering and systems integration experience within the Australian Defence Force or a comparable defence environment
• Experience contributing to the development and integration of complex, networked Defence capabilities within a Joint system-of-systems environment
• Defence capability development experience, including:
• Capability definition
• Requirements development
• Options analysis
• Technical assessments
• Capability documentation within the ADF Capability System
• Experience applying systems engineering principles to complex Defence capability projects
• Architecture development experience
• Interface definition experience
• Interoperability analysis experience
• Systems integration experience
• Command and Control systems
• Combat Management Systems
• Tactical Data Links
• Defence networks
• Joint and coalition interoperability considerations
• Ability to work effectively within a dynamic project environment
• Ability to engage with a broad range of Defence stakeholders
• Ability to prepare technical reports, briefs and decision-support material for senior military and civilian audiences
• Candidate must hold a current NV1 security clearance or higher
• Candidate must be available to work from Canberra

Desirable Criteria

Highly desirable experience may include:

• NV2 or TSPV clearance
• AIR 6500 experience
• AIR 7004 experience
• Future Air C3 Program experience
• Integrated Air and Missile Defence architecture experience
• Tactical Data Link engineering experience
• Defence network engineering experience
• Integrated Fire Control experience
• Sensor integration experience
• Weapons system integration experience
• GBAD integration experience
• Coalition interoperability experience
• Experience with security, encryption key distribution and secure network architectures
• Experience applying ASD guidance and Defence cyber policy
• Experience supporting vulnerability assessments and security accreditation
• Experience working with JCG, CASG, DSTG, Force Design Division, Force Integration Division or IPMB stakeholders

Engagement Details

• RFQTS Number: 17415
• Department: Air Force
• Group: Air Force Headquarters
• Directorate: Director General Integrated Air and Missile Defence – Air Force
• Project / Section: Directorate of Integrated Air & Missile Defence
• Task Title: Future Air C3 – L3 Communications and Data Network and Integration Engineering and Technical Support
• Skill Set: Specialist Engineering – Communications Network Engineering
• Skill Level: Level 3 – Advanced Practitioner
• Service Category: Engineering and Technical Services
• Commencement Date: 31 August 2026
• Completion Date: 30 June 2027
• RFQTS Type: Long Term, greater than six months
• Location: Russell Offices, Canberra ACT
• Office Support: Defence office space and furnished materiel may be provided, including access to DPN / DSN workstation, phone and meeting rooms

Clearance Requirements

• Minimum clearance: NV1
• Preferred clearance: NV2 or TSPV
• Personnel must have at least 12 months’ clearance validity before expiry
• Security reassessment costs are at the Service Provider’s expense
• Security upgrade cost apportionment may be negotiated if required
• The Service Provider must comply with the Defence Security Principles Framework

Candidates will also need to complete Defence policy and training requirements, including:

• Workplace Behaviour Mandatory Awareness training
• Annual Security Awareness training
• Work Health and Safety for Workers training
• Fraud and Integrity Awareness training
• Any other directed Defence training requirements

Submission Requirements

For candidate submission, Azooa will need:

• Tailored resume aligned to RFQTS 17415
• Expected hourly or daily rate including super
• Current security clearance level and expiry status
• Confirmation of NV1 or higher clearance
• Availability to commence from 31 August 2026
• Confirmation that you can work from Canberra
• Confirmation of relevant IAMD, C2, Tactical Data Links, Defence networks, systems engineering and integration experience
• Authority for Azooa to represent you for RFQTS 17415

Rate Guidance

• Azooa recommended maximum rate: $133.58/hour including super
• Azooa recommended value-for-money target: $133.58/hour including super or under

Azooa recommends candidates remain at $133.58/hour including super or under where possible, as this will support stronger value-for-money positioning for the submission.

Rate competitiveness generally works as follows:

• Under $133.58/hour including super: strongest value-for-money position and higher chance of winning
• At $133.58/hour including super: aligned to Azooa’s recommended maximum and may still be competitive
• Above $133.58/hour including super: less competitive unless specialist IAMD, AIR 6500, AIR 7004, Tactical Data Link, Defence network engineering, C2, NV2 / TSPV or Joint system-of-systems expertise strongly justifies the rate

Higher rates may still be considered where niche IAMD, AIR 6500, AIR 7004, Tactical Data Link, Defence network engineering, C2, NV2 / TSPV or Joint system-of-systems expertise outweighs rate competitiveness.

How Azooa Can Support You

Azooa can support you by:

• Positioning your profile to maximise win probability
• Helping align your rate with current market expectations and value-for-money positioning
• Assisting with tailored resume and submission strategy
• Highlighting relevant IAMD, C2, Tactical Data Link, Defence network and systems integration experience
• Supporting submission positioning against Specialist Engineering – Communications Network Engineering Level 3
• Providing access to similar Defence and Federal Government opportunities