ASCA seeks input to help co-design first mission projects

The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), part of the department of defence, announced on Monday that it is seeking industry and research partners to help co-design projects for its first mission.

ASCA was launched on July 1, and aims to “connect and streamline the defence innovation system by focusing on defined missions, solving the most relevant and urgent capability problems, and taking a more flexible and agile approach to procurement”.

In a statement on Monday, defence said ASCA is seeking input on potential solutions as well as skills and capability needs related to long-range strike operations and improving processing of large amounts of intelligence data.

“We look forward to working with organisations from across the entire innovation spectrum – from start-ups and SMEs to universities and research providers – to co-design ASCA’s first mission,” said defence industry minister Pat Conroy (pictured.)

Missions are described on ASCA’s website as being central to “a new approach to innovation that, in partnership with industry and universities, will focus on rapidly pulling through disruptive technologies into capabilities that will meet Defence’s most pressing needs.”

An approach to market is now open on AusTender and will close on January 25, 2024.

Phase 1, co-design of the first mission, will run for an eight-week initial period with optional four-week extension. Phase 2, delivery, will run for up to three years.

More information on Mission Set 1 can be seen here.

Picture: credit National Press Club of Australia

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