Department for Innovation and Skills
Boosting Australia’s cybersecurity industry
A group of 10 organisations including universities, large and small companies – including Optus and BAE Systems – and the South Australian Government wanted to create a strong cybersecurity eco-system in South Australia.
South Australia’s Department for Innovation and Skills (DIS) contracted 4th Harmonic to design a commercially sustainable business that would attract and foster cyber industry capability in South Australia, creating a critical mass that would serve Australia’s national interest.
Working with all stakeholders, we designed the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (A3C), which has been operating from the Lot 14 innovation precinct in Adelaide since July 2020.
4th Harmonic’s involvement in the project began in May 2019 and culminated in the launch of the project by South Australian Premier Steven Marshall in July 2020.
- In May 2019 we developed an ‘initial concept’ operating model and high-level economic forecasts that considered future cyber-skilling requirements at a national level, the infrastructure required to help start-ups and SMEs bring new products to market, and what relevant sectors needed to minimise their exposure to evolving cyber threats.
- We delivered briefs to industry, academia and South Australian Government investment committees that culminated in a successful Cabinet Submission that secured initial CAPEX & OPEX funding.
- We prepared and delivered work to ensure the A3C was ready to begin operation by 1 July 2020. This included building physical infrastructure, preparing a workforce plan, engaging in business development activities, and helping engage subcontractors and technical specialists.
Mat Hunter of 4th Harmonic led the planning and development phase of the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (A3C). This included developing the preliminary A3C business concept, engagement with stakeholders, and management of the program of work to enable the A3C to commence operations on time and within budget. The project benefited from the close engagement between Mat and the Department for Innovation and Skills team and the joint commitment to delivering a successful outcome.
– Adam Reid
Chief Executive
Dräger International
Enhancing Australian Industry Content
Dräger International is a medical technology firm that was invited by an international defence contractor to offer a system in a tender for a major Australian Defence Force contract.
Dräger had minimal recent experience in supplying the Australia defence industry. It wanted to prepare a competitive proposal that would win it the work and maximise Australian suppliers’ participation in the defence program.
4th Harmonic helped Dräger understand the Australian Industry Content (AIC) requirements within the Australian Standard for Defence Contracting (ASDEFCON) framework and what the prime contractor and other defence organisations would expect from a tier-two equipment manufacturer and system provider.
We also demonstrated how Dräger could add value through technology transfer, industry engagement, developing an effective management and reporting framework, and helping Australian companies access international supply chains.
Our client exceeded the prime contractor’s expectations and is now ready to successfully tender for other defence contracts.
4th Harmonic assisted us to understand Defence’s requirements for classifying Australian Industry Content (AIC) and helped us to prepare a detailed AIC plan including commitments for local industry activity. As an international company operating from Europe at the time we greatly appreciated their commitment and availability, which enabled us to complete our proposal within a very challenging time frame.
– Daniel MacGregor
Dräger International
Defence Science and Technology Group
Building Australia’s defence capability
The Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) engaged us to support the development of technology concepts to enable the Australian Army to operate effectively in the future threat environment.
The project required close engagement with Australian Regular Army staff, achieved through us designing, managing and delivering several workshops involving Army leaders with specialist expertise in a range of fields. Analysis of the results led to the development of technology concepts to enable Army to continue to achieve mission success in the future.