"Defence Science and Technology provides Defence and national security agencies with scientific advice and innovative technologies to meet Australia’s defence and security challenges," Minister Reynolds said. 

"High performance computing, or supercomputing, plays a vital role in the design, development and analysis of modern weapon systems and national security systems, including our future ships and other major defence platforms."

The specialised facility, dubbed the Defence High Performance Computing Centre (DHPCC), will provide the Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) and broader Australian Defence Organisation (uniformed and civilian) with a secure capability to conduct 'high fidelity modelling and simulation'.

Senator Fawcett said the supercomputing capability of the DHPCC is intended to support Defence’s major acquisitions through their life cycle.

The DHPCC works are being delivered as a single work package. The works include a dual purpose facility collocated within a single building of approximately 8,930square metres gross floor area (GFA) and comprising:

• A new high security/high integrity (HS/HI) HPC data centre capability;
• Secure visualisation and auditorium facilities;
• Dedicated DST secure meeting, training and laboratory facilities; and
• Associated car parking.

The centre – or Project D9541 – will also host 'visualisation capability and training facilities', according to tender documents. 

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"Consistent with the Defence Policy for Industry Participation, the head contractor will develop a Local Industry Capability Plan to maximise the opportunities for local businesses to be involved in the project, both directly through sub-contract packages and indirectly through manufacturing, supply and transportation of the equipment and materials," Senator Fawcett explained. 

"The works will deliver the new fit-for-purpose facility. The head contractor will also be responsible for procuring and managing subcontractors to construct the works."

Construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2019 for completion in late 2020.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.