Registered companies will be allocated a new time for both shortlisted tenderers to receive their pitch via a digital videoconferencing facility. The virtual Roadshow will essentially provide companies a similar experience using digital methods to what was provided face to face. The LAND 400 Phase 3 Project Office will be in contact with companies to reschedule a time and provide an overview of how the process will now be conducted.

The virtual Roadshow is anticipated to recommence in late April 2020 and will conclude late May 2020. The indicative schedule is as follows:

• Week commencing 27 April 2020 – Darwin, Perth, Launceston, Adelaide;
• Week commencing 4 May 2020 – Adelaide, Newcastle;
• Week commencing 11 May 2020 – Newcastle, Sydney;
• Week commencing 18 May 2020 – Sydney, Canberra; and
• Week commencing 25 May 2020 – contingency.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the virtual roadshow will help local companies to join the Morrison government’s multibillion-dollar investment to replace the Army’s fleet of infantry fighting vehicles.

Shortlisted tenderers Rheinmetall Defence Australia and Hanwha Defense Australia have already met with more than 200 businesses across Victoria and Queensland.

“It is important that we continue the momentum of the roadshow, especially in the COVID-19 environment,” Minister Price said.

“The virtual roadshow will provide companies with a similar experience using digital methods to what was provided face to face. It is critical we continue to move forward with major acquisition projects like LAND 400 Phase 3, as these projects will help to fuel our post-COVID economic recovery.”

Local companies will have the opportunity to meet both Hanwha and Rheinmetall in a virtual meeting room. Each company will deliver a pitch on their capabilities, followed by questions from the shortlisted tenderers.