Boeing Australia has awarded seven contracts to small businesses from various industries, such as manufacturing and cybersecurity after completing its first Capability Up-Lift Program.
The program builds on Boeing’s commitment to establishing a diverse, resilient, and sustainable sovereign supply chain. The contracts, including three new supplier agreements, were awarded to both new and existing SMEs, including veteran, women, and indigenous-owned enterprises.
Scott Carpendale, vice president and managing director for Boeing Defence Australia, said the companies that have graduated from the program bring significant value to the Defence industry, such as agility and innovative technologies in key areas including manufacturing, cybersecurity, and extended reality products.
The year-long Capability Up-Lift program targeted small Australian businesses that have no experience working in a defence environment, providing them with resources, access to industry experts, and major event access to enhance business readiness and defence maturity.
“The program participants have graduated with tools they need to increase business maturity and improve overall program performance and we are looking forward to growing real capability for our industry with the contribution of diverse suppliers,” Carpendale said.
Among the companies that secured a contract with Boeing are HINDSITE Industries and Raytracer, which received $2.8 million in grants and funding to produce their technologies for aerospace, in the areas of virtual reality technology and on-orbit vehicle servicing, assembly, and manufacture, as part of Australia’s Moon to Mars Initiative.
Three businesses, namely HINDSITE Industries, LOGiT, and JRS Group, secured their first Boeing contracts through the program.
Meanwhile, seven SMEs received 10 industry awards at both state and national levels.
“The Boeing Capability Up-Lift program has exposed us to the defence and aerospace industry and provided greater understanding of how we can ensure our business is best placed to compete and win on contracts,” said Liam Scanlan, managing director of HINDSITE Industries.
“Our participation broke down barriers to entry, and we were delighted to secure multiple contracts, including with Boeing, and federal grants – all made possible through access to key training and events where we could build and foster relationships with other participants and industry experts.”
