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Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program

The CTD Program operates on an annual rounds basis.

CTD Program - surprise us!

Each financial year a new round is opened with a public call for project proposals. Interested industry and research organisations may then submit an Initial Proposal prior to the advertised closing date.

The purpose of the Initial Proposal is to provide Defence with a basic understanding of the technology, so that Defence may decide if the proposal is suitable for inclusion in the CTD  Program and relevant to a Defence capability requirement.  Initial Proposals that are selected for further consideration will be assigned a Defence sponsor within Capability Development Group.  The Defence sponsor will the provide guidance to the proposer for the development of a Detailed Proposal. The Detailed Proposal will become the primary reference for the evaluation and ultimate selection of proposals.

 

Time-line

Although times will vary slightly from year to year, the following time-line gives a general indication of when each stage takes place:

April/May	New CTD Program round is advertised
July	Initial proposals are submitted to the CTD Program Office, Canberra
August	Detailed proposals are requested from short listed applicants
October	Deadline for getting detailed proposals back from industry
November	CTD Review Group meeting shortlists detailed proposals
March	Defence Capability Committee selects CTDs for funding
May/June	Minister for Defence approves and announces CTD round winners

 

Before submitting an Initial Proposal, potential proposers should consider the structure and purpose of the CTD Program.  CTD proposals that are approved for funding will be expected to enter into a contract of development and demonstration with Defence, with funding commencing at the beginning of the Financial Year following submission of a Detailed Proposal.  The CTD Draft Contract (This document is currently being reviewed by Defence and will be available in the near future) provides guidance to proposers on their rights and obligations if their proposal is approved and they enter into contract with Defence.  The CTD Program does not operate like a traditional grants program, but rather a program of collaborative development, where risks, costs and rewards are shared between the parties.  Selection of a particular project for inclusion in the CTD Program does not represent a commitment or intent on behalf of Defence to enter into any subsequent acquisition or procurement agreement with the proposer.

Proposing organisations should ensure that Initial Proposals are brief and concentrate on substantive material that is essential for an understanding of the potential project.  Detailed information such as graphs or designs should be included where necessary.  Use of original or unique attachments should be avoided, as Defence will take no responsibility for the loss of such documents.

Proposers are required to use the appropriate CTD proposal templates for Initial Proposals. (See also Guidelines for Proposers)