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Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program

CTD Timeline

The CTD Program operates on an annual rounds basis.  Each financial year a new round is opened with a public call for project proposals.  Interested industry representatives 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.

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

April	Advertisement calling for CTD initial proposals
July	Period for submission of ‘Initial Proposals’ ends
August	Defence sponsors nominate to assist  projects of interest
September	Sponsored projects submit ‘Detailed Proposals’
October	‘Detailed Proposals’ evaluated by CTD Review Group
December	‘Detailed Proposals’ evaluated by Defence Capability Committee (DCC)
February	Selected proposals forwarded to the Minister for Defence for approval
July	Project funding available

Before submitting an Initial Proposal, potential industry proposers should consider the structure 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 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)