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Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program

What are CTDs?

A Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) is a project that demonstrates how technology might enhance Defence capability in a previously unexplored manner.  The focus of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program is on technology-driven capability.  The aim of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program is to provide opportunities to demonstrate how advanced technology can provide significant enhancement in priority Defence capability areas.

What sort of proposals will Defence be looking for?

Most successful proposals will take previously developed technology but apply it differently.  The Defence and Industry: Strategic Policy Statement (1998) broadened the Capability and Technology Demonstrator concept to include a greater exploratory element in the underlying science and technology.  Any proposals along these lines will still have to meet the same criteria, and these will need to demonstrate their potential quickly.

How should I prepare a submission?

The initial submission should be very short, perhaps around two pages.  It should describe the proposal and how it relates to Defence’s priorities.  It should also indicate the estimated cost for both you and us!  Please refer to the Guidelines for Proposers (This document is currently being reviewed by Defence and will be available by Thursday 21st April.)   A consistent format assists us with evaluation against the other proposals, but what matters most is how clearly you set out your case.

How do I relate my proposal to Defence’s priorities?

Defence's priorities, as directed by Government, are found in Defence Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030 released in May 2009. However for detailed advice on this matter potential proposers are encouraged to discuss their proposals with relevant contacts within Capability Development Group inside Defence. The CTD Program Office can facilitate such contacts for proposers.

Who can I discuss my proposal with?

There are a number of people within Defence - from Capability Systems, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, and from Industry Division in Defence Materiel Organisation - who will be happy to discuss your proposal with you. See below for a list of potential contacts, if in doubt contact the Director of the CTD Program Office on 1800 647 946 or email ctdpo@dsto.defence.gov.au.

Who do I send my proposal to?

Your initial proposal should be sent to the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Project Office by email in Word 2003 format to ctdpo@dsto.defence.gov.au or by mail, CTD Program Office, Department of Defence, F2-01-096, P O Box 7931, Canberra BC ACT 2610, Australia.

What happens to my proposal after it is lodged?

You will receive a notification that your proposal has been received.  Your initial proposal will then be considered by the CTD Program Office and potential sponsor areas within Defence to ascertain whether it falls within the scope of the CTD program and whether it merits sponsorship.  If your proposal merits further review it will be given a Defence sponsor.

With help from your Defence sponsor, you will then prepare a more detailed submission which will be considered by the CTD Review Group.  The CTD Review Group makes a recommendation to the Defence Capability Committee (DCC) based on the relative priority for all Capability and Technology Demonstrators proposed.

The Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program is part of the new major capital investment program.  The proposals that Defence wishes to proceed are endorsed by the Defence Capability Committee and approved by Government before Defence contracts for the proposal.

If, at any stage, it is decided not to proceed with your proposal, you will be advised as soon as practicable regarding the decision and the reasons for it. Rejected proposals may be submitted in subsequent years.