ITR17-867 – Invitation to Register Interest in relation to the supply of Managing Contractor services to the requirement

The Commonwealth of Australia acting through the Australian Antarctic Division, a division of the Department of the Environment and Energy (Department), is seeking a suitably qualified Contractor for the Macquarie Island Research Station Modernisation Project.

The Department wishes to engage, through a prequalified tender process (beginning with this first stage ITR), a suitable contractor to undertake and deliver the Project.

Macquarie Island is a sub-Antarctic island located 1,500 km south east of Tasmania. Its remote location, approximately half-way between Australia and Antarctica, makes it an important location for scientific research, including (without limitation) monitoring southern hemisphere weather and climatic data.

The Department’s current scope for the Project includes (without limitation):

New research station and supporting infrastructure – comprising the design and construction of a sustainable, modern and efficient Macquarie Island Research Station with the capability of continuing to support a range of priority activities in line with the Australian Antarctic Division’s overall strategic outcomes. The purpose of the new research station construction is to meet the Australian Antarctic Division's future capacity and operational requirements. The new research station will be constructed within the current station limits on the isthmus adjacent to the existing research station infrastructure.

Field Hut Renewal – comprising renewal of Macquarie Island’s field hut network including (without limitation) the design and construction of three new field huts and the refurbishment of three existing field huts; a total of six field huts. The field huts support scientific programs and provide accommodation for personnel working in the ‘field’ and are often used as a retreat or refuge for expeditioners outside station limits. There are currently six field huts constructed near the coastline, dispersed across the 34 kilometre long island.

Decommissioning – comprising the decommissioning of most of the existing station infrastructure. The decommissioning should occur in a safe and timely manner with waste material to be returned to Australia for safe disposal. The decommissioning may occur after the completion of the new station or concurrently with the construction.