Strategic Procurement

Situation: The Commonwealth engaged Zilor Group to provide strategic procurement advice for a major maritime communications modernisation project. The objective was to enhance procurement outcomes through expert market analysis, strategic planning, evaluation advice, and contract management frameworks.

Task: Zilor Group was tasked with advising on the full procurement lifecycle, ensuring the approach delivered value for money, strengthened compliance with Commonwealth Procurement Rules, and improved overall commercial and delivery outcomes.

Action: Zilor Group commenced by undertaking detailed market and supply chain analysis, identifying capability trends and informing procurement strategies and acquisition plans. Stakeholder engagement was prioritised, with Zilor facilitating cross-functional collaboration to refine procurement objectives and align operational needs.

Advice was provided on the development of tender documentation, ensuring service levels, KPIs, and commercial expectations were clearly defined. As lead advisor to the Tender Evaluation Organisation (TEO), Zilor developed the evaluation framework, supported the evaluation working group, and provided guidance on negotiation planning and offer definition activities with tenderers.

Comprehensive cost modelling and total cost of ownership analysis informed sourcing decisions, captured in Source Evaluation Reports. Zilor also advised on debriefing protocols and complaints handling processes to uphold transparency and probity. Following the evaluation, Zilor supported the design of contract payment mechanisms, performance frameworks, and strategic contract management practices to ensure robust post-award governance.

Strategic asset management advice was included to guide lifecycle considerations for the selected capability, promoting long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.

Zilor Group undertook a review of procurement processes during closure, identifying improvement opportunities for future activities.

Result: Zilor Group’s advisory services contributed directly to the successful award of two major contracts valued at a combined $938 million. The procurement was delivered on time, fully compliant with legislative and probity requirements, and strengthened Defence’s maritime communications capability. Early strategic planning and robust evaluation frameworks drove strong commercial outcomes, reduced delivery risk, and established a foundation for effective contract and asset management into sustainment.