Federal Spending Explorer

Contract notice CN4004517 · Department of Defence

Aircraft Components Repairs

$507k whole-of-life value, after 1 amendment

+$484k (+2100.6%) since first published at $23k

Supplier
COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, INC.
Agency
Department of Defence
Procurement method
limited tender
Reason given
10.3.e. Additional deliveries by original supplier intended as replacement parts, extensions, or continuation for existing goods or services for compatibility.
Term
2023-09-04 to 2024-10-31
Published
2023-09-21
Category (UNSPSC)
78181800
Agency reference
4600058944

Worth a closer look

Grew past the open-tender threshold: first published at $23k. The Commonwealth Procurement Rules require an agency to estimate a procurement’s maximum value, including options and extensions, before choosing how to buy. Open tender is generally required at or above the threshold.

Common explanations: Extra work that could not have been foreseen at award. A nominal value published at award and updated once the actual amount was known. A construction contract outside AusTender category 72, which we cannot tell apart from other services.

Repeated limited tenders to one supplier: one of 28 limited tenders to this supplier. Above the threshold, limited tender is allowed only in defined circumstances, such as urgency or a single capable supplier. Repeated use with one supplier reduces competition.

Common explanations: A specialised supplier with no practical alternative. Additional deliveries that must match existing equipment or systems. Urgent requirements, such as disaster response.

Value by financial year

The total value spread evenly from start to end date. estimate: annualised

Financial yearEstimated amount
2023-24$360k
2024-25$147k

Published versions

Every version of this notice we have loaded. Source: AusTender OCDS API.

DateVersionValue
2023-09-21original notice$23k
2025-05-08amendment$249k
2025-05-08amendment$507k