Federal Spending Explorer

Contract notice CN4056513 · Department of Defence

Repair Services

$1.5m whole-of-life value, after 1 amendment

+$1.5m (+3025.2%) since first published at $49k

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
2024-05-09 to 2026-02-28
Published
2024-05-21
Category (UNSPSC)
78181800
Agency reference
4600070495

Worth a closer look

Grew past the open-tender threshold: first published at $49k. 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 increased after award: +3025% on first published value. Agencies must publish amendments that change a contract’s value. Large increases can mean the original scope or price was understated.

Common explanations: Additional work or an extended term agreed after award. Options in the original contract that were later taken up. A correction to a value entered wrongly.

Value by financial year

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

Financial yearEstimated amount
2023-24$123k
2024-25$848k
2025-26$565k

Published versions

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

DateVersionValue
2024-05-21original notice$49k
2025-09-23amendment$1.5m