14 October 2021
A series of specialist training courses delivered by Raytheon Australia have been developed to help Australian defence small and-medium sized businesses (SMEs) ‘break into’ the global market and achieve their growth goals.
As an active participant in the Australian Government’s Global Supply Chain Program, Raytheon is keen to share their knowledge and experience with defence SMEs keen to export their products and services.
As highlighted by Raytheon Australia’s Industry Development Unit Project Manager, Graeme (Blue) Pocknee “We know from experience that SMEs spend significant amounts of time and effort trying to navigate the US market.
“Training courses with a focus on the US market, help SMEs to understand the market, the export controls and procurement processes in place, and what they need to do to win business in the US. This will be particularly important in a post COVID environment.
“The most recent virtual training course focused on the US’ Defense cyber security requirements.
“The US and Australian Governments are both increasingly concerned about cyber security and this is not just Defence classified material, but broader forms of information,” Mr Pocknee said.
From 2025, the US Department of Defense will require all suppliers to comply with the Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) regardless of location. It will be of critical importance to Australian SMEs hoping to break into the US market as well as SMEs who are already working within the US environment.
Raytheon Australia’s Industry Engagement Program Coordinator, Kas Perry, said the course based on US Federal and Defense Acquisition Regulations had received excellent feedback from the participants.
Raytheon Australia is always looking to create new and easier pathways for SMEs to work with Defence and launched the SME engagement program Capability Plus in April 2021.
“We are determined as a company that the defence industry stands ready to equip and sustain the Australian Defence Force as well as establish an enduring, sovereign capability,” Ms Perry said.
Willyama, a 100% Indigenous and veteran owned business that provides IT and cyber security services, is a great example of how Raytheon Australia are working with a SME to support their growth.
Willyama is one of the inaugural Capability Plus participants and works closely with Raytheon Australia’s Industry Engagement Team.
“They are developing a package with Raytheon Australia to support industry leadership and technical areas to meet Australian and US cyber security requirements. We are looking to gain efficiencies for industry to achieve compliances in both countries, should both be required for their business activities,” Ms Perry said.
The Industry Development Unit can be contacted at idu@raytheon.com.au.