Western Defence Forge

An Expression of Interest (EOI) to understand WA's capability across defence-related manufacturing and supply chains opens on 26 May and closes on 8 July 2026.
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This Expression of Interest (EOI) was previously referred to as an Early Market Engagement (EME) and has been updated. 

Defence West invites industry and research organisations to respond to the EOI to help shape Western Australia’s contribution to defence-related manufacturing and supply chain capability.

Key dates

Submit your response

A copy of the submission form is available for you to draft your responses at: 
WDF - EOI Submission Form | Western Australian Government

Please submit your formal expression of interest through our online portal: 
Western Defence Forge

EOI closes: 8th July 2026 

About the opportunity

The EOI is a market-sounding activity to understand Western Australia’s current and emerging capabilities relevant to defence manufacturing and supply chains. Responses will help inform future planning, engagement and coordination across government and industry.

The EOI is a process to map capability, capacity, readiness, and opportunities across WA; it is not a tender or commitment to procure, and participation does not create any obligation for Defence West or respondents. Information provided will be used to support analysis of the WA industrial base, identify partnership pathways, and shape future engagement activities.

Who should respond

Defence West welcomes responses from organisations with existing or emerging capabilities that could contribute to defence related manufacturing and supply chains, including (but not limited to):

  • Prime contractors and major suppliers
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Research organisations and universities
  • Enabling sectors (advanced manufacturing, materials, electronics, test & evaluation, safety/quality systems, logistics and sustainment)

Respondents must be headquartered in WA, operate in WA, or demonstrate a clear pathway to establishing capability, partnerships or supply chain activity within the state.

What to submit

A copy of the EOI Form can be downloaded below.

Requested content includes:

  • Organisation details and primary point of contact
  • Capability summary (what you do, where, and at what scale)
  • Current capacity and readiness (TRL/MRL if relevant; workforce; facilities)
  • Compliance and assurance (e.g., quality systems, safety, export controls) (as applicable)
  • Partnership interests (primes/SMEs/research), and what support or connections would assist participation
  • Optional: capability statement, brochures or relevant references (ensure content is suitable for sharing and appropriately marked).

How to participate

  1. Review the EOI guidance and information on this page.
  2. Prepare your expression of interest (you may attach supporting documents where requested).
  3. Submissions should be no longer than 2,000 words 
  4. Submit via email before the deadline, 8 July 2026
  5. You will receive an email confirmation once your submission is received.

If you have questions, contact DefenceWestIndustryDevelopment@dpc.wa.gov.au.

Other FAQs

Is this a tender or procurement process?

No. The EOI is a market sounding activity to inform planning and engagement. It does not commit Defence West (or any other party) to procurement.


Who can respond?

Any organisation operating in or connected to WA, with relevant capability or enabling capacity, including primes, SMEs and research organisations.


What happens after I submit? 

Submissions will be reviewed to understand market capability and identify themes. Defence West may follow up for clarification or to support future engagement activities.


Will my information be kept confidential?

Please only provide information you are comfortable sharing for market sounding purposes. Mark any sensitive information clearly. Submissions will be handled in accordance with applicable Government of WA policies and processes (confirm wording with governance/privacy).


Can I submit classified information? 

No, do not submit classified material in the first instance. If you believe classified engagement is required, contact DefenceWestIndustryDevelopment@dpc.wa.gov.au to discuss appropriate channels.


Can I update my submission? 

If you need to provide additional information, contact DefenceWestIndustryDevelopment@dpc.wa.gov.au and reference your submission confirmation.

Submit your response

A copy of the submission form is available for you to draft your responses at: 
WDF - EOI Submission Form | Western Australian Government

Please submit your formal expression of interest through our online portal: 
Western Defence Forge

EOI closes: 8th July 2026 

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