THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
086/2009
RAPID PROTOTYPING DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION
PROGRAM CONTINUES TO ATTRACT THE BEST FROM
INDUSTRY AND ACADEMIA
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today
announced that 54 companies, academic institutions and government agencies have
been selected to join the Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation Program
(RPDE).
“RPDE, or ‘Rapid’, is a collaborative venture that was established to help Defence
resolve difficult and challenging problems,” said Mr Combet.
“After four and a half years of operation, Rapid continues to break new ground in the
area of Government to private sector cooperation and collaboration. The program is
focused on developing solutions to issues that hold back the ADF’s capability to
effectively and safely undertake operations.
“It is an immensely popular program within industry and academia, which can be seen
by these 54 new recruits who will join 135 of their peers.
“Rapid now has a pool of 189 companies, universities and government agencies from
which it can source the intellectual horsepower necessary to address some of the
most complex and diverse problems faced by Defence.”
RPDE is unique in its structure and operations and the latest intake will add to the
already impressive list of Australia’s leading organisations who undertake research
and development in this country.
“All organisations who join the program must meet two key criteria. Number one is that
they are Australian companies, and secondly that they undertake ongoing research
and development as part of their core operations,” said Mr Combet.
“The Rapid Program continues to deliver answers for Defence, including providing
solutions to keep our ADF members safe. It also helps further enhance the
relationships between Defence and the industry base that supports it.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to the new RPDE Associates on successfully
qualifying for this important program.”
A full list of companies now supporting the RPDE program can be found at
Media Contact:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
(02) 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Public Affairs:
(02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
