By Paul Hemsley

The Joint Logistics Command branch of the Department of Defence will has said it will go to market for a contractor to remove military vehicles that break down within Australia as part of services for its so-called “Green Fleet” that includes armoured personnel carriers, trucks and assorted other armed and heavy equipment.

A tender notification issued this week indicates that the contractor will be required to provide recovery services of disabled vehicles within the military’s burgeoning fleet.

The military has a slightly different definition of ‘green fleet’ to that of other corporate and government entities seeking to cut carbon emissions.

In ‘milspeak’ Green Fleet is defined as “non-tracked, military vehicles and their loads” that includes armoured vehicles and those designed to carry offensive armament; trucks, plant and earth moving equipment and industrial equipment employed for materials handling.

“Specific details on the estimated quantities relevant to the services being sought will be addressed in the Request for Tender which is due to be released in April 2013,” a Defence spokesperson told Government News.

The tender notice said that  that examples of these vehicles or their loads include the Land Rover 6×6 and 4×4; G-Wagon; Unimog; Mack, Hino, Isuzu, Scania and Mack R series trucks; containers (20 foot and 40 foot); protective mobility vehicles (4×4 armoured vehicle) such as Bushmasters; and light armoured vehicles such as ASLAVs.

Importantly, the recovery contract specifically excludes the movement of commercial vehicles that have been designated as “off the shelf” purchases.

Defence has said it will hold an industry brief in Melbourne at the Shedden Auditorium, Victoria Barracks on 28th March 2013.

According to the tender notice, attendance is not compulsory but the tenderer will be required to pay for admission.