INTRODUCTION
Thomas Global Systems designs, manufactures and supports advanced electronic systems for defence and commercial aviation customers. Its Australian defence work has included display, training and crew systems for armoured vehicle programs, requiring the company to navigate demanding acquisition processes while translating specialist technology into credible, supportable capability.
Systematiq has partnered with Thomas Global Systems on several projects, from pre-contract opportunity through technical definition and readiness for delivery. The projects demonstrate how the right multidisciplinary support can reduce risk, strengthen compliance and keep a Defence capability moving forward.
THE CUSTOMER’S CHALLENGE
Thomas Global Systems was pursuing complex Defence opportunities with tight timelines, limited internal capacity and significant technical and compliance demands. For the LAND 907 Phase 2 M1A2 Immersive Tactical Trainer tender, the company needed to prepare a polished, persuasive response covering ILS support, Australian Industry Capability, delivery strategies and executive messaging. Systematiq joined after the bid was already underway, at a point when resources were stretched, key solution details were still developing and the submission required greater structure and presentation quality.
In parallel, Thomas Global Systems needed specialist systems engineering and system safety support for its Defence Innovation Hub Phase 3 prototype of a next-generation biocular image control unit (Next Gen BICU) for armoured vehicles. The challenge was to convert deep display and imaging expertise into the operational concept, system specification and safety evidence needed to demonstrate a credible, Defence-ready solution.
SOLUTION
Systematiq provided an integrated capability solution spanning pre-contract support, bid management, technical writing, integrated logistics support, systems engineering and system safety. Rather than treating each task as a standalone deliverable, the team worked alongside Thomas Global Systems to connect the opportunity, the technical solution and the path to operational use.
- For the LAND 907 Phase 2 tender, Systematiq helped shape the response strategy, prepared and reviewed key volumes, strengthened the integrated logistics content, and improved document structure, templates and graphics.
- For the Innovation Hub prototype, Systematiq developed the Concept of Operations, System Specification and Safety Case Report, drawing on armoured vehicle, fire control, systems engineering and safety expertise.
- Across the engagements, Systematiq scaled the team to the task, combining project management, proposal writing, design and specialist practitioners who could work on-site or remotely.
IMPLEMENTATION
Systematiq mobilised quickly and integrated into Thomas Global Systems’ existing teams without disrupting momentum. On the tender response, practitioners first built a shared understanding of the developing solution and the Commonwealth’s requirements. They then worked with stakeholders to close information gaps, clarify responses and turn technical material into a consistent, professional submission.
Upon being selected as the preferred bidder for the contract, Systematiq provided a contract specialist to TGS for the negotiations and entered into a contract for the delivery of the project, with embedded resources to help mobilise and deliver the ILS and training requirements.
Systematiq’s ongoing support for this project over the past two years includes supplying project management support, systems engineering, ILS, and training specialists.
“For an SME responding directly to the Commonwealth for the first time, preparing an ASDEFCON tender can be daunting. Systematiq helped us develop a high-quality, professional response that clearly demonstrated Thomas Global Systems’ capability as a prime contractor and differentiated our offer in the market.”
Andrew Hutchinson, Vice President – Programs, Thomas Global Systems
For the prototype program, Systematiq combined practical M1A1 Abrams fire control knowledge with formal systems engineering capability. Close collaboration with Thomas Global Systems executives, project personnel, technical specialists, Commonwealth representatives and vehicle crews helped define how the system would operate, what it needed to achieve and how safety would be demonstrated.
The delivery model remained flexible throughout. Work was completed through a mix of virtual and on-site collaboration, enabling the team to respond to changing priorities, provide surge capacity and maintain continuity against demanding deadlines.
RESULT
Thomas Global Systems submitted its LAND 907 Phase 2 tender on time with a stronger, more cohesive response that clearly articulated its capability, delivery approach and value as a prospective prime contractor. The supporting schedules, costs and risks were sufficiently developed to inform final pricing and executive-level messaging, while the completed response presented a professional case for Australian industry participation and long-term local capability, which ultimately resulted in selection by the Commonwealth.
For the next-generation biocular image control unit, Thomas Global Systems gained a defined operational concept, system specification and safety case to support prototype demonstration. This created a clearer foundation for a solution intended to improve the thermal scene, provide a higher-resolution interface, reduce target engagement times and remain safe to operate.
“Systematiq’s tank fire control expertise was invaluable in developing the Concept of Operations, System Specification and Safety Case for the Next Gen BICU. The team integrated seamlessly with ours and responded quickly to help us meet critical project deadlines.”
Mark Frasca, Project Manager – Innovation, Thomas Global Systems
THE VALUE OF A TRUSTED CAPABILITY PARTNER
These engagements show the value of continuity from contract to capability. Systematiq brought the right support at the right time, combining Defence experience, independent advice and accountable delivery to help Thomas Global Systems:
- reduce delivery surprises by identifying technical, compliance and resourcing risks early;
- build greater confidence in tender quality, scope, costs, schedule and delivery planning;
- access specialist capability quickly without creating a permanent internal overhead;
- align technical, commercial and supportability inputs around a common program outcome; and
- maintain momentum from opportunity shaping and tender response through to technical definition and demonstration readiness.
For Defence suppliers, securing a contract is only the beginning. Systematiq helps bridge the gap between acquisition and operational readiness with clear, reliable and Defence-ready support. From contract to capability, we help clients move forward with confidence.
