When Australia launched the AUSSQ Program, it represented more than a new contract it was an opportunity for HII to expand internationally, strengthen AUKUS partnerships, and demonstrate what world‑class execution looks like on a global stage. The HII‑Nuclear Australia AUSSQ Team seized that opportunity with urgency, discipline, and exceptional collaboration. 

In the first year alone, the team delivered all 14 milestones and deliverables on time and on budget, setting a performance standard that earned the trust of the Australian government and positioned AUSSQ for national expansion. Their work culminated in the first NNS procurement award to an Australian supplier supporting CVN 81 achieved within just 12 months, even though issuing purchase orders was not a contract requirement. 

To meet the moment, the team tailored a Supplier Technical Assessment Visit process that integrates Australian, NNS, Babcock, ISO, MIL‑STD, and Def Stand requirements, creating a unified qualification approach used across multiple world standards. They completed 34 STAV activities, qualified 16 suppliers, issued six RFQs, and expanded access to HII’s global supply chain, again, beyond contract expectations. 

Their urgency and willingness to deploy highly skilled personnel to Australia strengthened relationships with industrial partners and created new avenues for customer‑funded growth. With 40M AUD awarded to date and more than 100M AUD in potential extensions, AUSSQ is now the largest international contract in HII’s history and a critical first step toward scaling globally in support of both AUKUS pillars. 

Category: Shareholder Value
Nominated by Joe Legare

Team:
Dave Dietz
Sally Dunbar
Justin Hamilton
Mike Humphreys
Ginny Koszarek
Jose Mercado
Eric Napper
Sheryl Orr
Nicolette Pickard