Following its successful qualification through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) Program, precision manufacturer Hofmann Engineering (Hofmann) has become the first Western Australian business to receive a Request for Quotation (RFQ) from HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division in the United States.
HII is the largest US Shipbuilder supplying both nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines to the US Navy.
Perth-based Hofmann has been invited to submit costings for several components, marking a significant step toward integration into HII’s nuclear shipbuilding program.
This RFQ milestone aligns with the recent qualification of three other Western Australian firms—Veem, Marine Technicians Australia, and Dobbie—who have also completed the AUSSQ process and are currently under evaluation for separate RFQs.
These achievements follow months of rigorous technical assessments designed to verify each company’s capability to operate within the complex and highly regulated US defence supply chain.
The journey began earlier this year when the companies were selected for a joint supplier uplift initiative led by HII and the Western Australian Government. This initiative was later incorporated into the AUSSQ program, executed by H&B Defence.
As the first company to reach the RFQ stage, Hofmann could begin supplying components as early as 2026.
These qualification breakthroughs highlight Western Australia’s growing role in global defence manufacturing, particularly within the AUKUS framework.
Meanwhile, H&B Defence is also continuing to use its rigorous, business-to-business qualification framework to progress the export prospects of a further 12 suppliers for Casting and Forgings and Precision Machining – foundational capabilities that are currently in high demand at HII.
AUSSQ validations for additional work packages including Air & Gas Flasks and Fabricated Parts should launch in late 2025, drawing from a pool of hundreds of businesses from across the country who have registered their export interest with H&B Defence. By 2026–27, the program is expected to expand into Composites, GRP, Joinery and Circuit Cards.
H&B Defence Managing Director Tim Brown said:
“Securing the first Request for Quote through AUSSQ so quickly is a testament to Hofmann’s hard work and the success of the program being delivered by H&B Defence.”
“AUSSQ’s mission is to identify and qualify businesses capable of supporting the early stages of the AUKUS endeavour by manufacturing components currently in short supply in the US. This not only supports the timely delivery of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines but also builds the expertise needed for future in-country submarine construction in Australia.”
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Australian Submarine Agency and Australian industry to strengthen our sovereign supply chain.”
Hofmann Engineering Managing Director Erich Hofmann said:
“This opportunity highlights the confidence being placed in Australian precision manufacturing and reinforces Hofmann Engineering’s commitment to delivering world-class precision machining solutions in support of both the US Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.”
“This collaboration reflects the strength of Australia’s industrial capability and the value of working together on innovative solutions. We remain committed to strengthening the Australia–US partnership by advancing sovereign capability, building industrial resilience, and providing long-term support to undersea defence programs.”
