CANBERRA, Australia, July 10 (UPI) -- The Australian government on Thursday signed five contracts for provision of key support services at military bases around the country.
The awards are with UGL Services Pty Ltd, Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd, Transfield Services, Veolia Environmental Services Pty Ltd, and Wilson Security.
"These contracts will provide key services for Defense bases -- everything from routine maintenance and security to pest control, waste management, transport, and even airfield operations," said Darren Chester, parliamentary secretary to the minister for defense.
Each contract has a base period of performance of six years, with options to extend the awards for an additional four years.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Support and Reform Steve Grzeskowiak said signing the awards at the same time would result in cost savings and better performance.
"Signing these contracts at the same time has given us a unique opportunity to streamline the way base services are delivered across the country," he said. "We have been able to achieve new efficiencies and business improvements, while ensuring our people on bases receive a consistently high standard of service across the country."
The government plans to sign additional contracts soon.
The service awards -- 10 in all -- will be worth a combined total of about $8.5 billion.
