REDSPICE FAQs
Whizdom is proudly assisting the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to source multiple technology specialists in Brisbane and Melbourne for the REDSPICE. REDSPICE is the most significant single investment in the Australian Signals Directorate’s 75 years. It responds to the deteriorating strategic circumstances in our region, characterised by rapid military expansion, growing coercive behaviour, and increased cyber-attacks.
Through REDSPICE, ASD will deliver forward-looking capabilities essential to maintaining Australia's strategic advantage and capability edge over the coming decade and beyond.
Q: What is REDSPICE?
A: REDSPICE is an acronym that stands for: Resilience – Effects – Defence – SPace – Intelligence – Cyber – Enablers.
Q: Can I submit a resume longer than 2 pages? I have over 10 years' experience and it's all important.
A: The short answer is that resumes should not be more than two pages long. Otherwise, the Whizdom team will be editing your resume to fit on the two pages requested by the client. We don't want your application to be rejected because it exceeded the page limits. You know your experiences better than we do, it's best if you ensure your resume fits a maximum of two pages. The ASD will get thousands of applications from the nine "TSS" panel members, which they will narrow down to a few hundred to interview. According to previous TSPV clearance nominations exercises, 8-9 candidates out of every 10 are rejected based on their first response and resume, so keeping this brief and really selling yourself with experience against the nominated post is critical to giving yourself the best chance of being down selected by ASD.
Q: What about Rates and opportunities to negotiate if successful?
A: One of the original intentions of having REDSPICE employment outside of Canberra was to engage a larger pool of resources and increase market rate competition. Other than the annual wage index from the ABS, there will be no opportunity on the initial engagement to change the rate from the original rate submitted. There would be other possibilities for fee discussions and other opportunities after the initial renewal of an engagement.
Q: How long does this process take and will there be work with ASD while waiting for the clearance?
A: There are a few factors to consider; therefore, there is no simple answer to this question. The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency publishes average times for clearances and for a PV it is stated around 9 months on average. Clearances can take longer, and several factors will determine this such as, international travel, your background and how long you take to complete information packs. There is more information on the clearance process on the AGSVA website and links within our application pack “Info for candidates” document. ASD has indicated those with NV clearances may have some options to work at lower classification work, but on a case-by-case basis. This should be discussed during the process with interview panel.
Q: What if I decide at the end of this process, I get the clearance and decide to take another role?
A: Getting Security clearance is an expensive process for the commonwealth and the associated PV and OSA costs will be sponsored by ASD. This process has now been centralised under ASIO. If you decide to abandon your REDSPICE application in favour of another position, the client may revoke your clearance, making it unlikely that you will be able to re-enter the clearance process for an extended period of time. If you have any reservations, please let us know as soon as possible so we can discuss your options.
WHIZDOM TIPS FOR AMAZING APPLICATIONS
Tip #1 Keep in mind that the individual examining your application may know nothing about you or your work. Make the most of the two pages you have been given to respond with your CV and highlight your qualifications and accomplishments to stand out from the other applicants. One-page applications showed little more than a lack of enthusiasm and experience. Applications like these won't progress.
Avoid using generic "motherhood statements." These are vague statements without specific details or evidence to support them. Instead of saying "I am a highly motivated and dedicated professional," which lacks detail, provide evidence by describing a project or initiative you led. Explain how your involvement resulted in measurable improvements or positive outcomes. A more effective statement would be, "I implemented an online course in data analysis. This resulted in a 20% improvement in data-driven decision-making within my department."
By following these guidelines, you stand out against other applicants and increase your chances of success. Use the available space to demonstrate your expertise and interest in the role, providing specific examples that highlight your experience and qualifications.
ASD FAQs
Q: Can you please confirm if candidates who do not have a current PV but are willing to undertake one will be engaged in a role whilst their PV is undertaken? If so, what is the minimum clearance (if any) they need to hold in order to be considered?
A: Recommendation, not requirement, is minimum of baseline clearance level while the PV application is being processed. However, the nature of the role and the demands of the business will drive the requirement.
Q: Can you please confirm whether the intent is to our most of the applicants put forward by TSS Panel members through OSA immediately and prior to any further evaluation/interview?
A: Yes, depends on how many people respond. It is ASD’s expectation the TSS panellist will carefully screen the applicants and only propose the most appropriate resources. ASD will evaluate applicant information to put into the OSA process; project/ role specific interview and further evaluation will be undertaken once the OSA outcome is confirmed “suitable to proceed”.
Q: What is ASD’s intention regarding contacting referees?
A: As we highlighted on page 4 of our ‘Part 1’ response document in the ‘Challenges’ section, candidates may not be willing to disclose their intention to look for employment opportunities with ASD as this may have adverse effects on their current employment. ASD will contact the candidate prior to contacting referees similar to APS recruitment rounds. It is unlikely ASD will contact referee/s prior to completion of OSA process with a “Suitable to Proceed” outcome.
Q: Can you provide any information on ASD’s plans for contractors currently engaged in Canberra who are willing to relocate to Brisbane or Melbourne? Should these contractors/candidates also be included in this EOI?
A: Contractors may choose to relocate to Brisbane or Melbourne; confirming ASD will not fund any aspect of contractor relocation.
Q: Acknowledging that this is an EOI only, is ASD able to provide any further information on the timeline for when OSA’s may commence and an expected start date for these roles?
A: ASD’s Psych Services action OSA’s according to resource availability and business priority. IPM will provide updates as best we are positioned. The Role start date is dependent on project need.
Q: Do you have an indicative number of how many resources for each skill set you will be seeking in both Brisbane and Melbourne?
A: ASD has identified the skill types required and is currently refining the number detail for workforce planning.
Q: Will you be providing any further information on the roles or job descriptions or are you happy to receive candidates across different SFIA levels?
A: The role titles signify that we are primarily looking for SFIA level 3-5 candidates. Not to imply that level 1, 2, and 6 are not acceptable. Please keep in mind the historical SOWs, especially those from the previous 12 months, when writing the job description.
Q: Will there be a preference for already cleared resources for all of these roles or are you happy to receive responses from non-cleared Australian Citizens?
A: Historically ASD has seen better OSA “suitable to proceed” rates from non-cleared Australian Citizens with checkable backgrounds, however there is no preference for applicants who have already been cleared.
ASD FAQs for the EOI Process
Q: Can you please confirm if candidates who do not have a current PV but are willing to undertake one will be engaged in a role whilst their PV is undertaken? If so, what is the minimum clearance (if any) they need to hold in order to be considered?
A: Recommendation, not requirement, is minimum of baseline clearance level while the PV application is being processed. However, the nature of the role and the demands of the business will drive the requirement.
Q: Can you please confirm whether the intent is to our most of the applicants put forward by TSS Panel members through OSA immediately and prior to any further evaluation/interview?
A: Yes, depends on how many people respond. It is ASD’s expectation the TSS panellist will carefully screen the applicants and only propose the most appropriate resources. ASD will evaluate applicant information to put into the OSA process; project/ role specific interview and further evaluation will be undertaken once the OSA outcome is confirmed “suitable to proceed”.
Q: What is ASD’s intention regarding contacting referees? As we highlighted on page 4 of our ‘Part 1’ response document in the ‘Challenges’ section, candidates may not be willing to disclose their intention to look for employment opportunities with ASD as this may have adverse effects on their current employment.
A: ASD will contact the candidate prior to contacting referees similar to APS recruitment rounds. It is unlikely ASD will contact referee/s prior to completion of OSA process with a “Suitable to Proceed” outcome.
Q: Can you provide any information on ASD’s plans for contractors currently engaged in Canberra who are willing to relocate to Brisbane or Melbourne? Should these contractors/candidates also be included in this EOI?
A: Contractors may choose to relocate to Brisbane or Melbourne; confirming ASD will not fund any aspect of contractor relocation.
Q: Acknowledging that this is an EOI only, is ASD able to provide any further information on the timeline for when OSA’s may commence and an expected start date for these roles?
A: ASD’s Psych Services action OSA’s according to resource availability and business priority. IPM will provide updates as best we are positioned. Role start date is dependent on project need.
Q: Do you have an indicative number of how many resources for each skill set you will be seeking in both Brisbane and Melbourne?
A: ASD has identified the skill types required and is currently refining the number detail for workforce planning.
Q: Will you be providing any further information on the roles or job descriptions or are you happy to receive candidates across different SFIA levels?
A: The role titles signify that we are primarily looking for SFIA level 3-5 candidates. Not to, imply that level 1, 2, and 6 are not acceptable. Please keep in mind the historical SOWs, especially those from the previous 12 months, when writing the job description.
Q: Will there be a preference for already cleared resources for all of these roles or are you happy to receive responses from non-cleared Australian Citizens?
A: Historically ASD has seen better OSA “suitable to proceed” rates from non-cleared Australian Citizens with checkable backgrounds, however there is no preference for applicants who have already been cleared.