What due diligence was undertaken on Starboard Maritime Intelligence's ownership structure, investor base, and corporate governance arrangements prior to the award of the all-of-government Data Fusion System contract to Starboard in 2024?

Answer

The standard practice of the Ministry of Defence includes the following due diligence checks when entering an agreement or contract with a supplier: • is who they claim to be by looking at their legal set-up • is financially sound by checking their financial history • can be trusted – check corruption indicators • has good past performance of appropriate health and safety and employment practices • has the capacity, capability and expertise to deliver, based on past performance • has the right systems and processes to be able to deliver • can deliver what you need for the price quoted – test the assumptions in their proposal • understands the contract deliverables and requirements and their obligations Information regarding the purchase of the Data Fusion System can be found in the proactively released Cabinet material here: https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/maritime-security-all-of-government-maritime-data-fusion-system/ Specific details relating to Starboard Maritime Intelligence are commercially sensitive.