OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada has taken another step towards building a highly capable, flexible military with the ability to operate closely with allies and partners and to protect the safety and security of Canadians.
Today, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada's fighter fleet.
The suppliers consist of foreign governments and fighter aircraft manufacturers that will be invited to participate in formal engagement activities over the coming months. This competition was launched ?in December 2017 and the activities will continue until spring 2019, when the Government of Canada will invite eligible suppliers to submit proposals. Only those suppliers on the list published today will be eligible to submit proposals.
Proposals will be rigorously assessed on cost, technical requirements and economic benefits. The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy will also be applied, requiring the winning supplier to make investments in Canada equal to the value of the contract.
The evaluation of bids will also include an assessment of bidders' impact on Canada's economic interests. Engagement with stakeholders and industry on this new criteria, as well as guidelines for its application as an ongoing procurement tool for major projects, are being conducted through separate consultations. Officials have already met with aerospace and defence industry associations and will continue to engage with various stakeholders on further refining this criteria over the coming months.
This procurement project represents the most significant investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in more than 30 years.
Quotes
"We are pleased with the responses received from foreign governments and commercial entities that have the ability to meet Canada's needs. Our government is confident this will result in a robust competition, providing good value to Canadians and the Canadian economy."
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement
"Our women and men in uniform must be provided with the necessary equipment to fulfill their demanding, and sometimes dangerous, missions. The work we have done and the work we continue to do on the future fighter procurement helps ensure we get the right equipment at the right price to support these important missions."
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan
Minister of National Defence
"The Government of Canada is leveraging procurement to create jobs, drive innovation and grow small businesses. Thanks to the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, winning suppliers will make investments in Canada equal to the value of the contract. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive investment in innovation and research across all sectors of our economy, including with post-secondary institutions."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Quick facts
Associated links
Replacing and supplementing Canada's fighters
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Facebook
SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada
These press releases may also interest you
|