Atlantic Canada and Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy

The ITB Policy applies on all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) procurements over $100 million. CAF procurements valued between $20 million and $100 million are reviewed for the possible application of the Policy.

Contracts of this size involve a whole industry. A firm that wins a bid will need to buy goods and equipment. It will also need to use subcontractors to do some of the work. By making sure major CAF and CCG projects benefit Canadian companies, the ITB Policy fuels economic growth.

The ITB Policy has five main objectives:

1. support the long-term sustainability and growth of Canada’s defence sector;
2. support the growth of prime contractors and suppliers in Canada, including small and medium-sized firms in all regions of the country; 
3. boost innovation through research and development in Canada; 
4. increase the export potential of Canadian-based firms; 
5. identify skills development and training opportunities for Canadians. 

The ITB Policy applies to defence procurements by the CAF and the CCG to which the National Security Exception applies: 

• CAF and CCG projects with an estimated contract value of more than $100 million; 
• CAF projects with estimated contract values between $20 million and $100 million.

Bidders must submit an evaluated Value Proposition, outlining their bids’ economic benefits to Canada. This is evaluated and scored at the same time as technical and cost requirements. By asking for a Value Proposition, the ITB Policy encourages bidders to make investments in Canada. This helps fuel our defence sector and helps businesses grow. Investments are also made in research and development, exports, and skills development and training.

The ITB Policy in Atlantic Canada

In Atlantic Canada, ACOA leads support for the ITB Policy. We work with local businesses, universities and colleges, provincial governments and regional associations to promote their know-how to major defence contractors.

When local companies and organizations succeed in gaining business on major defence contracts, it helps them:

• bring jobs to Atlantic Canada
• build industrial capabilities in the region
• access global supply chains
• seek new investments and opportunities 

ACOA helps regional industry by:

• keeping the region’s aerospace, defence and security sector competitive
• speaking up for Atlantic Canada when there’s a chance to get in on major defence projects
• helping to connect contractors with local governments
• matching Atlantic Canadian skills with defence contractors’ needs
• finding good investment opportunities for defence contractors
• promoting the industry in networking events, tours, trade shows and conferences making people aware of opportunities in the defence and security sector
• providing regional information and advice to government officials who make project, policy and program decisions 

ACOA works with contractors involved in major aerospace, defence and security projects by helping them:

• find Atlantic Canadian capabilities to match their needs
• engage with Atlantic Canadian industry, universities and colleges
• meet Atlantic Canadian firms at trade shows
• understand the ITB Policy 

ACOA contacts for Aerospace, Defence and Marine Directorate (ADMD)

For general inquiries, please email the ADMD inbox at admd-dadm@acoa-apeca.gc.ca.