Update 2019 | Ensuring capability and capacity: project progress
3.1 Ensuring capability and capacity: project progress
As explained in previous sections, concerted efforts are being made to streamline defence procurement, improve the timely acquisition of much needed military capabilities, and deliver the overall defence capital programme.
National Defence has made notable progress in advancing 333 capital projects in support of Strong, Secure, Engaged — inclusive of the major equipment, information management and information technology, and infrastructure projects included in Defence Investment Plan 2018. As of April 2019, 86 or 26% of the projects are in close-out or have been completed, as shown in Figure 3a.
Figure 3a: SSE Capital Projects by Phase
Figure 3a - Text version
In the top left corner of the figure, a statistic accompanied by a checkmark icon and gear icon show that 68% of the overall projects, 228 projects are in implementation or closed out. In the top right corner of the figure, a statistic accompanied by a magnifying glass icon, lightbulb icon, and circuitry icon show that 32% of the overall projects, 105 projects are in pre-implementation.
At the centre of the figure, a segmented circle that represents the five project phases shows a progression arrow and has a core circle indicating that 333 is the total number of capital projects identified in Strong, Secure, Engaged.
On the right side of the circle, Identification is represented by a magnifying glass icon in dark orange with 19 projects, 6% of the overall projects. On the right side of the circle, Options Analysis is represented by a lightbulb icon in medium orange with 51 projects, 15% of the overall projects. On the right side of the circle, Definition is represented by a circuitry icon in light orange with 35 projects, 11% of the overall projects. On the bottom and into the left side of the circle, Implementation is represented by a gear icon in dark blue with 142 projects, 42% of the overall projects. On the left side of the circle, Close-out is represented by a checkmark icon in medium blue with 86 projects, 26% of the overall projects.
Centred at the bottom of the figure is a line that states capital projects starting in Identification and advance through phases to Close-out.
The success of current efforts in that respect is demonstrated by the numbers of projects moving through the project management cycle. Adaptation is essential for any business model, no less the business of defence. Since the launch of Strong, Secure, Engaged, 157 of the 333 capital projects, or 47%, have passed through a significant phase of approval and into a new phase, as shown in Figure 3b.
Figure 3b: SSE Capital Projects are Advancing
Figure 3b - Text version
The horizontal image shows a segmented progression arrow with the five phases of the project listed above. On the left, the number of projects per phase is noted. The first phases represented by a magnifying glass icon in dark orange. The segmented arrow following the identification indicates that 33 projects have moved from identification to options analysis. The second phase is the options analysis is represented by a light orange light bulb icon. The segmented arrow that follows the options analysis shows that 21 projects have gone from option analysis to definition. The third phase is the definition and represented by a circuit icon in dark orange. The segmented arrow that follows the definition shows that 42 projects moved from definition to implementation. The fourth phase is the implementation and is represented by a gear icon in light orange. The segmented arrow that follows the implementation indicates that 61 projects have moved from implementation to closure. The fourth phase, the fence, is represented by a check mark in dark orange. The segmented arrow following the close indicates that 157 projects have entered a new phase since the launch of SSE in June 2017.
3.1.1 Achievements and milestones
As highlighted throughout this annual update, National Defence has made steady progress on many major defence projects. Below are several more achievements and milestones from across the Defence Team since the publication of Defence Investment Plan 2018.
Future Fighter Capability Project
Canada will purchase 88 advanced fighter aircraft to contribute to the safety and security of Canadians and to meet Canada’s international obligations. A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty and contributing to NORAD and NATO commitments.
The Future Fighter Capability Project is the most significant investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in more than 30 years. A draft Request for Proposal (RFP) was released to all eligible suppliers in October 2018. A second draft is now out for feedback. The final RFP will be released in summer 2019.
Aerospace is one of the most innovative and export-driven industries in Canada and adds $28 billion annually in gross domestic product to Canada’s economy. Together, Canada’s aerospace and defence industries contribute over 240,000 jobs.
Canadian Surface Combatant
The Canadian Surface Combatant project is the largest, most complex procurement undertaken by the Government of Canada. In February 2019, the Government of Canada announced it had officially selected the BAE Systems Type 26 Global Combat Ship design for 15 new warships. The design will be further customized to meet Canada's requirements and to incorporate Canadian systems and equipment. Construction is set to begin in the early 2020s.
The Canadian Surface Combatant project creates well-paying stable employment within the defence industry across the country and benefits the economic prosperity of Canada's coasts and waterways.
Interim Fighter Capability Project
In order to fulfill immediate needs, the Government of Canada signed a procurement agreement in November 2018 with the Government of Australia for 18 F-18 fighter aircraft (and spare parts). The interim fighter fleet is key to ensuring that the Royal Canadian Air Force can continue to fulfill its missions and meet domestic and international obligations to ensure the safety of Canadians and Canada.
The aircraft are the same type as Canada’s current CF-18 fleet and can therefore be integrated quickly into the fleet. The first two aircraft arrived in Canada in February 2019, and deliveries will continue at regular intervals for 3 years. The aircraft will be employed at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta.
Joint Task Force X facility
Joint Task Force X (JTF X) provides human intelligence capabilities in support of military operations and is critical to predicting and preventing threats to members of the Canadian Armed Forces on operations. Human intelligence operations include a range of activities, such as source handling, interrogation, and debriefing.
The new home of JTF X in Kingston — officially opened in October 2018 — honours the memory of a distinguished Canadian war hero, Sir William Samuel Stephenson, the first Colonel-Commandant of the Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence Branch.
This infrastructure project created over 200 jobs during the construction period, in addition to economic development opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Integrated Soldier System Project
As highlighted in Strong, Secure, Engaged, technology is a critical enabler of modern military forces and fundamental to Canadian Armed Forces operations. The Integrated Soldier System Project (ISSP) is cutting-edge technology that significantly enhances soldiers’ situational awareness, allowing them to digitally visualize the location of other connected soldiers.
The project is being delivered in 3 phases: (1) delivery of wearable vests with integrated communications equipment and accessories, (2) connection and integration of equipment into Canadian Army vehicles, and (3) incorporation of new technology. The first supply of operational equipment for soldiers was delivered to 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa in July 2018.
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