NR–05.088 - November 9, 2005
ENFIELD, N.S. -- In a move towards increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Canadian Forces in-service support management, the Government of Canada has awarded two long-term contracts totalling $961.1 million. IMP Group Limited and L-3 Electronic Systems, both of Enfield, Nova Scotia, will provide optimized weapon system support for the CP-140 Aurora fleet, supplying maintenance and support services at a minimum cost for the complete life cycle of the fleet.
“As stated in the new defence policy, we are committed to providing the Canadian Forces with modernized equipment and to ensuring the most efficient means of maintaining and supporting this equipment,” said Defence Minister Bill Graham. “The optimized weapon system support program demonstrates the Department’s modern approach to contracting with industry.”
“ As part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to modernize procurement, these contracts will provide an innovative way to deliver services faster while reducing costs ,” said Public Works and Government Services Minister Scott Brison.
“These contracts will provide tremendous economic benefits to our region,” said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan. “Over 300 jobs in Atlantic Canada’s aerospace industry will be maintained through these long-term contracts.”
“This program ensures the Department of National Defence continues to deliver airworthy and mission-capable systems to the Canadian Forces pilots and aircrews who safeguard our coastlines, protect our Northern sovereignty and support international operations,” said
General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff.
IMP Group Limited will receive a $566.4-million contract to provide in-service support for the Aurora airframe. L-3 Electronic Systems will receive a contract valued at up to $394.7 million to provide in-service support for the Aurora avionics systems. Each 10-year contract will include a three-year transition period and additional one or two-year options through the remaining life of the fleet.
Optimized Weapon System Management (OWSM) is a strategic program focused on increasing aircraft availability and reducing costs by bundling fleet maintenance and support services under broader-scoped, longer-term, performance-based contracts . This new approach in contract management allows aircraft to receive the highest possible levels of service efficiency while providing industry with new opportunities to maximize their delivery of fleet support.
- 30 -
For more information on the CP-140 Aurora OWSM program please see our backgrounder: Optimized Weapon System Management for CP-140 Aurora Fleet Airframe and Avionics.
For more information on the CP-140 Aurora aircraft visit www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/cp-140/intro_e.asp
For further information, please contact:
Renée David
Press Secretary
Public Works and Government Services Canada
(819) 997-5421
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
(819) 956-2315
Department of National Defence Media Liaison Office (613) 996-2353/54
(613) 792-2973 (after hours)
