For immediate release
GATINEAU, July 13, 2007 – The Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), today announced an important step toward the acquisition of critical air mobility services for the Canadian Forces.
A Solicitation of Interest and Qualification (SOIQ) has been posted on MERX, the government’s electronic tendering service, to acquire aircrew training services for 20 years from an operational training systems provider for Canada’s future tactical airlift aircraft and medium to heavy lift helicopter fleets. Once the C-130J Hercules and the CH-47 Chinooks have been acquired, updated aircrew training will be required for members of the Canadian Forces.
“This SOIQ represents an important step towards fulfilling Canada’s urgent air mobility needs,” said Minister Fortier. “Our goal is to secure the right kind of services for our military personnel and ensure that Canadian companies reap significant benefits from these contracts.”
The SOIQ is the first step in an open, fair and competitive procurement process. Potential bidders will have at least 30 days to study the SOIQ and to indicate their interest in competing for the requirement. Potential bidders will have to successfully demonstrate their capability to meet the mandatory, high-level performance criteria in their response before being invited to submit a proposal in response to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).
The SOIQ will then be followed by a formal RFP to the qualifying bidder(s). Once a contract has been awarded, the supplier will be required to provide a minimum of 75% of the contract value in direct work for Canadian companies.
“This unprecedented approach to procuring training services represents a significant opportunity to leverage the world renowned expertise and knowledge housed within Canada’s aerospace industry,” explained Minister Fortier. “It also represents a significant investment in the country’s economy as it will undoubtedly result in more jobs for the sector.”
The acquisition of aircrew training services from a single training systems provider is part of the government’s objective to establish a world-class aircrew training capability in Canada and to provide a seamless transition for the operation of these fleets.
Once a contract has been awarded, a centre of excellence will be established. It is expected that a significant number of jobs will be created over the length of the project to build, deliver, operate, support and maintain the aircrew training programs and devices for each of the fleets (C-130J Hercules and CH-47 Chinooks).
It is anticipated that an RFP will be released in fall 2007 and that a contract will be in place by early summer 2008.
- 30 -
Ce texte est également disponible en français.
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/text/generic/media-e.html
