For immediate release
GATINEAU, Quebec, April 1, 2009 – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, as well as the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced that the Government of Canada has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain mid-shore patrol vessels on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard.
The government plans to procure up to twelve new mid-shore patrol vessels to provide support for the Fisheries Conservation and Protection Program, as well as maritime security.
“This government will ensure that the Coast Guard receives the vessels they need, that Canadian taxpayers receive the best value for their money, and that Canadian industry benefits from this procurement,” said Minister Paradis.
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) issued a draft RFP on Merx™ on February 26, 2009, in order to give industry the opportunity to provide feedback. As a result of this draft, PWGSC received comments from nine companies. This input was taken into account in drafting the RFP now posted.
“The acquisition of new mid-shore patrol vessels is a priority for the Canadian Coast Guard,” said Minister Shea. “With this investment, the Coast Guard will continue to focus on what it does best, that is, provide valuable services to mariners in Canadian waters.”
Under the Canadian Shipbuilding Policy, the government’s commitment to procure, repair and refit vessels in Canada, subject to operational requirements and the continued existence of a competitive domestic marketplace, remains unaltered.
Canada’s Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy also applies to this project and will require the winning bidder to undertake high quality and advanced-technology business activities in Canada in an amount equal to 100% of the contract value.
“The government is fulfilling an important need with this purchase,” said Minister Clement. “The application of the Shipbuilding and IRB policies will bring direct benefit to the Canadian economy.”
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For further information, please contact:
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
613-218-6961
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
Ann Matejicka
Office of the Honourable Gail Shea
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
613-992-3474
Media Relations
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
613-990-7537
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
BACKGROUNDER
The government plans to procure up to twelve new mid-shore patrol vessels (MSPVs) to provide support for the Fisheries Conservation and Protection Program, as well as maritime security.
PWGSC launched this process by issuing a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) on Merx™ on February 26, 2009. This provided industry with the opportunity to provide input into the RFP now posted.
As a result of the draft, PWGSC received comments from nine companies. This input was taken into account in drafting the final RFP. As part of a fair, open and transparent process the RFP is posted on Merx™ for 45 days. Once the RFP has closed, the government will examine all bids received to ensure that Canadian taxpayers receive the best value for their money and will seek the best possible benefits for Canadian industry.
The contract will ensure that the twelve new MSPVs will be built in Canada as per the Canadian Shipbuilding Policy and delivered to Canada's west and east coasts and the Great Lakes. These vessels are critical to the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canada’s international maritime partners. They will ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard can provide a presence in Canadian waters that discourages threats and illegal activities.
The contract award is anticipated for the fall of 2009.
PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/medias-media/index-eng.html.
