For immediate release
Gatineau, Quebec, March 11, 2013 – The Harper Government is committed to a transparent and rigorous process to replace its CF-18 fleet. As part of the Harper Government’s Seven Point Plan, Public Works and Government Services Canada, on behalf of the National Fighter Procurement Secretariat, today announced the awarding of a $56,217.50 contract to Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton to conduct an independent review of the application of National Defence’s life-cycle cost estimates as part of the upcoming 2013 Annual Update to Parliament on the Next Generation Fighter Capability.
In the fall of 2012, KPMG was contracted to develop a life-cycle cost framework guided by Government of Canada policies and international best practices, to inform the development of full life-cycle cost estimates for the Next Generation Fighter Capability program. The purpose of this contract awarded today is to ensure that this framework is appropriately applied by National Defence and that the cost estimates in the upcoming 2013 Annual Update are sound. The Secretariat will manage the work conducted under this independent review, which will be completed after receipt of the annual costing forecasts from the Joint Strike Fighter Program office.
Work continues through the National Fighter Procurement Secretariat on the evaluation of options to sustain a fighter jet capability well into the 21st century. An Independent Review Panel is ensuring that all of the work supporting the evaluation of options is both rigorous and impartial. A final report will be made available to Parliament and Canadians. The evaluation of options to replace Canada’s CF-18 fleet is part of the Harper Government’s Seven-Point Plan which was launched in 2012.
A Deputy Minister Governance Committee continues to provide ongoing oversight of all elements of the Seven-Point Plan, along with its external, independent expert members: Mr. Denis Desautels, a former auditor general; and Mr. Ken Norrie, a respected academic. The Seven-Point Plan was put in place to assist the Government in making the best possible decision on replacing Canada’s fleet of CF-18 fighter aircraft. Until the Seven-Point Plan is complete, the Government will not make a decision on the replacement for the CF-18 fighter jets.
Progress on the Seven-Point Plan is available on the Secretariat’s website at http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/stamgp-lamsmp/snac-nfps-eng.html.
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