Government of Canada Awards Major Military Procurement Contracts for New Trucks

News Release

For Immediate Release

Contracts Will Create Hundreds of Jobs Across Canada

July 16, 2015 – Sainte-Claire, Quebec – Public Works and Government Services Canada/National Defence

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Lévis‒Bellechasse, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced the awarding of two competitive contracts to Mack Defense, LLC, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, for the purchase of new trucks for the Canadian Armed Forces under the Medium Support Vehicle System project.

Through these contracts, the Government will purchase 1,500 Standard Military Pattern trucks, 300 trailers and 150 armour protection systems for the vehicles, and an initial 5-year period of in-service support with additional option periods of up to 15 years. It is anticipated these contracts will create 590 jobs and maintain another 110 jobs across Canada.

Responsible for the transport of personnel, support materiel and supplies, these trucks are used by all of the Canadian Armed Forces and play a vital role in military training and operations. They will support the efforts of the Army, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force and will be fielded across the country in virtually all regular forces and some reserve units.

The first delivery of the trucks and equipment is planned for summer 2017, and deliveries are expected to be completed by fall 2018.

Quick Facts

The awarding of the Standard Military Pattern truck contracts is an important milestone that marks the final equipment purchase under National Defence’s Medium Support Vehicle System project.
The Medium Support Vehicle System project is a key element of equipment acquisitions under the Canada First Defence Strategy, replacing and modernizing the Army’s fleet of medium-weight trucks and associated equipment.
The Medium Support Vehicle System includes:

Standard Military Pattern trucks and equipment, with the first delivery planned for summer 2017 and completion of deliveries expected by fall 2018;
Militarized Commercial Off-The-Shelf trucks delivered in March 2011; and
Special equipment shelters that are being equipped for use as mobile workspaces, including command posts and meteorological and medical stations that will enable deployed forces to be self-sufficient. The last shelters were delivered in March 2015, and delivery of the mobile workspace equipment is underway and should be completed in early 2017.

Valued at $834 million, the Standard Military Pattern truck contracts are expected to create 590 jobs and maintain another 110 jobs across Canada through the Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy. The Policy ensures that companies that win Government of Canada defence contracts undertake business activities in Canada equal to 100 per cent of the contract value.
With the ability to carry 9.5 tonnes, the Standard Military Pattern trucks are the backbone of the Canadian Armed Forces fleet, used to get personnel, equipment and supplies to wherever they are needed, whether to assist with domestic operations in response to natural disasters, or to support our men and women in uniform during expeditionary operations.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to purchase new Standard Military Pattern trucks to help our troops effectively carry out operations. We’re making sure the Canadian Armed Forces have the right equipment to do their job, at home and abroad. Through these contracts, we’re also able to create and maintain about 700 jobs for skilled workers across Canada. It’s a win-win all around.”
The Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Public Works and Government Services

“I’m pleased we’re moving forward with yet another procurement of key equipment for the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. These modern trucks do the heavy lifting for the military. They will take personnel, equipment and supplies to wherever they are needed for the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Royal Canadian Air Force.”
The Honourable Jason Kenney
Minister of National Defence

“This announcement is a great example of how we’re keeping our Defence Procurement Strategy commitments to supply our men and women in uniform, while supporting Canadian manufacturing and sustaining and growing Canadian jobs in communities across the country.”
The Honourable Steven Blaney
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Member of Parliament for Lévis‒Bellechasse