“CANADA FIRST” DEFENCE PROCUREMENT – MEDIUM-TO HEAVY-LIFT HELICOPTERS

Canada First at home and abroad – how we’ll meet needs moving forward
A medium-to heavy-lift helicopter capability will allow the Canadian Forces to reach remote locations in a wider range of geographic areas and challenging environments inaccessible by ground-based transport or fixed-wing aircraft. With the Canadian Forces’ increasing focus on joint operations and expeditionary forces, this capability will serve as a paramount asset in responding to disaster situations and terrorist attacks, both at home and around the world.

Today Canada does not have a military helicopter to fulfil this role. The Canadian Forces’ commitment to defend Canada and contribute to global peace and security has increased operational demands and the frequency of missions - making this type of helicopter capability a very real need for the men and women of Canada’s military, perhaps now more than ever.

To date Canada has relied on allied or coalition forces to provide this type of helicopter transport while deployed. This limits the Canadian Forces’ ability to conduct independent operations, and also means when unavailable, troops must opt for ground transportation, placing them at greater risk of ambushes, land mines and improvised explosive devices.

Aircraft capabilities
The contractor selected for the medium-to heavy-lift helicopter project will be awarded a contract to deliver 16 medium-to heavy-lift helicopters that meet all the minimum mandatory capabilities of the Canadian Forces listed below:
• Internal lift – Cabin space to accommodate an infantry platoon (30 soldiers) with full combat equipment, including weapons, body armour, rucksacks, rations and communications (4,763 kilograms).
• External lift – Lift multiple loads, including a lightweight field howitzer and associated equipment (a minimum of 5,443 kilograms).
• Range – Flying endurance to ensure a relevant radius of operation (a minimum of 100 kilometres) with either the internal or external load described as above and at the temperatures and altitudes defined below to effectively cover CF tactical areas of responsibility.
• Temperature and altitude – Power and endurance to accomplish the lift and range parameters defined above, at altitudes and temperatures found in the most likely Canadian Forces theatres of operations (1,220 metres above sea level and 35 degrees Celsius).
• Aircraft certification – Aircraft must be certified to aviation certification standards recognized by Canada by the contract award date.
• Fleet size – Minimum fleet of 16 aircraft, sufficient to sustain a minimum of three deployed helicopters in addition to maintenance, test and evaluation, and training at two main operating bases.
• Delivery – Delivery date of first aircraft must be no later than 36 months after contract award and final aircraft delivery no later than 60 months after contract award.

Better search and rescue capabilities here at home
In order to protect Canadians from emergencies of all types, Public Safety works with provincial and territorial partners to fund specialized urban search and rescue equipment, such as hydraulic equipment for lifting loads, and training under the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program.

As the lead department responsible for coordinating the Government of Canada's national disaster response, the Department of Public Safety enjoys a strong working relationship with the Canadian Forces in ensuring the safety and security of Canadian citizens.
The purchase of new medium- to heavy-lift helicopters will help us better respond to natural or man-made disasters.

Canadian Forces helicopters can been used to assist civil authorities in responding to emergencies such as floods, forest fires and earthquakes. The addition of medium-to heavy-lift helicopters to the Canadian Forces inventory will improve upon lift capacity and range, as well as greatly increase the Forces’ ability to respond.

A fair, open and transparent process
An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) will be the procurement approach used to acquire 16 medium-to heavy-lift helicopters. The estimated total project cost for the acquisition phase is $2 billion, including the cost to purchase the aircraft. An additional $2.7 billion has been estimated for 20 years of in-service support, for which a separate contract will be competed by the prime helicopter manufacturer through a request for proposals. The requirement for this equipment is urgent. Delivery is expected as soon as possible and will continue until the requirement is fully met.

The ACAN process permits the Government to identify an intended contract award recipient based on the mandatory capabilities and detailed market research conducted by the Department. Industry is then given the opportunity to respond, should they feel they have an aircraft that meets this criteria. If no supplier submits a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN during its posting period of 30 calendar days, then the competitive requirements of the government’s contracting policy have been met. This method of procurement fosters industry competition, ensures fairness and transparency, and increases the efficiency of procurement timelines.

The Government of Canada recognizes the vital need for medium-to heavy-lift helicopters and will deliver an aircraft to the Canadian Forces that meets their operational needs through a transparent, open and fair procurement means, while ensuring value for Canadian taxpayers and maximizing opportunities for Canadian industry.

A good deal for Canadian industry
Canada's new government will ensure that the acquisition of these helicopters delivers maximum high-quality industrial benefits to Canadians and that the Canadian aerospace industry is well positioned to play a significant role as this project proceeds.

This acquisition will create long-term industrial development for Canadians. The Government's policy requires that prime contractors on defence procurements undertake business activities in Canada, usually in an amount equal to the value of the contract they have won. This helps Canadian companies maintain globally competitive operations in the country and effectively support future national security requirements.