“CANADA FIRST” DEFENCE PROCUREMENT – STRATEGIC AIRLIFT

The Canadian Forces’ need for both a strategic and a tactical airlift capability is a clear result of the missions they are mandated to fulfil and the operations they carry out. These two types of airlift capabilities serve different purposes and therefore require different aircraft that meet the specific requirements of the Canadian Forces.

Definitions
Strategic airlift is the rapid transport of a large number of passengers and/or over-sized heavy cargo over long distances within Canada or between Canada and a theatre of operations – for example transporting two combat ready Light Armoured Vehicles to Afghanistan. Further, the Canadian Forces’ Disaster Assistance Response Team requires the use of strategic airlift to deploy on humanitarian aid operations.
Tactical airlift is different in that it is the lifeline of deployed forces, transporting equipment, troops and supplies to, within and from a theatre of operations. On Operation Archer, in Afghanistan, the CC-130 Hercules aircraft provides tactical airlift on a daily basis, without which the mission could not be sustained.

Identifying the needs of the Canadian Forces
A strategic airlift capability would fulfill a top NATO requirement and shows that Canada is taking a leadership role among its allies. Currently, the only strategic airlift capability the Canadian Forces owns is the CC-150 Polaris (or Airbus A310), which is limited by its cargo carrying capacity and the operational conditions under which it can be used. Today’s changing and uncertain global environment demands Canada’s military have its own reliable and independent access to strategic airlift to move heavy equipment quickly, over long distances and deliver it to where it is needed in Canada, in support of humanitarian relief, or to a theatre of operations.

Canada First at home and abroad – how we’ll meet needs moving forward
Gaining a strategic airlift capability will ensure the Canadian Forces can quickly deploy our equipment and personnel without having to rely on our allies or contractors. Aircraft capabilities

The contractor selected for the strategic airlift project will be awarded a contract to deliver four strategic aircraft that meet all the mandatory capabilities of the Canadian Forces listed below:
• Range and payload - Sufficient un-refuelled range and payload capacity (6,482 kilometres with 39,000 kilograms) to support domestic and international deployed operations.
• Global remote operations - Capable of supporting Canadian Forces operations in Canada and potentially hostile theatres of operations overseas. The aircraft must be able to provide the required flexibility in a theatre of operations, capable of take off and landing from unpaved, short runways (1,219 metres by 27.4 metres) and airdrop personnel and/or equipment.
• Cargo compartment – Adequate cargo compartment size to transport wheeled and NATO standard palletized equipment (2.235 metres by 2.743 metres), wheeled equipment in a combat ready configuration and Canadian Forces tactical helicopter assets. The aircraft must have the ability to load and unload palletised cargo at austere operating locations without the use of specialized loading equipment.
• Aircraft certification – Aircraft must be certified to aviation certification standards recognized by Canada by the contract award date.
• Fleet size – Minimum fleet of four aircraft sufficient to provide requisite strategic airlift and maintenance, and to enable the operational flexibility to permit the conduct of multiple tasks in supporting domestic and international deployed operations.
• Delivery – Delivery of first aircraft as soon as possible but no later than 18 months after contract award and final aircraft delivery no later than 48 months after contract award.

A fair, open and transparent process
An Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) will be the procurement approach used to acquire four strategic lift aircraft. The estimated total project cost for the acquisition phase is $1.8 billion, including the cost to purchase the aircraft. An additional $1.6 billion has been estimated for 20 years of in-service support. 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.

A good deal for Canadian industry
Benefits for Canadian industry will be substantial with the selected contractor required to provide full economic benefits. This means that for every contract dollar awarded, the contractor will commit a corresponding dollar in economic activity in Canada. Canada's new government will ensure that the acquisition of these aircraft 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.

Tactical Airlift Backgrounder