OTTAWA, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- The government of Canada is preparing to procure as many as two dozen new helicopters for the country's coast guard.
The procurement will take place over a five-year period.
"Helicopter air-support is a crucial component to the delivery of coast guard services and the maintenance of public safety," Canadian Minister for Fisheries and Oceans Keith Ashfield said in announcing the project.
"Renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet of helicopters will stimulate economic growth in the aerospace industry, as well as create a variety of jobs and business opportunities."
Aerospace companies have been invited to attend an industry day with government officials for the project.
The government said the Canadian coast guard will work with Public Works and Government Services Canada to engage industry throughout the procurement process.
A government Letter of Interest in regard to the acquisition has been posted on the government's contracting Web site.
