GATINEAU, Quebec, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The Canadian government has issued a draft Request for Proposals to industry for a competition to procure new aircraft.
The draft RFP for search-and-rescue planes is to elicit feedback from industry and was issued by Government Works and Public Services Canada.
The official RFPs will be issued in June 2014 after a review of comments received.
"We are committed to ensuring that this procurement proceeds in an open, fair and transparent way, giving best value to Canadian taxpayers and providing the Royal Canadian Air Force with the capability that it needs," said Minister of Public Works and Government Services Diane Finley. "We will continue to engage industry and rely on the advice of independent third-party advisors throughout this process."
The Canadian government said industry representatives have provided feedback on a number of Letters of Interests, and during one-on-one consultations and workshops, since 2011. Matters covered included payment methods and aircraft requirements.
"Search and rescue operations are fundamental to the core mandate of the Canadian Armed Forces to deliver excellence at home," said Minister of National Defense Rob Nicholson. "By working to fulfill our commitment to acquire this new fleet, we will support the Royal Canadian Air Force in its vital search-and-rescue role for decades to come."
