Procurement timeline: Fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft

2010

National Research Council review
Council reviews project requirements and recommends a capability-based approach and revisions to the statement of operational requirements

Industry day
- Canadian aerospace industry is consulted on new procurement strategy

Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Secretariat
- Created to ensure a collaborative approach to the procurement process
Fairness monitor
- Oversees procurement process for openness and transparency
- No fairness-related issues were identified
Industry workshop
- Industry and Canada discuss the relationship between original equipment manufacturers and Canadian support service providers
Ongoing industry engagement
- Project updates include industrial and technological benefits and the aircraft maintenance and support operation requirements

Draft Request for Proposals
- Canada shares draft with aerospace industry for feedback, and a source list of potential bidders is established
Base site visits
- Potential bidders visit main operating bases across the country
One-on-one meetings
- Canada meets with industry to discuss numerous topics with industry related to the draft Request for Proposals
Independent third-party review
- Third party reviews evaluation plans, methods and tools and finds that they are consistent with promoting competition and best value

Training session
- Canada delivers a training session to potential bidders on airworthiness requirements
One-on-one workshops
- Canada holds four workshops with aerospace industry to ensure understanding of aircraft performance and configuration
Ongoing industry engagement
- Discussions on requirements for industrial and technological benefits, including Value Proposition

Request for Proposals
- Canada posts the notice to Buyandsell.gc.ca, and Request for Proposals documents are shared with the list of potential bidders
Two-step bid evaluation process
- Three companies participate in this optional process

Request for Proposals closes
- Three bidders submit proposals
Bid evaluation
- Canada evaluates bids, and proposed aircraft are tested at the manufacturers' facilities
Contract award
- Airbus Defence and Space is awarded a contract for highest overall score and best value for Canada
- Partnered with Newfoundland and Labrador-based PAL Aerospace to deliver maintenance and support work in Canada

First aircraft delivery
- 19 Wing Canadian Forces Base Comox, British Columbia
- Initial training begins
New training facility
- Full operation of new facility at 19 Wing Comox

Final aircraft delivery
- Beginning of the maintenance and support operation contract for the aircraft