For Immediate Release

July 21, 2016 – Gatineau, QC – Public Services and Procurement Canada

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of delivering a single ship support contract to service the Royal Canadian Navy. This contract will provide the best value to Canadian taxpayers, while supporting Canada’s shipbuilding industry.

As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and following extensive industry consultation, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the Honourable Judy M. Foote, today announced the launch of an open competition to provide in-service support, including refit, repair and maintenance and training, for the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and Joint Support Ships (JSS).

Combining the contracts for the AOPS and JSS In-Service Support (AJISS) under a single contractor will benefit industry by increasing workforce stability and benefit Canadians by reducing costs through economies of scale. The AJISS contract will include an initial service period of 8 years, with options to extend services up to 35 years under an open and competitive process.

The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term commitment to shipbuilding that will rejuvenate Canada’s marine industry, support Canadian technological innovation, strengthen the middle class, and help grow the economy to many communities across the country.

Quotes

“The Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Support Ships In-Service Support contract will provide work for the Canadian marine industry for the next 35 years. Our Government is creating stable middle-class jobs and generating economic growth from coast to coast to coast. At the same time, we are seeking new ways to make procurement work better for businesses and Canadians, in this case by having one support contract for both ships.”

The Honourable Judy M. Foote
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“The Government is delivering on its commitment to the renewal of the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. By combining the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Support Ships In‑Service Support into one contract, we ensure the effective maintenance and support of these fleets over their operational lives. This, in turn, allows the Navy to continue to proudly serve Canadians.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan
Minister of National Defence

“The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy requires defence contractors and their major suppliers to invest an amount in Canada equal to the value of their defence contracts. The AJISS procurement presents a unique opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy to work closely with industry partners to sustain these vessels, while creating jobs and generating economic activity in Canada.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick Facts

• Up to six Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships are being built by Irving Shipbuilding. The delivery of the first vessel to the Royal Canadian Navy is scheduled for 2018.
• Two Joint Support Ships will be built by Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards. The delivery of the first vessel to the Royal Canadian Navy is scheduled for 2020/2021.
• Value Proposition commitments will be applied to this contract.

Associated Links

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Contacts

Annie Trépanier
Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501

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