Michelle LevesqueCanadian defence procurement will now be subject to the rigour of a new independent, third-party challenge function.
The first Independent Review Panel for Defence Acquisition was announced today in Ottawa by Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence.
“Were taking a significant step forward in our government’s commitment to develop and maintain a first-class, modern military that is well-equipped to take on the challenges of the 21st century. The Independent Review Panel for Defence Acquisition will help us deliver the right equipment in a timely manner to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces at the best value for Canadian taxpayers,” said Kenney.
The review panel is a core component of the Government of Canada’s Defence Procurement Strategy (DPS). The establishment of this panel is an important initiative to help National Defence achieve greater clarity and certainty in the initial stages of the procurement process.
The Panel brings together the right combination of knowledge, experience and expertise to help validate the requirements for major military procurement projects and to provide independent, third-party advice to the National Defence Minister.
“The appointment of an independent, third-party panel of experts who are able to provide advice on military requirements, and which includes industry representatives is an important step forward in operationalizing the DPS and shows our combined commitment to improving the procurement system,” said Christyn Cianfarani, president, Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries.
Keith Coulter was appointed as a special advisor to provide advice on the implementation of this new function and the establishment of the Panel on July 24, 2014. He will serve as the initial chairperson until the end of his term in July 2015. Larry Murray will then become the chair.
“The independent, third-party panel announced today, which includes several industry experts well-versed in the complex nature of federal procurements, is another strong step forward in the ongoing implementation of the DPS. The panel will have an important role to play in providing expert, independent advice to government on procurement projects and requirements, and the panel members announced today are well-qualified to meet this responsibility. We are very pleased that this panel has been struck and look forward to continuing to work together with government on strengthening our procurement process,” said Jim Quick, president and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada.
On the recommendation of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Governor in Council (GIC) has appointed the following panel members:
• Larry Murray, CM, CMM, CD (also the chair designate)
• Martin Gagné
• Renée Jolicoeur
• Philippe Lagassé
• David N. Caddey
The expert third-party panel will review and validate requirements for all projects valued over $100 million, and other select projects below this value. The DPS aims to deliver the right equipment to the CAF promptly, leverage these purchases to create jobs and growth, and streamline procurement processes. The strategy committed to the establishment of a third-party challenge function at DND.
Defence procurement spending has significant potential to produce substantial spin-off benefits to Canada’s knowledge, innovation and export-based economy.
