Posted on 06/27/2006 8:16:11 AM PDT by Clive
News Release
"Canada First" Defence Procurement - Medium-Sized Logistics Trucks
NR-06.031 - June 27, 2006
VALCARTIER – At an announcement today in Valcartier, Québec, Minister of National Defence Gordon O’Connor, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Michael Fortier and Commander Canada Command Lieutenant-General Marc Dumais outlined a $1.2 billion acquisition of 2,300 new medium-sized logistics trucks and associated equipment.
The new fleet of trucks will rebuild Canada's land forces’ ability to provide lift and logistical support on the ground and represent an essential investment for the Canadian Forces. Whether deployed on operations overseas, providing assistance during domestic emergencies, or in day-to-day operations in Canada, the role of the medium-sized logistics trucks is essential; getting people, equipment and supplies where they are needed most.
“This Government is committed to strengthening the Canadian Forces by ensuring that they finally have the equipment they need to get the job done,” said Minister O'Connor. “The Canada First Defence Strategy will ensure a stronger Canadian Forces and stronger Canada.”
“The Government will negotiate a specific industrial benefits package for this project," said Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry. "We expect contractors to deliver one dollar in high-quality economic activity in Canada for every dollar they are awarded as part of this project. This economic benefits package will mean billions in long-term business activity in Canada.”
“These new trucks will ensure the lifeline of supply for front-line troops will continue,” said Lieutenant-General Marc Dumais, Commander Canada Command. “This fleet will continue the extremely important support role when the current MLVW fleet reaches the end of its life cycle.”
A competitive procurement process will select the contractor for the new truck fleet, with requests for proposals being released to industry for all elements of the project. The acquisition contracts will also have full economic benefits for Canadian industry – this means that for every contract dollar awarded, the contractor will commit a corresponding dollar in economic activity in Canada.
The Department of National Defence will procure 2,300 vehicles, associated components, logistics and training support at a cost of approximately $1.1 billion. It is estimated that 20 years of contracted in-service support will cost an additional $100 million.
Backgrounder
"Canada First" Defence Procurement - Medium-Sized Logistics Trucks
BG-06.016 - June 27, 2006
Identifying the needs of the Canadian Forces
The Department of National Defence is procuring new medium-sized logistics trucks for Canadian Forces. The new fleet of five-tonne trucks will be used by the Regular Forces and the Reserves in a wide range of roles – from support during domestic emergencies, to deployed operations. They will replace the current Logistics trucks, which have been in use since the 1980s and are reaching the end of their service life.
Canada First at home and abroad – how we’ll meet needs moving forward
With a fleet of modernized and improved logistics trucks, fewer vehicles will be required to get the job done. The new fleet will enhance mission flexibility and global deployability by using standardized containers and palletized load-handling systems, allowing materials to be transferred easily among many modes of transportation. The vehicles will be the Army’s logistics backbone, getting supplies where they are needed in the most efficient way possible.
The project aims to procure approximately:
1500 standard military pattern vehicles (designed specifically for military use) with up to 300 load-handling system companion trailers;800 commercial vehicles adapted for military use;
1000 specially equipped vehicles kits (such as mobile kitchens, offices and medical or dental stations); and,
300 armour protection systems.
The commercial vehicles will be used in Canada for training and administrative support functions. Their maintenance and repair will be supported commercially through a well-established local dealer network, benefiting Canadian industry and local economies. For the Canadian Forces, this will also lower support costs and increase availability. This is especially important to the Reserves, who will be the main user.
A fair open and transparent process
A competitive procurement process will select the contractor for new trucks for the Canadian Forces with requests for proposals being released to industry for all elements of the project. The acquisition contracts will also have full economic benefits for Canadian industry – this means that for every contract dollar awarded, the contractor will commit a corresponding dollar in economic activity in Canada.
The in-service support contract for the standard military pattern vehicle will include support for an initial period of 2 - 3 years. A follow-on support contract for the remainder of the 20-year total life of the vehicles will be negotiated or competed separately. The estimated in-service support cost is $100 million, representing a substantial income for Canadian industry. The requirement for this equipment is urgent. Delivery is expected as soon as possible and will continue until the requirement is fully met.
A good deal for Canadian industry
The procured Medium-Size Logistics Trucks will have full economic benefits for Canadian industry as well as, an in-service-support agreement. This represents a substantial benefit for the Canadian economy and ensures future industry support and profit.
Canada's new government will ensure that the acquisition of these trucks delivers maximum high-quality industrial benefits to Canadians and that Canadian industry is well positioned to play a significant role as this project proceeds.
This acquisition will create long-term industrial development for Canadians. The Government's policy requires that prime contractors on defence procurements undertake business activities in Canada, usually in an amount equal to the value of the contract they have won. This helps Canadian companies maintain globally competitive operations in the country and effectively support future national security requirements.
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To quote the Russian General, Rossikovski:
"Amateurs discuss tactics,professionals discuss logistics".
So, this is a good thing, I guess, considering that Canada doesn't often stick a crowbar into it's wallet to spend on defense anyway. If anything, Canada will probably have one of the better logistical trains for it's small forces anywhere on the planet. Of course, I'm certain that buying trucks takes away from just-as-vital logistical infrastructure like heavy airlift and sealift capabilities, but you have to start somewhere.
Now, if we could only get the Canadians to fight someplace other than the hockey rink, they might actually be a force to be reckoned with...
(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")
P.S. That last comment is NOT intended to denigrate those brave Canadians currently in Afghanistan, or going to sea in submarines with screen doors in their hulls.
Where can I get one of those? Big fan of Molson!
A competitive procurement process will select the contractor for the new truck fleet, with requests for proposals being released to industry for all elements of the project. The acquisition contracts will also have full economic benefits for Canadian industry – this means that for every contract dollar awarded, the contractor will commit a corresponding dollar in economic activity in Canada
IN OTHER WORDS SCREW NAFTA AND THE USA, YOU MUST BUILD IT IN CANADA OR BUY OFFSET CANADIAN GOODS - WE NEED TO TREAT OUR TRADING PARTNERS LIKE THEY TREAT US.
You may have missed the articles posted on Free Republic regarding ship construction and the acquisition of Globemasters, C130s and Chinooks.
"Now, if we could only get the Canadians to fight someplace other than the hockey rink, they might actually be a force to be reckoned with.."
You had definitely missed the articles on the Canadian forces work in Kandahar, particularly in op Mountain Thrust now underway in which the Canadians are inflicting a hugely disproportionate butcher's bill upon the Taliban.
Canada has been in Afghanistan in several deployments since early 2002. The first casualties taken were in a fratricide episode at Tarnak Farm in April 2002 during a live fire exercise.
Our people have taken casualties in contact with the enemy since then but mostly they have been inflicting disproportionate casualties upon the Taliban.
You obviously missed the post above where I stated that I did not intend to denigrate or insult to bave Canucks in Afghanistan.
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/2_0_7.asp?uSubSection=7&uSection=1
http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-vehmlvw.htm
'Now, if we could only get the Canadians to fight someplace other than the hockey rink, they might actually be a force to be reckoned with...'
Bit unfair - Canada was fighting Germany and her Nazis from Sept 4th 1939. It didn't take them 2 years and a 'surprise' attack from the japs to force them to do something. Between Sept 1st 1939 ans Sept 10th they purchased $20m worth of arms off the US at market prices. From a population of 11m they raised an army of 1.1m men and received 40,000 dead and 55,000 wounded. On D-Day, the 18,000 strong Canadian group taking Juno beach was the only group to achieve their objectives, no US or British unit managed to do so on that first day.
So go easy on our Canadian friends - they did great things and asked for no thanks.
In my time in the US Navy, I worked with Canadians on a fairly regular basis. I know the Canadian forces (such as they are) are every bit as dedicated and (somewhat more, if you ask me) professional than some of ours.
I've also spent more drunken evenings in Toronto and Montreal than I care to remember. not to mention a short stint in St. Johns when someone got the bright (but certainly misguided) idea that I might have been NHL material some day. I believe that particular...ahem...agent, might have gotten one of them thar National Health brain transplants.
A little good-natured ribbing, that's all.
'A little good-natured ribbing, that's all.'
I know, but they do get a raw deal on here and I felt the need to show any Canadians here that England knows of their quiet sacrifices for the Commonwealth and appreciates them.
d'accord.
I was busy writing my reply to your earlier post when you posted the above and so I did not see it until after I replied.
Canada ping!
Please send a FReepmail to get on or off this Canada ping list.
Thank you very much.
:-)
No problem. No harm or insult was intended.
These will be tough shoes to fill. The MLVW is a fantastic truck capable of going anywhere with large payloads. I hope the new ones come with the same front bumper and 6 wheel diff lock. The US has a new fleet of Medium logistic trucks which on first glance look good but I haven't heard much good or bad about them.
I've been in the MLVW when I was younger, our cub scouts leaders were all at CFB Comox, we used to visit the base sometimes... funstuff, though not many of those trucks there, mostly the older Dodge pickups... and none of those iltis.
See quite a few of those in Victoria.
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