Government of Canada Invests in Equipment for the Forces

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and Secretary of State (Agriculture), and the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the Government has awarded a contract to L-3 Wescam Inc., Burlington, Ontario, for an electro-optical and infrared sensor system to be installed on the CH-146 Griffon helicopter. This procurement has a value, including options, of $25.9 million, including G.S.T.

"This contract will provide the Canadian Forces with an excellent surveillance system, while ensuring best value for Canadian taxpayers," said Minister Paradis. "The equipment procured through this project will enable the Griffon helicopter with the capability to provide escort and surveillance support to land operations."

"The government is committed to providing the men and women of the Canadian Forces with the best equipment," said Minister MacKay. "This system will ensure continued success on missions both in Canada and abroad, thereby safeguarding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Canadians."

Known as the Interoperable Griffon Reconnaissance Escort Surveillance System (INGRESS), the project involves the procurement of a common electro-optical/infrared sensor system that can be installed on the CH-146 Griffon along with equipment that will allow for the operation of the sensor for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Escort tasks.

A formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for INGRESS was issued on MERX(TM), the government's electronic tendering service, on April 16, 2008. The RFP closed on May 23, 2008. The evaluation of bids was concluded on June 2, 2008, in accordance with the plan detailed in the RFP to determine the winning bidder.

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Contacts: Office of Minister Paradis Mark Quinlan Director of Communications 819-997-5421 Office of Minister MacKay Jay Paxton Press Secretary 613-996-3100 Public Works and Government Services Canada Media Relations 819-956-2315 Department of National Defence Media Liaison Office 613-996-2353/2354