Future Aircrew Training Program
Explore the procurement program to develop the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.
On this page
- Program at a glance
- Program description
- Current status
- Procurement progress and engagement
- Related links
Program at a glance
- Overview
- The program will renew aircrew training services to help maintain a multi-purpose and combat capable air force. The program will include delivery of pilot training, as well as aircrew training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators
- Procuring
- Comprehensive aircrew training program that provides aircraft, simulators, civilian instructors and classroom training systems, as well as other essential services, such as aircraft and airfield maintenance, accommodation, and food services
- Program status
- On December 16, 2020, the draft Request for Proposal was provided to qualified suppliers. Formal engagement with industry and qualified suppliers continues
- Next steps
-
- Release the formal Request for Proposals in early 2022
- Award the contract in 2023
Program description
The Government of Canada is renewing its existing aircrew training services. The new procurement will result in 1 contract covering all the requirements, including maintenance and infrastructure services. The contract period is expected to be at least 20 years.
Training services are currently provided through 2 separate contracts:
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flying Training in Canada is provided by CAE Military Aviation Training through a contract that expires in 2023. The contract includes an additional option year, which could extend the services to 2024.
- Contracted Flying Training and Support is provided by Allied Wings. The contract will expire in 2027.
The training services take place at the following locations:
- 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
- Southport (formerly known as Canadian Forces Base Portage la Prairie), Manitoba
- 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba
Following a review, the Government of Canada determined the new training services will continue to be provided at the existing locations.
Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to this procurement, requiring the winning suppliers to place investments in Canada equal to the value of the contract. This procurement will leverage the strength of Canadian industry in areas related to training, simulation, and in-service support. This will ensure the Canadian aerospace and defence industries are well positioned to participate, grow and compete in the global marketplace.
Current status
On December 16, 2020, the Government of Canada provided the draft Request for Proposal to qualified suppliers.
On December 10, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of qualified suppliers that demonstrated their ability to meet Canada’s needs as defined in an Invitation to Qualify. The companies currently engaging as qualified suppliers are:
- Babcock-Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training
- SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership
Only these suppliers can participate in the next phases of engagement and submit proposals in the competition. Both suppliers will be subject to the same evaluation criteria. Proposals will be assessed on cost, technical requirements and economic benefits.
BAE Systems, Airbus Defence and Space and Lockheed Martin Canada were originally on the list of qualified suppliers for the program. BAE Systems, Airbus Defence and Space, and Lockheed Martin Canada informed the Government of Canada of their decisions to withdraw from the competition on April 2, 2019, September 13, 2019 and December 14, 2020 respectively. These companies can no longer submit proposals for this procurement. In August 2021 Babcock Canada Inc. and Leonardo Canada, both qualified suppliers under the FAcT Invitation to Qualify, advised Canada that they had formed a joint venture in support of FAcT.
Procurement progress and engagement
- Preliminary consultations began in 2013. In 2016, industry was advised of the new scope of this procurement through a Letter of Interest
- On May 2, 2018, the government held a Future Aircrew Training Industry Engagement Session in Ottawa
- Canada initially engaged with 84 companies that agreed to participate in the process
- On November 15, 2018, Canada launched an Invitation to Qualify on Buyandsell.gc.ca to establish a list of qualified suppliers
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is involved in this process to ensure the Canadian aerospace and defence industries are well positioned to participate
- Qualified suppliers will be asked to submit an Indigenous Benefits Plan as part of their bids. PSPC continues to engage with Indigenous groups on this procurement
- Engagement with the qualified suppliers is ongoing
- Through this engagement, Canada will define its requirements, and industry representatives have an opportunity to provide feedback on items such as procurement approach, schedule, solicitation documents and economic benefits to Canada
Related links
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