Future Aircrew Training Program
Explore the procurement program to develop the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.
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Program at a glance
- Overview
- This program will renew aircrew training services to help maintain a multi-purpose and combat capable air force. It 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
- Evaluation of proposals concluded on June 30, 2023, and a preferred bidder was selected
- Next steps
- Contract award anticipated in 2024
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 more than 20 years.
Existing contracts
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 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, through a contract that expires in 2027
- The contract includes an additional option year, which could extend the services to 2028
- Contracted flying training and support is provided by Allied Wings in Southport, Manitoba
- The contract will expire in 2027
In addition, aircrew training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators is currently being delivered in house by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
New training services
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 undertake business 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.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is involved in this process to ensure the Canadian aerospace and defence industries are well positioned to participate.
To support Indigenous participation in the delivery of the program, qualified suppliers were asked to submit an Indigenous participation plan as part of their bids committing to invest a minimum of 5% of the contract value, excluding the cost of aircraft and simulators. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the qualified suppliers continue to engage with the Métis and First Nations of Manitoba and Saskatchewan on this procurement.
Engagement with the qualified suppliers was integral to the procurement process.
Through this engagement, Canada defined its requirements, and industry representatives had the opportunity to provide feedback on items such as procurement approach, schedule, solicitation documents and economic benefits to Canada.
Current status
The Government of Canada provided the RFP to qualified suppliers on February 11, 2022, and the RFP closed on January 5, 2023. Bid evaluation concluded on June 30, 2023, with a preferred bidder, SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership, selected.
Procurement progress and engagement
The procurement is being completed through an open, fair and transparent competitive process.
2013 and 2016
- 2013: Preliminary consultations began
- 2016: Industry was advised of the new scope of this procurement through a letter of interest
2018 to 2022
- May 2, 2018: The government held a FAcT Industry Engagement Session in Ottawa
- November 15, 2018: Canada launched an invitation to qualify to establish a list of qualified suppliers
- 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 the invitation to qualify
- December 16, 2020: The Government of Canada provided the draft RFP to qualified suppliers
- February 11, 2022: The Government of Canada released the RFP to qualified suppliers. Only qualified suppliers were allowed to submit proposals in the competition
About the qualified suppliers
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. In August 2021 Babcock Canada 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. The qualified suppliers that submitted proposals in the competition are:
- SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership
- Babcock Leonardo Canada Aircrew Training
2023
- January 5, 2023: RFP closed and the evaluation process began. Proposals were assessed on cost, technical requirements and economic benefits; both qualified suppliers were subject to the same evaluation criteria
- June 30, 2023: Bid evaluation completed with 2 compliant bids. SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership, has been selected as the preferred bidder
2024 and beyond
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2024: The contract award is anticipated
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