By Mark Edward Nero
The Government of Canada has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to seek feedback from shipyards regarding construction of a new generation of Coast Guard lifeboats. The ships are to be built as part of the country’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) small vessels program.
The RFI’s intent is to directly engage with Canadian shipyards that are potential suppliers of the new vessels. The Canadian Government says this initial step in the procurement process will provide it with information it needs before drafting a Request for Proposals.
The country’s small vessel program, which was announced in June 2013, includes 18 to 21 new vessels for the Coast Guard fleet. Canadian shipyards – other than those selected under the NSPS to build the large vessels, and their affiliated companies – will be able to compete in individual procurement processes on a project-by-project basis.
The new vessels are expected to replace the Coast Guard’s existing Arun-type vessels, which are an average of 18 years old. Construction of the boats could begin later in 2014, according to the Canadian Government.
“The Government’s commitment to build these ships in Canada will result in long-term jobs and economic growth for our country, stability for the industry, and vital equipment for our men and women in the Canadian Coast Guard,” Canadian Minister of Public Works and Government Services Diane Finley said in a statement announcing the RFI.
The Request for Information can be viewed at https://buyandsell.gc.ca.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
