Halifax Class Frigates Get Another Boost

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, December 12, 2008 – The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, and the Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, as well as the Minister of Industry, the Honourable Tony Clement, today announced that the Government of Canada awarded a contract to L-3 Communications MAPPS Inc. for an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) in support of the 12 Halifax Class frigates.

"This Government is ensuring that the Halifax Class frigates are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment," said Minister Paradis. "We are taking every step to provide the men and women of the Canadian Navy with the tools they need to operate at home and abroad."

The 12 Halifax Class frigates require an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) to upgrade the damage control, electrical control and integrated machinery control systems on board. The system will also link sensors and computer systems to the Halifax Class Command and Control System, providing real-time updates.

"This project ensures that our frigates remain a vital part of today's Canadian Navy and ready for the challenges of tomorrow," said Minister MacKay. "The Halifax-class frigates will continue to ensure Canada's coastlines are safe, and our overseas interests are protected in cooperation with our allies."

The IPMS project is subject to industrial and regional benefits requirements equal to 100 percent of the contract value. This means that the supplier will be re-investing the full contract amount into the Canadian economy, creating jobs and stimulating regional markets.

"This is another example of how Canada's Industrial Regional Benefits policy ensures a benefit to the Canadian economy," said Minister Clement.

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For more information about the procurement process, please contact:

Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Office: 819-956-5325
Mobile: 613-218-6961
E-mail: Mary-Ann.Dewey-Plante@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

Jay Paxton
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Peter MacKay
Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway
613-996-3100

Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry
613-995-9001

Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315

Media Liaison Office
Department of National Defence
613-996-2353 (local and international)
1-866-377-0811 (anywhere in Canada)

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502

PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at:
http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/medias-media/index-eng.html.

Backgrounder

The 12 Halifax Class frigates were built in the early 1990s. In April 2008, the Government of Canada awarded two major contracts-one to Halifax Shipyards, and the other to Victoria Shipyards Company-to ensure the ongoing maintenance and refit of the frigates. Since then, contracts have also been awarded to Lockheed Martin Canada for the Combat Systems Integration (CSI) Design and Build as well as In-Service Support elements of the modernization of these frigates.

The Department of National Defence also has a requirement for an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) to upgrade the damage control, electrical control and integrated machinery control systems on the 12 frigates. It links sensors and computer systems to the Halifax Class Command and Control System, providing real-time updates.

To ensure a fair and transparent process, on February 12, 2008, PWGSC posted a Request for Proposal on Merx™, the government's electronic tendering system. The RFP closed on May 29, 2008. After thoroughly evaluating all bids, PWGSC selected the successful bid based on the requirements that were specified in the RFP and the best value for Canadian taxpayers.

The L-3 Communications MAPPS Inc contract, valued at approximately $73 million, is subject to industrial and regional benefits equal to 100 percent of the contract value. This means that under the terms of the contract, L-3 Communications MAPPS Inc. is required to invest in the Canadian economy, dollar for dollar, what it receives from the contract.

The IPMS will help ensure that the Halifax Class ships' systems remain a valuable asset to the Canadian Navy by providing damage control, electrical control and integrated machinery control systems.