Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Project (W8475-110003/A)

Trade Agreement: NONE
Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid
Attachment: None
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 

Industry Workshop on April 11, 2012 for the Fixed-Wing Search
and Rescue (FWSAR) Aircraft Replacement Project 

INTRODUCTION

On August 16, 2011, the Government of Canada sought the
industry's feedback on the best approach to deliver FWSAR
capability. Industry positively responded by attending a plenary
session, a number of one-on-one meetings with Government
representatives, and by submitting discussion papers. All of
this information has been considered and some key decisions have
been made on the way forward.

This procurement is subject to national security exception and
is, therefore, excluded from all of the obligations of the trade
agreements.

FWSAR SECRETARIAT

The overall FWSAR industry engagement strategy will provide an
opportunity to industry to have a voice during the definition
process. A FWSAR Secretariat has been set up to oversee all
procurement elements of the project including the industry
engagement. The Secretariat will be the cornerstone for
collecting and processing information from industry on the FWSAR
project. In addition, PWGSC has retained the services of an
independent third party Fairness Monitor to observe the fainess,
openness and integrity of the competitive solicitation process,
including the industry engagement phase.

WORKSHOPS

The FWSAR engagement process will include multiple workshops
with industry in the development of the tendering documents
including, but not limited to, technical specification
requirements, performance level definition, Canadian industry
participation, Industrial and Regional Benefits requirements, as
well as contractor selection process and evaluation criteria.
The total number of industry engagement workshops will be
determined based on Industry feedback and FWSAR Project Office
requirements. The FWSAR industry engagement may also seek the
participation from industry specializing in aircraft components,
sub-systems or associated services.

INDUSTRY FEEDBACK

Workshop attendance is not the only mechanism available to
industry to participate. Not participating in workshops will not
exclude any interested supplier from responding to the formal
solicitation. Industry is invited to provide comments and
questions on draft documentation that could be posted on MERX or
on the FWSAR Website. FWSAR Website will be regularly updated to
circulate FWSAR information.
Website
http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/stamgp-lamsmp/svtvn-rscfw-en
g.html



INVITATION - APRIL 11, 2012

The Government of Canada is now ready to resume industry
engagement on FWSAR and will start by holding an Industry
Workshop on April 11, 2012.  For this workshop, attendance will
be restricted to companies who can identify themselves and can
attest their capability of playing a significant role in the
context of the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue as an aircraft
provider, or as a Canadian in-service support integrator. 

A secondary objective is to invite participants to propose other
topics of interest that may be scheduled in future workshop
events.

WORSHOP REGISTRATION

Industry representatives that are interested in attending the
April 11, 2012 Workshop must complete and return the form
provided in attachment to the FWSAR Secretariat. Please submit
before Close of Business, March 28, 2012.

Further details on timing and location will be provided upon
registration, and registrants are requested to indicate their
linguistic preference (French or English) for correspondence.

INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT RULES 

The FWSAR Secretariat is publishing a set of rules that shall
govern the FWSAR Industry Engagement activities, until a formal
FWSAR Request for Proposals is released on the Government
Electronic Tendering Service (MERX). The Industry Engagement
Rules are in attachment to this LOI. A duly signed copy must be
returned and submitted with the registration form.

CONCLUSION

The FWSAR Secretariat looks forward to your participation.

The single point of contact for this LOI/P&A is:

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Defence and Major Projects Sector
Supply Team Leader for Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Poject 
Attention: Sylvain Proulx			
Telephone: (819) 994-4758
Facsimile: (819) 997-9024
E-mail : sylvain.proulx@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Delivery Date: 11/04/2012

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any
procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.