The Canadian government has delayed the bid deadline for its CF-18 fighter replacement program by one month. The move extends the deadline for accepting bids to July 31, 2020. Bids were originally due May 2019, with the deadline being pushed back to March 30, and then again to June 30, and now to the end of July.
The revised timeline is a response to issues caused by the global pandemic. The following is from a statement by Public Services and Procurement Canada:
“The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting numerous challenges for businesses and their workforce, including the eligible suppliers for the Future Fighter Capability Project. The unprecedented situation has impacted proposal finalization. To support our commitment to conducting an open, fair, and transparent competition, the extension will ensure all suppliers are able to submit their most competitive offer to Canada.”
Canada plans to buy 88 new jets. Competitors include the Lockheed Martin F-35, Boeing Super Hornet, and Saab Gripen.
As editor of International Military Markets, North America, Shaun has cultivated a deep understanding of the vast defense markets in the United States and Canada. Shaun's perspective on defense procurement and budget issues has been cited in a variety of defense periodicals, including Defense News and National Defense Magazine. Further, Shaun played an integral role in the development of Forecast International's U.S. Defense Budget Forecast product, which offers an unprecedented level of insight into the Pentagon's acquisition budget. In addition to providing original analytical content for the U.S. Defense Budget Forecast, Shaun oversees an internal defense budget forecasting process involving Forecast International's team of skilled systems analysts following release of the DoD's annual budget request. Shaun is also in charge of managing Forecast International's Weapons Inventory database.
