Question Period Note: Procurement Ombudsman Report

With a procurement process that continually results in delays and overrun costs, why has this Government failed to procure essential equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces?

• National Defence welcomes the Procurement Ombudsman’s report and the recommendations to improve procurement processes.

• We are implementing a Management Action Plan to address the six recommendations and will also review our policies, procedures and training to ensure fairness, openness, and transparency.

• We are committed to working with Public Services and Procurement Canada to guarantee value for Canadians as we seek to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the modern equipment it needs in an evolving security environment.

Quick Facts

Report: Procurement Practices of the Department of National Defence

• Tabled: Wednesday June 22, 2022, by the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman of Canada

• Purpose: to determine whether National Defence’s procurement practices support the principles of fairness, openness, and transparency

• Findings focused on the administrative aspect rather than National Defence’s ability to procure equipment.

• The report is based on data provided to the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman by National Defence for DND-awarded contracts between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2021.

Background

Report’s Recommendations: 6

1. Ensuring criteria are properly defined and rated, and selection methodology clearly explained;

2. Ensuring bid solicitation processes are open, fair and transparent;

3. Require all evaluators, regardless of employment status, to assess and confirm they are not in a conflict of interest prior to obtaining bid documentation and/or participating in the evaluation process;

4. Assess areas for improvement associated with how bid evaluations are conducted and documented;

5. All solicitations to include the entire requirement as known at the time of publication of the solicitation, and that unexpected amendments are minimized, taking into account DND’s operational requirements; and,

6. Ensure the electronic system accurately tracks, controls, and reports on its contracting activities and ensures all contracts that are required to be proactively disclosed are.

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Review Services), Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel)