"Thinking Outside the Tank"
- A seminar on "How to do Business with CFB-Suffield and DRDC-Suffield."

The three military bases on Alberta's east side buy millions of dollars worth of goods and services every year.

In November, area businesses will once again have a chance to learn more about the opportunities and the contracting process at a day long information session "Thinking Outside the Tank" being held in 3 different locations (see below).

The Canadian Forces Base Suffield spends approximately $28 million per year locally on goods, according to Keith Crawford, Base Technical Services Officer. Last year alone, between 12,000 and 14,000 purchases of under $5,000 were made in southeast Alberta.

"One of the more exciting things we have right now with the British military is we are trying to get them to make more purchases locally. We are going to have a trial which could increase their procurement by $7 million to $9 million annually," said Crawford.

Items ranging from vehicle parts, tools, and batteries to services such as catering, laundry, and maintenance could all be provided locally. The British army also consumes about 50,000 litres of diesel a day while military exercises are taking place, much of which could be supplied through local companies. There are a number of Medicine Hat companies and southern Alberta companies who have contracts with us, some large and some small," said Crawford.

There are many opportunities for businesses in SE Alberta. Bill Werny, Senior Director of Defence Industry Development for Alberta Economic Development points out that local companies could take advantage of opportunities at any of the three bases through the contracting process and through sub-contracting opportunities.