Hercules Support Contract Awarded

Gatineau, Quebec -- Cascade Aerospace Inc. of Abbotsford, B.C. is the winning bidder to supply the maintenance and support services for the airframe of the CC-130 Hercules fleet. The Department of Public Works and Government Services announced the contract award today on behalf of the Department of National Defence. The contract, worth $423.4 million, will provide an innovative and efficient support management system for the remaining life of the fleet from Cascade’s headquarters in Abbotsford.

“This contract was awarded after a competitive process that was open, fair and transparent and overseen by a fairness monitor,” said Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. “As part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to modernize procurement, this performance-based contract will ensure that Canadians receive the best value for their hard-earned tax dollars.”

"The men and women of the Canadian Forces deserve the best equipment and support that we can provide,” said Defence Minister Bill Graham. "This new broader integrated contract will allow the Department of National Defence to do just that."

“By providing our aircrews with the most efficient maintenance and support means possible, we improve fleet availability, capability and sustainability,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “This restructuring of contracts to industry will result in a direct operational benefit to our Forces.”

The contract includes an initial term of six years, including a six-month implementation period, and option years for the remaining life of the fleet.

The CC-130 Hercules Optimized Weapon System Management program (OWSM) for the airframe combines several contracts under a broader framework that encompasses the majority of the CC-130 support responsibilities. These responsibilities include program management, engineering support, maintenance support, materiel support and technical information support. OWSM also increases contractor responsibility and accountability, and introduces performance-based incentives to promote cost-savings to the Canadian Forces.

This is one of three Hercules OWSM projects, with the remaining two being for the avionics and propulsion systems of the aircraft. The OWSM program is also being implemented with the

CF-18 Hornet and CP-140 Aurora fleets.

For more information on the CC-130 Hercules aircraft visit: http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/cc-130/intro_e.asp

For further information, please contact:

Renée David
Press Secretary
Public Works and Government Services Canada
(819) 997-5421

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

Department of National Defence Media Liaison Office

(613) 996-2353/54

(613) 792-2973 (after hours)