Rapid procurement to protect Canadian soldiers

Canadian Forces soldiers working to stabilize and rebuild the region of Kandahar, Afghanistan, recently received some help from PWGSC in the form of new Armoured Patrol Vehicles (APV’s).

The vehicles are critical to the security of soldiers conducting patrols in the dangerous region of Kandahar and have the ability to withstand blasts that would normally disable a tank. Responding to an urgent request from the Department of National Defence (DND), PWGSC purchased 50 new APV’s in record time, helping improve the safety of Canada’s troops in the process.

A very aggressive schedule was put in place to ensure the new APV’s were delivered directly to Afghanistan as quickly as possible. “These vehicles can be the difference between life and death, so it was extremely important that they reach our troops quickly,” says PWGSC’s Mike Leroux, Manager of the Armoured Vehicles Life Extension Division.

It took PWGSC eight weeks to facilitate the competition and award the $60.3 million project to the private sector. As a result of the urgent need for the equipment, the vehicles were delivered 75 percent sooner than it would regularly take, while saving $7.2 million, over two years, along the way.

“Our experienced project team conducted a competitive bid solicitation and evaluation process and awarded the contract in record timing,” says Mr. Leroux. “The team was dedicated and focused on delivering their services in the timeliest manner possible, while ensuring a fair, open and transparent process, so that Canadian Forces personnel can do their job in relative safety.”

Confronted by a multitude of threats, including terrorism, explosive devices and riots, Canadian soldiers deployed in Afghanistan are facing complex and demanding situations in a diverse landscape. The new APV’s provide a high level of protection for troops conducting patrols and reconnaissance missions ranging from mountainous terrain to busy urban centres.

The APV has earned a reputation as the multi-purpose vehicle of choice, providing enhanced mine blast resistance as well as protection against explosive devices and ballistic threats. It incorporates a remote weapon station equipped with day- and night-vision targeting systems, allowing operators to fire from within the vehicle while remaining protected.

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