31 décembre 2018 | Local, Aérospatial
Criteria for “Boeing clause” in fighter jet competition to be outlined in the new year
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN In October, the Canadian government sent out its draft request for proposals to aerospace firms expected to bid on replacing the CF-18 fighter jets. The aircraft that are being considered in this competition are Lockheed Martin's F-35, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab's Gripen and the Boeing Super Hornet. The aerospace companies will provide feedback on the draft request for proposals and after that is received the final RFP will be issued and bids required by May 2019. Industry is expected to provide feedback on a number of issues, including the so-called “Boeing clause.” The Canadian government has introduced the change to the standard procurement process with a new provision that defence analysts say was aimed directly at Boeing. The move came after the U.S. firm complained to the Trump administration that its Quebec-based competitor Bombardier was receiving unfair Canadian government subsidies on the production of its C-Series civilian passenger aircraft. The U.S. ruled in favour of Boeing, resulting in Bombardier facing duties of almost 300 per cent on sales of its C-Series planes in America. The Liberal government retaliated against Boeing's complaint by cancelling plans to buy 18 of the company's Super Hornet fighter jets at a cost of around $6 billion. In addition, as part of the competition for the new fighter jets, Canada announced it would assess a company's “economic behavior” in the years leading up to the competition. Navdeep Bains, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, said if a firm has caused economic harm to Canada that would be at a distinct disadvantage in the fighter jet competition. But the Canadian government hasn't yet outlined its criteria for the controversial clause. Jeff Waring, director general for industrial benefits policy at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada recently told Esprit de Corps military magazine that the federal government is “still finalizing the assessment tool” for that clause and will continue to discuss the issue with industry. The details for the clause will be outlined before the final request for proposals is issued, he added. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/criteria-for-boeing-clause-in-fighter-jet-competition-to-be-outlined-in-the-new-year