Today Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Department of National Defence, awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System (NWS).
The NWS is a radar system consisting of a chain of remotely operated radar stations in the Arctic, which provides aerospace surveillance of Canada's and the United States' northern approaches. As the effects of climate change make the Arctic more navigable for everyone, and as a strong partner in NORAD, we must maintain and improve our ability to monitor activities in Canada's North, which enable us to take action when needed.
This new contract is for an initial period of seven years, and is valued at $592 million ($527 million before taxes). The contract also includes four two-year option periods for a total estimated value of $1.3 billion ($1.1 billion before taxes).
Under the contract, Nasittuq will be responsible for preventative and corrective maintenance for the NWS, and ensuring that NWS radar data is always available in support of NORAD and DND/CAF operations. This includes full logistics support, infrastructure and environmental stewardship, engineering and life cycle material management, and general program and project management.
A transition period between the existing contractor, Raytheon Canada Limited, and Nasittuq will begin on April 1, 2022 and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2022.
The NWS has had a long and successful history, in large part due to the involvement of Inuit and Inuit industry. That's why DND, in conjunction with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada, has worked diligently to consult, engage, and include Inuit firms throughout this competitive process.
The Canadian Content Policy and Canada's obligations under the Comprehensive Land Claims Agreements including the recent Treasury Board of Canada issued Directive on Government Contracts in the Nunavut Settlement Area are being applied to this contract to create jobs, innovation and growth in Canada, with a focus on Inuit benefits and northern communities.
This process reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to renewing and strengthening its economic relationship with Inuit and ensuring that Inuit communities benefit from federal procurement in Inuit Nunangat.
Nasittuq is expected to begin work on the operation and maintenance contract on April 1, 2022.
