Ottawa issues RFP for new Coast Guard lifeboats under NSPS
by Canadian Manufacturing Staff
Search and rescue lifeboats will replace existing vessels in Canadian Coast Guard fleet that have average age of 18 years
OTTAWA—The governing Conservatives have announced a request for proposals (RFP) for new Canadian Coast Guard lifeboats as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).
Public Works Minister Diane Finley and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea jointly announced the RFP for the search and rescue lifeboats that will replace existing vessels in the Coast Guard fleet that have an average age of 18 years.
“This (RFP) is the first in a series of small vessel procurements planned under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy,” Finley said in a statement. “These procurements will provide opportunities for Canadian shipyards and for the broader marine industry.”
The construction of new lifeboats is part of the small vessels program under the NSPS totaling worth as much as $488 million that will see 18 to 21 new vessels built for the Coast Guard.
The shore-based, self-righting lifeboats need to be capable of operating 100 nautical miles from shore, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Contracts are available to all Canadian shipyards with the exception of the two selected under the NSPS to build the large vessels.
Irving Shipbuilding Inc. and Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. have each been awarded large vessel contracts.
Construction of the lifeboats is expected to begin in 2015.
To view the RFP visit the federal procurement website, buyandsell.gc.ca.
