MILNEWS.ca News Highlights – 10 Sept 11

• Libya Mission (1)  INTERPOL wants to have a chat with Mohamar, his son and the former head of military intelligence.
• Libya Mission (2)  Happy 18th Birthday HMCS Vancouver (even if you’re downrange).  “No cake, no singing, no champagne. Grapefruit juice was the strongest available beverage. In an atmosphere more vigilant than festive, the ship’s company marked the 18th anniversary of HMCS Vancouver’s commissioning as the frigate headed out of Agusta Bay on the east coast of Sicily for her first patrol of Operation MOBILE. Her destination: Libyan territorial waters, off the port of Misrata ….”
• Libya Mission (3)  Welcome back!  “Hugs and tears were shared on Friday at a Winnipeg air force base as 24 military men and women returned to their families from a summer assisting a NATO mission in Libya. Largely part of the Winnipeg-based 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, the Canadian Forces contingent landed at the 17 Wing base on a Hercules CC-130 plane as their family members watched on the tarmac. Six-year-old Kayden Maher held a welcome sign for his father. Master Cpl. Ryan Maher, an air frame technician, told reporters they “have no idea” how much he had missed his children during the past four months. “It’s just so nice to see them again, and be part of their lives,” Maher said, also with two-year-old daughter MacKenzie and wife Shauna ….”
• 9/11 Plus Ten (1)  7 Sept 11:  MILNEWS.ca tells you 9-11 is going to become a “National Day of Service.”  9 Sept 11:  PM says 9-11 is going to become a “National Day of Service”.  More on this here.
• 9/11 Plus Ten (2)  “The threat level for a terror attack in Canada has not increased following information of a possible plot of a car bombing in Washington or New York on the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 the RCMP says. “The RCMP has no information at this time that indicates that Canadians are more at risk than usual,” RCMP Sgt. Julie Gagnon told CBC News. Counterterrorism officials in the U.S. have been chasing a credible but unconfirmed tip that al-Qaeda has plans to set off a car bomb in New York City or Washington, with bridges or tunnels as potential targets. It was the first word of a possible “active plot” timed to coincide with commemoration of the group’s attacks in the United States a decade ago. Public Safety Minister Vic Toews backed the RCMP assessment. “In respect of Canada, I can’t point to any specific threat that might occur during this weekend but I think that all of our agencies are on full alert on a weekend like this,” Toews (said)….”
• 9/11 Plus Ten (3)  “Soldiers paid price for war on terror in blood, Trauma: Each day in Afghanistan a roll of the dice”
• 9/11 Plus Ten (4)  The CF Info-Machine’s “Domestic and Continental Defence and Security Accomplishments Post 9/11″
• 9/11 Plus Ten (5)  “U.S. President Barack Obama thanked Canadians on Friday for their hospitality and support in the wake of the 9-11 attacks, recalling the “comfort of friendship and extraordinary assistance” in a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “It is often said that the United States and Canada are great neighbors, trading partners and the best of friends,” Obama wrote in a letter that was delivered to the prime minister on Friday. “In one of the darkest moments in our history, Canada stood by our side and showed itself to be a true friend.” ….”
• 9/11 Plus Ten (6)  Even the Taliban has to make itself heard for the anniversary, suggesting we don’t REALLY know what happened during the 9/11 attacks – riiiiiiiiight…. (link to non-terrorist site)
• Andrew (Boomer) Eykelenboom, 1982-2006, R.I.P.  “Just over five years ago, Cpl. Andrew (Boomer) Eykelenboom was killed by a suicide bomber while serving as a medic in Afghanistan. Today, more than 50 cyclists will take part in a 180-kilometre bike ride to raise money for the Boomer’s Legacy foundation. The Boomer’s Legacy Ride has been taking place annually on Vancouver Island for the last four years. Today will be the first Atlantic ride, which starts at CFB Greenwood and ends at CFB Halifax ….”
• The Leslie Report/CF Reorg (1)  You can now download the report and read it yourself here (PDF at CF page) or here (PDF at alternate download site)
• The Leslie Report/CF Reorg (2)  What the Minister of National Defence has to say about the report:  “…. our government will be taking a close look at spending right across government to identify the savings needed to eliminate the deficit: this includes the Department of National Defence …. This report will inform our approach to the Government’s Deficit Reduction Action Plan, the results of which will be presented in Budget 2012. At all times, support for our frontline troops will be our priority ….”  More on this here (Postmedia News) and here (QMI/Sun Media).
• The Leslie Report/CF Reorg (3)  What the Chief of Defence Staff has to say about the report (via Army.ca – PDF downloadable here if link doesn’t work):  “…. The fiscal and operational environment in which the recommendations must be assessed and implemented has become even more complex. As well, while the report was being prepared, new budgetary reduction targets were announced as part of the government s deficit reduction action plan. Taken together, this creates a difficult backdrop for interpreting the potential advantages and drawbacks of recommendations made in the transformation report …. A concerted analysis has been underway since the transformation report was submitted, involving both CF and DND personnel. The goal of this effort has been to determine which elements of transformation are already being implemented through the Strategic Review, which options merit implementation in concert with the deficit reduction action plan, and which options have second and third-order consequences that require additional study. This level of analysis takes time, but only when it is complete will it be possible to decide and communicate which parts of the transformation report should be implemented right away, which must be phased in over the medium term, and which will be deferred ….” 
• What’s Canada Buying? (1)  Could Mark Collins be a touch skeptical re:  the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard getting new ships anytime soon?
• What’s Canada Buying? (2)  Remember the new JPSU building for CFB Petawawa (bullet 9) (map and floorplan downloadable here via Army.ca) ?  Here’s the Ottawa Citizen’s update:  “A new building to house military staff who work in a unit that provides help for ill and injured military personnel and their families is to be built at CFB Petawawa. The building is to replace a trailer currently used for staff members of the regional element of the Joint Personnel Support Unit for Eastern Ontario, according to a military spokesman. It’s expected that six staff members will work in the new building, although there will be space for a few others. Defence Construction Canada, a Crown corporation responsible for Department of National Defence construction, has issued a $1.3-million tender for the one-storey building to be built. The start and end dates of the construction are unknown, but the contract is to be awarded within the next three months ….”
• “The Canadian Forces have confirmed a body was found on the grounds at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Thursday morning. The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is investigating, but details regarding the cause of death, gender or identity have not been released. “They are investigating the discovery of a body on the grounds,” Canadian Forces Capt. Karina Holder said. “We never speculate on timing or when an investigation may or may not be completed.” “
• “The Canada Army Run is proving to be a big hit with runners. The Sept. 18 event in Ottawa has already attracted more than 16,000 participants and is sold out. The event is the fastest-growing run in Canada and the second-largest running event in Ottawa after Ottawa Race Weekend. It started four years ago with 7,000 participants. The Canada Army Run has five-kilometre and half-marathon events and raises money for Soldier On and the Military Families Fund ….”  More info on the run at the Army Run website here.
• A bit of mechanical Canadian military history being honoured this weekend.  “During the final months of the Second World War, as Allied armies waged a brutal campaign to liberate Europe, a rough-hewn band of Canadian soldiers revolutionized ground warfare with an unusual new technology.  They were called the 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment, assembled to drive Kangaroos, tanks modified to carry troops. The unit laid the groundwork for the tactics of today’s light armoured vehicles, protecting soldiers from gunfire while they travelled to enemy lines, but was swiftly dissolved at war’s end and its history was largely forgotten …. In a ceremony this weekend, the regiment will get some overdue credit. After decades of obscurity, veterans alerted the Department of National Defence that they wanted formal recognition of the unit, and found a serving regiment to take up the Kangaroos’ battle honours, ensuring its story will be perpetuated …. At a ceremony in St. Thomas, Ont., on Saturday, the (31 Combat Engineer Regiment, also known as the) Elgins will accept a standard listing the Kangaroos’ honours to hang in their armoury. A Kangaroo bought by the Canadian War Museum – one of only a handful that still exist – will be paraded in the streets ….”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted: Checking out an old shipwreck in BC for nasties.  “DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION CANADA (DCC) – #BC12THL1– MEC Underwater Survey of the HCMS Thiepval Shipwreck, Thiepval Channel, British Columbia – The work includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the supply of labour, material, supervision and equipment necessary to conduct an underwater survey of possible Munitions and Explosives of Concern …. The estimated cost for this opportunity is in the order of $198,560.00 …. “  More on the HMCS THIEPVAL here (Wikipedia), here (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency) and here (Canadian War Museum).
• Wanted:  School to carry out Marine Engineering Technician training.  “…. Requirement: To provide post secondary academic institute required technical training, the pedagogical supplies and the logistic support for the Department of National Defence (DND) sponsored students and staff under the plan entitled the Marine Engineering Technician Training Plan (METTP) ….”
• Wanted: someone to take down, rebuild office @ Dwyer Hill. “DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION CANADA (DCC) – #DHTC1103– Demolition & Construction: New Office Structure, Ottawa, Ontario – The work includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the supply of labour, material, supervision and equipment necessary to demolish an existing trailer unit and construct an Engineered Office Structure …. A site meeting will be held at the following date, time and location. It is highly recommended that bidders attend this site meeting. Date: July 12, 2011m, Time: 10:00hrs, Location: Commissionaires Building, Main Gate off Dwyer Hill Road.  The estimated cost for this opportunity is in the order of $129,864.43 ….”
• Wanted:  Zamboni for Suffield?  “Requirement: For the supply, delivery and off-loading of one (1) Ice Resurfacer for the Department of National Defence, CFB Suffield, Ralston ….”

WHAT’S CANADA BUYING? Big (and little) Accommodations and Adjusting Sleep in the Arctic

• Wanna build trainee shacks in Petawawa? “…. DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION CANADA (DCC) – #HQ1368A9- Construct Training Accommodation Facility, Petawawa, Ontario.  The work includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the supply of labour, material, supervision and equipment necessary for the construction of a 3 story, 96 room training accommodation building …. The estimated cost for this opportunity is in the order of $13,687,000.00 …. The tender closing date is: January 20, 2011.  The tender closing time is: 14:00 hours, local time ….”
• How about a big naval building in Esquimalt? “…. DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION CANADA (DCC) – #HQ43604A- FMF Cape Breton – Phase IV, CANTASS Area, Esquimalt, British Columbia.  The work includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the supply of labour, material, supervision and equipment necessary for construction of new areas and renovation of existing areas of the FMF Cape Breton facility, Esquimalt, British Columbia …. The estimated cost for this opportunity is in the order of $6,031,000.00 …. The tender closing date is: January 11, 2011  The tender closing time is: 14:00 hours, local time ….”
• Tents, anyone? “…. The Department of National Defence, Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, in Oromocto, New Brunswick, has a requirement for the supply and delivery of a quantity of 200, 3 person 3 season tents to weather light snow, heavy rains and wind, plus work in hot climates …. Maximum packed weight must not exceed 5 lbs. including fly.  Delivery of all tents is preferred by February 18, 2011 and absolutely no later than March 31, 2011 ….”
• CF needs portable chopper landing pads for those hard-to-land-in spaces: “…. The Department of National Defence, 1 Wing, has a requirement for the provisions of eight (8) man portable Helicopter Landing Pads to support the Canadian Forces (CF) tactical aviation operations in austere areas …. The objective of this acquisition is to obtain man-portable, helicopter landing pads capability that will reduce environmental damage to aircraft, improve operational performance and increase safety …. The deliverables must be received no later than March 31, 2011 ….”
• How do we play with sleep & light cycles (and maybe give them melatonin) to help folks work & live better in the Arctic? “…. The Department of National Defence, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), Toronto, Ontario has a requirement for a contractor to provide service for conducting a research and development literature review and a Gap Analysis on circadian interventions. The contractor will also review DRDC’s scientific literature manuscripts prior to submission for publication ….” More in Statement of Work here (PDF), and a bit more on the topic here (via etools.ch metasearch engine) and here (via allplus.com metasearch engine).
• Emergency knives for aircrew:  “…. The Contractor is required to provide the Department of National Defence with Hunting knife set, aircrew emergency knife, used on immersion suits, special features complete with metal sheath, fabric patch, cleat and lanyards, manufactured by Egginton Bros. Limited in Shefffield, GB, part number AEK/COMP.  Firm Quantity: 100 each to Montreal, Quebec and 100 each to Edmonton, Alberta.  Delivery: January 31, 2011 ….”

WHAT’S CANADA BUYING? Specialized parachute training and English-language courseware

Wanted:

• Someone to teach high altitude, high opening parachute operations (more in Statement of Requirements available here)
• This Minnesota-based company to build live-fire “kill houses” for Brit training in Suffield
• Someone to build a new office building on Oxford Street in London
• Someone to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) online courseware for “up to 450 concurrent users for autonomous Canadian Forces Francophone members”.

WHAT’S CANADA BUYING? Who’s Up to Designing/Building Chinook Support Complex in Petawawa?

This, from MERX:

…. Defence Construction Canada – Request for Qualifications, Design and Construction of Support Facilities, Medium To Heavy Lift Helicopters (MHLH), Petawawa, ON.

In accordance with the rules, regulations, statutes and guidelines, and the professional associations of the Province of Ontario, Defence Construction Canada (DCC) is calling for submissions from Contractor Teams to provide the following services for the design and construction of the new facilities:

• complete the design and prepare the construction documentation based on the Performance Specifications
• design, register and obtain LEED® certification at the level of Silver
• supply all labour, materials and equipment to construct the facilities
• establish and maintain QA/QC processes throughout the implementation phase of the project
• undertake complete commissioning and testing exercise to ensure compliance with the performance objectives.
• supply as-built and operation and maintenance data ….

The estimated design and construction cost is in the order of $124,000,000 ….

And what do you get for an estimated cost of $124M? From the bid package (PDF of main document here):

The Heavy Maintenance Squadron Facility will provide 2nd and 3rd line maintenance support for all Chinook operations in an approximately 13,000 sq.m. gross area. It will incorporate four (4) helicopter maintenance bays, one (1) explosion proof repair bay, as well as an interior wash bay with an underground water reservoir. Aircraft support shops and offices will also be located throughout the facility.

The 1st Line Maintenance and Operation Facility will house the squadron operational helicopters, operators and support in a gross area of approximately 16,000 sq.m. The hangar floor will accommodate a minimum of ten (10) helicopters. The large, open, ready-use material shops will require basic systems with electrical and/or air compressor connectors to accommodate work benches, metal fabrication equipment and fume hoods. Squadron offices will also be housed in this facility.

The Pilot and Maintainer Training Facility will be approximately 6,000 sq.m. gross area. A large portion will be high bays for simulators. Other areas will be used as computer rooms, classrooms, briefing rooms and instructor offices.

The Common Support Facility will be approximately 5,000 sq.m. gross area. A large portion will comprise a high warehouse. Other portions will include office areas, repair shops for small equipment, and support vehicles.

Deadline to let the CF know whether your company can handle such a contract? No later than 2pm Eastern Daylight Time, April 20, 2010.

(Crossposted to The Torch blog)

WHAT’S CANADA BUYING? Scopes, Soil and Sandwiches

Who’s taking care of our rifle scopes?

…. The Department of National Defence requires the repair and overhaul (R&O) of Schmidt & Bender tactical 3-12X50 and 5-25X56 rifle telescopes. It is a requirement that the provider of the R&O services use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and approved methods.

It is intended to negotiate a contract with Wolverine Supplies Ltd., of Virden, Manitoba, as the holder of the exclusive representation and distribution rights for all Schmidt & Bender tactical sights in Canada.

Work will be performed on an as and when requested basis from the date of award until March 31, 2014 with the option to extend the period of the contract by 3 one-year option periods.

The estimated limitation of expenditure is $400,000.00 from the date of award to March 31, 2014,  however, the minimum work guarantee is $10,000.00 for each year including any option periods exercised ….

Someone needed to clean up lead-contaminated soil at Dwyer Hill

…. DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION CANADA (DCC) – DHTC0906 – Contaminated Soil Removal and Disposal, Ottawa, Ontario

The work includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the supply of labour, material, supervision and equipment necessary to remove and dispose of lead contaminated soil.

(….)

A site meeting will be held at the following date, time and location. It is highly recommended that bidders attend this site meeting.

Date: February 17, 2010
Time: 9:00 hours, local time
Location: Commissionaires Bldg, main Gate off Dwyer Hill

The estimated cost for this opportunity is in the order of $75,600.00 ….

5,000 sandwiches needed for Wainwright, Alberta

…. Regional Individual Standing Offer for the suppy (sic), delivery and off-loading of assorted prepared sandwiches to the Department of National Defence, CFB/ASU Wainwright, Western Area Training Centre, Denwood, Alberta on an “as and when” requested basis during the period from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 inclusive to be provided in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the Request for Standing Offer ….

And what kind of sandwiches, pray tell?  Check here (PDF)

WHAT’S CANADA BUYING? Mock Ring Road for Testing Counter-IED Systems

This, from MERX:

“…. DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION CANADA (DCC) – #DS091002 – Construct Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Test Site, CFB Suffield, Alberta

The work includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the supply of labour, material, supervision and equipment necessary to construct a gravelled ring road with built-up and landscaped areas along route for testing Counter Improvised Explosive Devices.

(….)

The estimated cost for this opportunity is in the order of $655,000.00 ….”

Translation:  they want to build a fake road with buildings at Canadian Forces Base Suffield to help test out different ways to counter IEDs.

Bidding deadline:  4 Feb 10, 14oo Mountain Standard Time.