Government of Canada Invests in the Canadian Forces and Jobs

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 13, 2012) - Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, and the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, today announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract to General Dynamics Canada of Calgary, Alberta, for Vehicle Interface Unit (VIU) Amplifiers.

"On behalf of my Calgary Northeast constituents, I am very pleased that this high-tech military contract has been awarded locally," said MP Shory. "This further demonstrates our deep and diverse Calgary Northeast skill-set, and I congratulate General Dynamics Canada of Calgary and their employees."

"This announcement is good news for our Canadian Forces, for Canadian workers, and for the Canadian economy," said Minister Ambrose. "This work will help to support our women and men in uniform in land vehicles."

"Our Government has a strong mandate to ensure the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces have the tools they need to defend Canada's interests both at home and abroad," said Minister Fantino. "This contract ensures our Canadian Forces are prepared with the equipment they need to protect our interests now and in the future."

The initial contract is valued at $3,655,475, with an unfunded option to purchase additional units over the next two years, for a total value of $7,310,950.

The contract will initially purchase a firm quantity of 500 VIU Amplifiers and associated cable assemblies. The contract will also include the option to purchase additional quantities of up to 500 amplifiers and associated cable assemblies up to two years after the contract has been awarded.

The VIU Amplifier is a component of the Army's Iris Communication System. Virtually every vehicle in the Army's fleet uses this amplifier. VIU Amplifiers provide extra power to enable communications over large distances. The amplifiers are being purchased by the Army to replenish its spare VIU Amplifier inventory and replace units previously removed from vehicles in support of overseas operations.

In line with the Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is committed to providing our women and men in uniform with the right equipment to perform their missions through open, fair, and transparent procurement practices.

The first delivery of the VIU Amplifiers is expected in June 2012.

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