But why does that mean a huge government contract should be sourced without tender? I don't buy a car without shopping around -- surely checking out options makes sense?
There may well be a good reason for sole sourcing. But then Stephen Harper should say what it is and move on -- calling those who ask for the reason disloyal is, candidly, an insult to the Forces.
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For a great many years during the Chretien government, military equipment had 2 basic requirements; it had to be green and it had to be made in Quebec.
The F35 is probably the most tested fighter in the history of aviation. Watch the Nova special, "battle of the X-planes" for a reminder.
Seriously, practically irrederate: you're citing a doc. from 2003 as though it has some bearing on this?
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/xplanes/producer.html
It's also one of the most 'failengest' planes, too, if you will -- so much so that it's quality management system has been de-certified by the Pentagon.
www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f-35-jsf-hit-by-serious-design-problems-04311/
www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-05/lockheed-loses-pentagon-certification-of-f-35-cost-system-on-deficiencies.html
Plus there's still the small matter of it not having been shown to be the right plane for _our_ (as opposed to the US's) needs, plus the fact that other countries are getting 100% or even 175% more in supply contracts than their purchase & maintenance contracts, vs. at best 75% for us, thanks to the Cons. paying retail rather than negotiating.
www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000583788&fid=1725
Politics. This is simply the opposition playing politics. When the Liberals were in charge, they clearly were on-board, in their own timid way. Now that they are the opposition, no choice is the right one.
Nonsense: they participated in the JFP, sure, so our aerospace industry could be eligible for contracts, which they've got. But it was never a commitment to OUR buying the planes ... that awaits a review of OUR needs. The man spearheading those negotiations, ADM Alan Williams, is quite clear about this. You guys are all just being dumb about this.
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