Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems and Infrastructure

Description

Develop and manage modern, operational and sustainable bases and infrastructure. Contribute to the achievement of federal environmental targets.   

Planning highlights

The proper management of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) varied bases and installations, spread throughout Canada, supports the training of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen, so that they can be successful on operations. Bases and wings are home to many units and formations within the CAF. They house brigade groups, squadrons, regiments and military police and serve as training facilities critical to CAF’s readiness and operations.

The Defence Team administers the largest real property portfolio in the federal government. Maintaining modern and sustainable infrastructure that supports military requirements, improves efficiency, and reduces energy and environmental footprint, are critical enablers for CAF operations.

DND/CAF will continue to rationalize the real property portfolio to ensure the efficient and effective use of DND resources. This includes lowering energy costs through the use of performance contracts, reducing the total cost of ownership through the use of public/private partnership arrangements, and realizing a right-sized infrastructure portfolio through a comprehensive and integrated national real property plan.

CAF bases are critical in supporting training and operations. Current methodologies provide a subjective understanding of areas where more focus is required. The CAF will look to augment this assessment by developing a standardized set of quantitative performance indicators which will measure the level of service on CAF bases.

DND/CAF Information Technology systems are essential in delivering timely, trusted and secure information to decision makers. Through its newly established Cyber Security Engineering Program, DND will provide enterprise-level Information Technology system solutions to address identified cyber security deficiencies.

Key Corporate Risk(s)

Two DND/CAF key corporate risks can be associated with the Sustainable Bases, Information Technology Systems and Infrastructure core responsibility. There is a risk that DND/CAF cannot develop, manage, maintain, renew, and build modern, operational and sustainable bases and infrastructure which will affect program/service delivery, training, and could have legal liability consequences. There is also a risk that technology tools will impede DND/CAF ability to effectively operate/do business. Many of the preventative and mitigating controls for these risks are articulated as activities of each Departmental Result below.

Departmental Result 6.1 – Naval, Army and Air Force Bases enable military operations and defence activities

• CAF bases provide materiel support and services to all CAF force elements in their vicinity or where required. Personnel on bases will continue to provide services including: base operations and emergency services (security, ranges, snow removal, fire department, harbour services, etc.), non-operational information technology services, logistics services (maintenance, warehousing, food services, finances, transportation, and procurement), administration services (chaplain services, Personnel Development Services, accommodation, support to Military Family Resource Centres, community relations, etc.), safety and environment services.
• Starting in FY 2019- 20, the Canadian Army will launch an initiative to properly quantify and measure the services provided by bases by leveraging the key results from the Service Level Analysis undertaken from 2013 to 2017; this initiative will be fully implemented by FY 2023-24.

For information, refer to the following webpages:

• Naval bases^{Footnote xlix}
• Army bases^{Footnote l}
• Air Force wings and squadrons^{Footnote li}

Planned results

Departmental Result 6.2 – Defence infrastructure is well-managed throughout its lifecycle

• Implement low-risk housing, office space and offsite investment plans to improve the overall condition and sustainability of the housing portfolio with the aim of providing safe and accessible accommodation, based on DND and CAF requirements.
• Improve infrastructure on bases and wings, including required off-base/wing office space and housing for CAF personnel and their families.
• Continue to dispose of underutilized or obsolete buildings in order to improve the efficiency of the infrastructure portfolio while at the same time helping us to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• DND will continue to transform its Real Property and Portfolio Management capacity by adapting the organization’s structure and processes to better align with the Corporate Real Estate Model and industry best practices, while ensuring it continues to deliver infrastructure programs that enable and support the Defence mandate.
• Explore ways to partner with the private sector through performance-based contractual agreements, in consultation with employees, stakeholders, local communities and public sector unions.

For information, consult the Investing in Infrastructure^{Footnote liii} and Infrastructure Projects^{Footnote liv} webpages.

Planned results

Departmental Result 6.3 – Defence activities are carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner

• Implement the Defence Energy and Environment Strategy, which outlines DND-led initiatives in support of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions reductions commitments, and obligations for protection and stewardship of the environment.
• Seek out opportunities to purchase clean power and alternative energy options for Naval, Army bases and Air Force wings.
• All new construction and major recapitalization projects will meet the Silver Leadership in Energy and Environment Design standard or equivalent.

For more information, refer to the Greening Defence^{Footnote lvi} webpage.

Planned results

Budgetary financial resources (dollars)

Human resources (full-time equivalents)