Future aircrew training program

Explore the procurement program to develop the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.

The FAcT program is replacing training services currently being provided through 2 separate contracts:

• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flying Training in Canada is provided by CAE Military Aviation Training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, through a contract that expires in 2027
  • The contract includes an additional option year, which could extend the services to 2028
• Contracted flying training and support is provided by Allied Wings in Southport, Manitoba
  • The contract will expire in 2027

The FAcT program will also include aircrew training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators, which is currently being delivered in-house by the RCAF. The program combines all of these requirements in 1 contract, including maintenance and infrastructure services.

Following a review, the Government of Canada determined the new training services will continue to be provided at the existing locations.

Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy applies to this procurement, requiring the contractor to undertake business in Canada equal to the value of the contract. This procurement will leverage the strength of Canadian industry in areas related to training, simulation, and in-service support. This will ensure the Canadian aerospace and defence industries are well positioned to participate, grow and compete in the global marketplace.

To support Indigenous participation in the delivery of the FAcT program, qualified suppliers were asked to submit an Indigenous participation plan as part of their bids, committing to invest a minimum of 5% of the contract value, excluding the cost of aircraft, simulators and task authorizations. Public Services and Procurement Canada and the contractor continue to engage with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the Manitoba Métis Federation and Western Region III Métis. In addition, collaboration is ongoing with Indigenous Services Canada on consultations and engagement with Indigenous groups within 100 kilometres of each site affected by the program.

On May 28, 2024, a 25-year contract was awarded to SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership in the amount of $11.2 billion (including taxes) to equip the Canadian Armed Forces with new state-of-the-art platforms for training and operations at home and abroad. Through this contract, Canada will acquire over 70 training aircraft in total, split into 5 fleets. Canada is working with the contractor on ramping up the FAcT program and ensuring the transition from the current programs is progressing.

The procurement was completed through an open, fair and transparent competitive process.

• May 28, 2024: A contract was awarded to SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership
• Canada is working with the contractor on ramping up the FAcT Program and ensuring the transition from the current programs is progressing

• January 5, 2023: The request for proposals closed and the evaluation process began
  • Proposals were assessed on cost, technical requirements and economic benefits; both qualified suppliers were subject to the same evaluation criteria
• June 30, 2023: Bid evaluation completed with 2 compliant bids
  • SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership was selected as the preferred bidder

• May 2, 2018: The Government of Canada held a FAcT Industry Engagement Session in Ottawa
• November 15, 2018: The Government of Canada launched an invitation to qualify to establish a list of qualified suppliers
• December 10, 2018: The Government of Canada published a list of qualified suppliers that demonstrated their ability to meet Canada’s needs, as defined in the invitation to qualify
• December 16, 2020: The Government of Canada provided the draft RFP to qualified suppliers
• February 11, 2022: The Government of Canada released the RFP to qualified suppliers
  • Only qualified suppliers were allowed to submit proposals in the competition

BAE Systems, Airbus Defence and Space, and Lockheed Martin Canada were originally on the list of qualified suppliers for the program. BAE Systems, Airbus Defence and Space, and Lockheed Martin Canada informed the Government of Canada of their decisions to withdraw from the competition on April 2, 2019, September 13, 2019, and December 14, 2020, respectively. In August 2021 Babcock Canada and Leonardo Canada, both qualified suppliers under the FAcT invitation to qualify, advised Canada that they had formed a joint venture in support of FAcT. The qualified suppliers that submitted proposals in the competition are:

• SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership
• Babcock Leonardo Canada Aircrew Training

• 2013: Preliminary consultations began
• 2016: Industry was advised of the new scope of this procurement through a letter of interest

• Minister Blair announces major investments in equipment and training for the Canadian Armed Forces in partnership with Canada’s defence industry (May 29, 2024)
• Government of Canada announces preferred bidder for Future Aircrew Training Program in support of Royal Canadian Air Force (July 24, 2023)