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In 2005, a Liberal Party government promised 2 new classes of vessel as a part of a 5-year plan for the Canadian Coast Guard. Off-Shore Fisheries Research Vessels (OSFVs, essentially an Offshore Patrol Vessel with science facilities onboard) would be accompanied by smaller 37-42m / 121 – 137 foot Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels (MSPVs) that can operate up to 120 miles offshore, and carry 1-2 rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) for use in coast guard duties and fisheries enforcement. In terms of size and capabilities, the MSPVs resemble the US Coast Guard’s Island Class patrol vessels, rather than larger 50m+ OPVs like Australia’s Armidale Class, the USCG’s Sentinel FRCs; or Canada’s 12 Kingston Class 55.3m OPVs, with their secondary mine countermeasures capabilities.
It has been a long road, with an RFP cancellation, requests for industry comments, and a re-assessment of what the budgeted dollars could buy. Budget figures have swung back and forth. Now another RFP has been issued.
Contracts and Key Events
CGC Matagorda
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April 1/09: The Canadian government announces the Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain up to 12 new mid-shore patrol vessels on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard:
“…to provide support for the Fisheries Conservation and Protection Program, as well as maritime security… Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) issued a draft RFP on Merx™ on February 26, 2009, in order to give industry the opportunity to provide feedback. As a result of this draft, PWGSC received comments from nine companies. This input was taken into account in drafting the RFP now posted.”
The posted RFP is solicitation #F7045-060001/E, a modification of the previous F7045-060001/D. The link in the Feb 26/09 entry now leads to the new RFP. Missing from the RFP are (1) any sense of funding levels; and (2) the offshore fisheries science vessels, which may have been eliminated or may become their own RFP.
Feb 26/09: Canadian government MERX solicitation #F7045-060001/E:
“The Canadian Coast Guard has a requirement for up to twelve (12) Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels (MSPV). These vessels shall have a length overall between 37 and 43 metres, and be subject to specific criteria to be described in the RFP. These vessels, which are to be used for Marine Security and Conservation and Protect- ion, are to be capable of sustained operations out to 120 nautical miles offshore. The vessels are to be produced in Canada in accordance with The Canadian Ship- building Policy. The proposed vessel shall be a steel mono-hull based on an existing proven parent design. The proven parent design shall have been used in the construction of vessels that have been in service for a minimum of two (2) years and a minimum of 1,000 hours in-service operation.
…Bidders will be required to demonstrate in their proposals that they will have the intellectual property rights from the owner of the proven parent design to produce these vessels and that they have the intellectual property rights to modify the proven parent designs for the Canadian Coast Guard’s specific requirements. Bidders will be required to obtain the intellectual property rights for Canada to have access to relevant background information for its use and any third party’s use for the maintenance, repair and operation of the MSPVs for the life of the vessels.”
Aug 22/08: The government of Canada terminates 2 shipbuilding RFPs – the Joint Support Ship for Canada’s Navy, and the MSPV:
“After receiving and evaluating the mandatory requirements for the Joint Support Ship Project from the bidders, the Crown has determined that the proposals were not compliant with the basic terms of the Request for Proposals (RFP). Among other compliance failures, both bids were significantly over the established budget provisions. This project was initiated to replace the Protecteur Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels with three multirole ships to be delivered to the Canadian Forces between 2012 and 2016.
In addition, PWGSC has also announced the cancellation of a competitive process for the acquisition of twelve mid-shore patrol vessels on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard. A Request for Proposal was issued in December 2007. However the bid prices exceeded the anticipated costs.”
December 2007: An amended MSPV RFP is issued.
July 13/07: The government cancels procurement plans for MSPV, citing flaws in the RFP process.
March 19/07: In Canada’s Federal Budget, C$ 324 million is committed for 6 ships: 4 mid-shore patrol vessels and 2 offshore fisheries science vessels.” These 4 MSPVs were in addition to 8 budgeted for in 2006. See also: related Fisheries and Oceans Canada advance release.
Additional Readings
* CASR (March 2007) – Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels – What Happened to MSPVs and Fisheries Research Vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard?
* Canadian Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans (March 2005) – Backgrounder: New Vessels for Canadian Coast Guard – Four New Mid-Shore Fisheries Patrol Vessels. About C$ 276 million is promised for these vessels – but not budgeted.
* CASR (September 2004) – Maritime Security: Offshore Patrol Vessels for the CF? A Series of Short Articles on OPV Sizes and Capabilities
* Naval Technology – Kingston Class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels, Canada