Federal ministers expected to announce sole-source deal for Boeing patrol plane today
BNN Bloomberg
Federal ministers are expected to announce today that Boeing is the company of choice to replace the military's aging patrol planes in a multibillion-dollar deal.
The decision to go with a sole-source contract would close the door on Quebec-based business jet maker Bombardier, which has been pushing for an open bid.
Two sources familiar with the matter who were not authorized to speak publicly say that, following cabinet approval last week, the Treasury Board held a special meeting Tuesday and rubber-stamped the purchase of 16 P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft to replace the half-century-old CP-140 Auroras.
The procurement department has stated that Boeing's off-the-shelf reconnaissance plane is the only currently available aircraft that meets Royal Canadian Air Force needs, particularly around submarine-hunting technology.
