At least three companies participating in competition to design new warships
OTTAWA — Federal procurement officials say several companies are participating in a competition to design new warships for the navy — proof that Canada’s largest planned military purchase remains on course.
The federal government launched a competition last fall asking some of the world’s largest defence and shipbuilding firms to design a potential replacement for the navy’s frigates and destroyers.
The design competition is the most recent — and arguably most sensitive — phase in the entire $60-billion plan to build 15 new warships, construction of which is expected to begin in 2021.
Yet the competition has been plagued with questions and concerns from the start, including the fact officials have not set a new deadline for bids after extending the competition a second time in May.