Vanguard Magazine

nAVAL www.vanguardcanada.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 15 ter the fact for consideration. Unlike some other nations, Canada has no Maritime In- dustrial Strategy defining which Canadian companies to favour or direct in the CSC procurement process. When strong compa- nies miss such once in a generation oppor- tunity with potential challenges to future market share, I am indeed empathetic. But in cases like the CSC project where after the fact exceptions might be made to replace foreign as-bid equipment systems with Ca- nadian products, I also understand the po- tential for legal challenges. I can say that the CSC RFP employed a tailored requirement developed in accordance with the policies of Innovation Science and Economic De- velopment Canada (ISEDC) which con- tinually strives to improve its policies and execution. I also can attest to the very sig- nificant effort expended to ensure the RFP provided as much motivation as possible for bidders to select Canadian suppliers. transparency Many would argue that the degree of visi- bility into the future CSC's combat systems and capabilities has been wanting. Without the provision of information by the Proj- ect Office, some observers have provided perspectives based on assumptions of the selected system's attributes. Fortunately, greater insight was recently provided in at least one published article , and govern- ment information has started to flow. But without a degree of ongoing transparency, I worry that observers may make further assumptions without context and generate misleading conclusions that could harm the credibility of the CSC project. There are challenges to being transpar- ent and in being seen to be transparent. The subject matter is exceptionally com- plex and difficult for laymen to understand. Much of the information will be dynamic as risks routinely emerge (many known- unknowns with a smattering of unknown- unknowns), causing observers to doubt the veracity of what is released when it subsequently changes. It is also important to recognize the degree of commercial sensitivity and corporate confidentiality implicated at key project inflection points. And with many observers inclined not to trust the information available without the detailed evidence that cannot be disclosed, there understandably will continue to be publicly proclaimed concerns. Nevertheless, having finally managed to clear the mandatory silence period be- tween RFP release and the announcement of the preferred bidder plus the post-con- tract award requirements reconciliation, I am pleased to see the released information on the presently intended CSC's weap- ons and sensor systems. Hopefully, this will now set a trend for the CSC project of periodic reports which will expose the key Canadian company products with the anticipated and achieved dollar value and jobs created, along with project status and challenges faced. CSC is too big a project to remain behind the curtain, prompting some observers to generate assumption- based opinion pieces assuming the worst and damaging the public's trust. Benchmarking I am starting to see more articles being published that raise concerns about the CSC project based on benchmarking, a tool commonly employed by observers and organizations everywhere when at- tempting to understand whether endeav- ours are on the right path. Finding comparisons that match the CSC project and are seen to be of a high quality are not only important to any benchmarking but difficult to identify. While the desire to compare CSC with similar foreign procurements is under- stood, it is fraught with challenges. But it does enrich the dialogue and is welcome if for no other reason than to understand how different organizations and nations approach similar outcomes in different An artist's rendering of the new Canadian Surface Combatant. Photo: BAE Systems Visit sfhgroup.com for 2021 sessions. LIVE ONLINE WORKSHOPS Dealing With Difficult People Learn to deliver difficult messages and overcome fears about tough conversations. Alternative Dispute Resolution Learn to resolve conflicts and improve your work environment and relationships. Become a Powerful Negotiator Learn to become persuasive, overcome obstacles and get your desired outcome. secure & reliable

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