Brian Dunn/MONTREAL
Canada's maritime helicopter programme is becoming mired in controversy with EH Industries and Sikorsky seeking changes to the contest.
EHI is to demand a public hearing into Ottawa's C$2.5 billion ($1.67 billion) plan to acquire 28 maritime helicopters, claiming the procurement process is rigged against the Cormorant to prevent a "political embarrassment".
The complaint was filed on 11 October with the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT), accusing the departments of National Defence and Public Works and Government Services of bowing to "political pressure" and "manipulating" the process to ensure EHI lost the contract.
The winning helicopter will replace elderly Sikorsky CH-124 Sea Kings. Eurocopter is also expected to bid for the contract. A request for proposals is not expected before the second quarter of 2001.
The 30-page complaint submitted to the CITT claims the Liberal government has stacked everything against EHI's bid because it does not want to be embarrassed by seeing the Cormorant that it cancelled in 1993 for being too expensive selected for a second time. EHI was originally awarded the contract by the former Conservative government. The present government's cancellation of the contract cost taxpayers C$500 million in penalties. The government did award a C$780 million deal to the AgustaWestland venture in 1997 to supply 15 search and rescue machines.
Gordon Cameron from EHI's lawyers says it is premature to consider legal action if his request for a public hearing is denied. But Team Cormorant, which includes EH Industries and Boeing, says it is hoping for a hearing to be granted on "the merits of the case.
Sikorsky's complaint is on the stipulation that the helicopter must have civil certification before a deal is signed next year. Its S-92 will not be certificated until 2002 and Sikorsky argues the rule is unnecessary as the maritime helicopter will not enter service until 2005.
Source: Flight International
