According to information received by SSD, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal recently found in favor of Rampart International Corp regarding two complaints against a recent Department of National Defense requirement for a new pistol, dubbed the C22. CITT is the governing body for disputes with government procurement in Canada.
Specifically, Rampart took issue with a draft pistol requirement published by the Department of Public Works and Government Services (Solicitation W8476-216392/B).
In their determination, CITT recommends PWGSC cancel the draft solicitation and issue a new version. In the revised solicitation, if PWGSC specifies a particular design, it should also include the words “or equivalent.”
As part of the determination, CITT also recommends that PWGSC reimburse Rampart for the reasonable costs incurred preparing their protest. Essentially, lawyer fees.
This action will likely result in another multi-year delay in replacing Canada’s worn-out Browning Hi-Power pistols (and SIG P-225 used by Military Police). The effort to procure a new gun has gone on for at least a decade with DND calling on the international arms industry in 2011 to offer up their Technical Data Packages for manufacture of their pistol designs by Colt Canada. Understandably, they didn’t have any takers.
Traditionally, Canada turns to its Munitions Supply Program to procure arms manufactured in Canada. One of the issues that has caused a hold up with the program is that there are no suitable domestically produced pistols. Hence, the earlier call for foreign designs. But that may have changed.
Ultimately, this is a huge boon for CZ who recently acquired Colt Canada. They could assert their right to include a CZ handgun on the Munitions Supply List and demand the Canadian military purchase it. This isn’t as bad for the Canadians as it might sound on its surface. CZ builds some great handguns, including the new P-10 as well as the P-09 which was competed in the US Army Modular Handgun System competition. This is significant because DND believes they require a Modular Handgun, somewhat similar to what the US purchased. However, with the MSL once again in play, they may get what they are offered, and like it.
Update: here is a link to the letter. decisions.citt-tcce.gc.ca/citt-tcce/p/en/item/516273/index
