The School of Public Policy Releases Brief on What Canada Could Learn from U.S. Defence Procurement: Strong Recommendations for Canada

CALGARY, April 6, 2015 /CNW/ - Despite differences in scale, Canada and the U.S. face common challenges in military procurement and there is much Canada can learn as both countries pursue reforms. The Canadian and American governments should have mutual interests in each other's defence procurement policies. Recent reforms to U.S. defence procurement and Canada's newly announced Defence Procurement Strategy (DPS), present an opportunity to identify some recommendations as Canada moves towards changing its acquisition practices. 

A brief released today by The School of Public Policy and author Anessa L. Kimball includes a valuable analysis of U.S. defence procurement policy. According to the brief  "U.S. defence procurement is dogged by problems — particularly cost overruns, a surfeit of key players and delayed schedules which degrade troops' performance in the field." The defence products market is restricted, inevitably limiting competition, encouraging misbehaviour on the part of business and driving up prices.

Given the less than optimal model to the south, what can Canada learn? In light of Canada's new Defence Procurement Strategy (DPS), some lessons are clear. More attention must be paid to shaping contracts, clarifying expectations, and adhering to schedules.

The paper can be downloaded at http://www.policyschool.ucalgary.ca/?q=research

SOURCE The School of Public Policy - University of Calgary

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