Mr. Ralph and Mr. Montuoro, in your opinion, what type of outreach is there available to help facilitate SMEs to even dream of making the decision to perhaps bid on a contract? One of the benefits of having a government contract and also any government business is the guaranteed cheque. That should be one of the elements.
I come from the tool and die mould-making auto industry. In the auto industry, tier two and tier three suppliers have to carry debt loads for contracts they win to the larger automotive companies. They don't get paid for half a year to up to a year and end up having borrowing costs as part of an inefficient model of competing. I raise that as an issue, but one of the things they do get out of the government contracts is a stable, set procurement payment that is sound and predictable.
What is happening in your eyes as to federal public servants and support to facilitate fair competition to get SMEs into the game?