Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Williams, I'm not an expert in aviation and national defence, but like you, I think that to be sure that a plane is able to meet Canadian requirements and that we know how much it should cost, we have to have a transparent, clear and detailed bidding process.
One thing I don't understand. In your notes, you say that ministers came forward and talked about the program, and said there had been a competition and we didn't need a second competition. But you also write that the competition that was held had absolutely nothing to do with the subject we're talking about here this afternoon, or in other words, the purchase of these planes. That is what your notes say.
If you would, I'd like you to explain what you mean there. What sort of competition were these ministers referring to, and what sort of competition should there have been, to get a response to a bid solicitation that was not issued?