Canada implemented an open and transparent competitive process that included high-level mandatory requirements. We were open to any allied fighter aircraft that was in production and that could meet those requirements. We established a list of qualified suppliers that included both fourth-gen and fifth-gen fighter aircraft. In that process, our goal was to make sure all of the qualified bidders could see a competitive path forward and would be able to demonstrate their strengths.
To realize that, Public Services and Procurement Canada oversaw the evaluation of the bids. As is part of our role as a contracting authority to preserve the integrity of the procurement process, we employ the services of a fairness monitor. We contracted a third party reviewer to examine our procurement approach and all key documents. We also employed red teaming, which brought together experts from across all three core departments to neutrally and objectively assess and challenge the rigour of the evaluation process. The evaluation process of course looked at costs, capability and economic benefits. In that process, the F-35 was the preferred bidder across all of those evaluation demands.
Thank you.