Government Operations committee  The timeline was compressed for that procurement. The contract had to be awarded to take effect on December 1, 2009, because the decision had been taken not to extend the option years. Because of the timelines, we ended up with essentially three months for the winning bidder to be able to stand up their contract.

Government Operations committee  That's correct.

Government Operations committee  The current contract expires November 2014 with two option years, so it can be extended to November 2016. We expect we will have to exercise one option year to allow for the process of consultation, etc., for the award.

Government Operations committee  The contractor?

Government Operations committee  There could be a risk. We will advise that we should have an extension so we can do a proper, complete procurement process for the next contract.

Government Operations committee  The assistant deputy minister of the departmental oversight branch.

Government Operations committee  No. The minister doesn't play a role.

Government Operations committee  Yes, absolutely.

Government Operations committee  I don't know. That discussion is part of the procurement strategy. The decision has not yet been made.

Government Operations committee  The current contract will have to be extended by a year to ensure transparent and equitable procurement going forward.

Government Operations committee  Are you talking about the possibility of extending the current contract?

Government Operations committee  We need time to establish that kind of engagement with industry. We cannot do that with a very tight deadline.

Government Operations committee  Fairness, no, we do not have one yet in place. The procurement is about to begin. We will bring a fairness monitor in off our standing offers for fairness monitors.

Government Operations committee  No. We think that we must proceed more quickly and launch that open process—which I just talked about—at least 18 months before the expiry, so that we can have enough time to award the contract. The Treasury Board also has to approve the awarding of a contract. Therefore, we have to begin the process with the Treasury Board at least 18 months before the expiry, so that they can make a decision.

Government Operations committee  I have to work with my counterparts from all three departments. The reason we work separately with the three departments is that they all have different workforce adjustment policies. My counterparts are also assistant deputy ministers. We have to meet in a committee. Technical requirements are their responsibility.