Interesting read....
It looks to me like it's pretty well spec'd-out which means our biggest hurdle (delay) is coming from getting the budget allocation to fund it.
Likes:
1) Build in Canada
2) Ability to carry 4 Cyclone-sized helicopters per vessel.
3) Adequate sealift surge capacity
Dislikes:
1) I'd still prefer separate the resupply ships from the sealift ships (but I'm guessing due to political reasons it's easier to buy 3 new ships than 6).
2) Procurement model and long leadtime....sounds very similar to the MHP which may scare away some good potential suppliers.
3) Not enough hulls (would like to see a minimum of 2 per coast as opposed to three in total)
Of note, does anyone know if we pay bidding companies for the design phase?
To me that would make a lot of sense in that if you're going to separate it into two distinct phases (design versus construction) it is unfair to ask a company to provide their wisdom, experience, time, money and efforts when there is the distinct possibility at the end of the day they will get absolutely nothing out of the deal. Even it's a nominal amount of $50 million per qualified bidding design team, it just seems like good business practice to me.....
Thanks in advance,
Matthew.
