OTTAWA, July 23 - After a thorough pre-qualification and bid evaluation process, the Government of Canada has selected the H92 proposed by Sikorsky as the winner of the Maritime Helicopter Project.

"The Government of Canada firmly believes that the Sikorsky H92 helicopter represents the right helicopter for the Canadian Forces at the best price for Canadians," said the honourable Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence. "The Sikorsky H92 provides a world-class robust, multi-role helicopter that will serve our defence needs for years to come." "With this completion of the evaluation of proposals and the selection of the winning supplier, the Maritime Helicopter Project has marked an important milestone," said the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "The Government has conducted a fair, open and comprehensive procurement process, and now looks forward to the next stage of the procurement process, the establishment of formal contracts with the supplier."

"More than simply providing the right helicopter, the Sikorsky bid is a true win for Canadian high technology industries, particularly the aerospace and defence companies who will partner in the delivery and long term service of these helicopters," said the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Industry. "This project will deliver sustained industrial activity in regions across Canada, in our small businesses and in our Aboriginal businesses, and will showcase our talented work force and innovative companies long after the delivery of the last helicopter."

"The selection of the Sikorsky H92 helicopter heralds an exciting new era for the men and women who operate our maritime helicopters," said General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff. "The addition of a cutting-edge maritime helicopter will greatly enhance the ability of the Navy and Air Force to conduct domestic maritime security operations and support international missions."

Sikorsky will be awarded two separate, but interrelated contracts. The first contract will cover the acquisition of 28 fully integrated, certified and qualified helicopters with their mission systems installed, and will also include modifications to the 12 Halifax Class ships. The second contract will be for a 20-year in-service support contract that includes a training building, and a simulation and training suite. The contract should be finalized and signed this fall.

Delivery of the first helicopter is required to be no later than 48 months from contract award with the remaining helicopters to be delivered at a rate of one per month thereafter. The contract has a series of bonuses for early delivery but also imposes penalties for late delivery, making it very much in the company's interest to deliver the helicopters as soon as possible.