A contract was awarded recently to Logistik Unicorp Inc. to provide non-operational clothing and footwear for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Department of National Defence (DND). The Non-Operational Clothing and Footwear Contract (NOCFC) will provide about 1,500 types of clothing for more than 160,000 people – including Regular and Reserve Force service dress uniforms, shorts, shirts, hats, shoes, occupation-specific clothing items for civilian and military firefighters, military police and civilian drivers, and clothing for the Canadian Rangers, Junior Rangers and Cadets.
The contract, valued at $415 million, is awarded for an initial 6-year period and includes options of up to $2.7 billion over 20 years.
“From the moment our members wear it for the first time to their last day of service, the uniform is a visible reminder of their commitment to serve Canadians at home and abroad,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence. “No matter where they are, our people in uniform promote Canadian values, defend our sovereignty, and protect us from harm. As such, they deserve to be well equipped to do the important work we ask of them; and that starts with the right clothing and footwear, which this contract will provide.”
One of the benefits that this contract will provide is that items can be ordered online and shipped to homes. It also includes quicker turnaround times for product improvements and a reduced risk of running out of stock.
“This contract ensures that members of the Canadian Armed Forces will receive and utilize the everyday items they need to carry out their important work on behalf of Canadians. The agreement also supports jobs in the Canadian apparel and textile industry,” said Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
The contract will support 4,500 jobs in Canada’s textile industry and Logistik Unicorp will be required to conform to mandatory Canadian content requirements. According to a news release, this will help ensure that the majority of the manufacturing of clothing and footwear items is done in Canada and aligned with Canadian values.
“Through this contract, our government will motivate significant economic benefits for Canadians for many years to come,” said Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. “Logistik Unicorp will invest in high-value research and development in areas such as advanced materials, while also investing in skills development and training to strengthen and support Canadian jobs in our apparel, textile, and footwear sectors.”
