Canada Defence Procurement Readiness Program
Canada Defence Procurement Readiness Program

Preparing Canadian Dual Use Companies for Defence Procurement

Preparing Canadian Dual Use Companies for Defence Procurement Preparing Canadian Dual Use Companies for Defence Procurement Preparing Canadian Dual Use Companies for Defence Procurement
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The Canada Defence Procurement Readiness Program (CDPRP) equips Canadian companies with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to navigate federal defence procurement. Designed and delivered by the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) in partnership with government and industry experts, this program helps businesses align with Canada’s growing defence commitments and seize new opportunities in the evolving global security landscape.

Current State

Canada is at a pivotal moment. With Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government accelerating defence spending—committing to meet NATO’s 2 percent GDP target this fiscal year and pledging a future rise to 5 percent—Ottawa is also crafting a dedicated industrial defence strategy to realign domestic capability with global ambition. Yet this surge in funding is overshadowed by persistent misalignment: fragmented and sluggish procurement systems, a government unfamiliar with the full breadth of Canadian industry capabilities, and companies unclear about how to engage, bid, and scale within federal defence contracts. Now more than ever, Canada must row in unison—combining robust investment, streamlined processes, and mutual understanding—to build an effective defence ecosystem that works at the speed of global security needs.

Our Rationale

In analyzing A Time for Change: Reforming Defence Procurement in Canada, a report commissioned by the Parliament of Canada’s Standing Committee on National Defence outlined 36 recommendations that the federal government can take to enhance the effectiveness of defence procurement in Canada on several fronts. 


The report outlined where companies need the most support and where industry can be more prepared. The development of this document is to bridge that gap through a 5-Module program designed in partnership with the Government of Canada to see these needs being met.

Delivery & Format

Delivery & Cost

Delivery & Cost

Delivery & Cost

Fully online program delivery. 

The program cost is $1,700.

A national program running for 5 weeks from November 6 to December 4, 2025.

Time Commitment

Delivery & Cost

Delivery & Cost

Approximately 2 hours per week. 

Every live session is 75 minutes on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET with weekly supplementary readings. 

Networking

Delivery & Cost

Digital Badge

Upon completion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to connect in person at a mixer in Ottawa this December!

Digital Badge

Delivery & Cost

Digital Badge

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Digital Badge from the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI), with LinkedIn integration. 

Program Outline

Session 1: Understanding Canada’s Defence and Cyber Policy Landscape

Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. ET


This module provides an essential overview of how Canada’s defence policy system works, highlighting the roles of key federal players and the policies shaping Canada’s defence and security priorities. Participants will gain insights into what differentiates the Department of National Defence and other government department responsibilities when it comes to defence policy inside the Government of Canada. This session will lay the foundation of core policies guiding Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and how Canada aims to hit 2% in NATO targets on defence.


The session will also cover the work of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and what role their work plays within the procurement pipelines in Canada and how organizations can and should interact with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security as they consider selling into the Canadian government and grow their businesses abroad. A special focus will be placed on cybersecurity, covering both new supplier certification requirements under the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification  and broader supply chain and IT risk management obligations, ensuring participants understand the critical role of cyber resilience in Canada’s defence ecosystem.


What you’ll take away:

  • A clear picture of how Canada’s defence policy system is structured and the roles of key federal players
  • Insight into core and emerging policies driving Canada’s defence priorities
  • Understanding of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s role in procurement and how to engage effectively with it
  • Practical knowledge of supplier cybersecurity requirements, including CPCSC certification and ITSG-33 compliance
  • Align your business with Canada’s defence and cyber future

Session 2: Doing Business with the Government of Canada

Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. ET


This session equips participants with the essentials of federal procurement, from understanding how the Government of Canada buys goods and services to navigating procurement platforms like CanadaBuys and SAP Ariba. Learners will gain practical guidance on registering as a supplier, interpreting RFPs, and crafting bids that meet compliance standards. The session also demystifies security clearance requirements through the Contract Security Program (CSP), which plays a central role in safeguarding sensitive federal contracts by ensuring suppliers, their employees, and facilities meet mandatory security standards. In addition, participants will learn how to access support from Procurement Assistance Canada, engage effectively with oversight bodies, and maintain compliance throughout the procurement lifecycle.


What you’ll take away:

  • A step-by-step understanding of supplier registration and bidding on federal opportunities
  • Practical tips for writing clear and compliant proposals
  • Insight into procurement policies, trade agreements, and oversight mechanisms
  • Knowledge of the Contract Security Program, its requirements, and how to maintain security compliance in federal contracts

Session 3: The Industrial Technological Benefit Overview & Legal Compliance, Readiness for Federal Contracting

Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. ET


This session provides an overview of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, showing how defence companies can leverage offset obligations to connect with major primes, strengthen supply chain participation, and unlock growth opportunities. It also dives into the compliance and legal fundamentals of federal contracting, including audit readiness, documentation standards, and intellectual property management. Participants will gain insight into how to protect proprietary technology while meeting government requirements, negotiate licensing terms, and ensure their organizations meet the ethical and legal expectations of Canadian defence procurement.


What you’ll take away:

  • A clear understanding of ITB policy and offset obligations
  • Strategies to partner with primes and integrate into global supply chains
  • Tools for audit readiness, compliance, and documentation best practices
  • Guidance on protecting intellectual property in government contracts
  • Insight into ethical standards and conflict-of-interest rules for procurement success

Session 4: Export Development Canada (EDC) & Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC): Unlocking Global Defence Markets

Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. ET


This session explores how EDC and CCC help Canadian defence and dual-use companies scale internationally by providing the financing, risk management, and credibility needed to compete in NATO, U.S., and allied markets. Participants will learn how EDC supports firms with loans, guarantees, insurance, and market intelligence, while CCC opens doors through trusted government-to-government contracts, direct access to U.S. DoD opportunities, and credibility with foreign buyers. Together, these agencies provide Canadian companies with the tools to overcome barriers, reduce risk, and secure global procurement opportunities.


What you’ll take away:

  • How to access financing, insurance, and risk management tools through EDC
  • Practical strategies for strengthening credibility with international primes and government buyers
  • An understanding of CCC’s government-to-government contracting model and its benefits
  • Insights into accessing U.S. defence markets and overcoming common barriers
  • Guidance on compliance, certifications, and bid preparation for global procurement success

Session 5: The Defence Procurement Lifecycle: From Bid to Sustainment

Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. ET


This session provides a CEO-level perspective on navigating Canada’s defence procurement lifecycle—from identifying capability gaps through to contract close-out and long-term sustainment. Experts will share real-world insights on writing winning bids, structuring competitive proposals, managing lifecycle costs, and understanding how Treasury Board and Cabinet approvals shape outcomes. Participants will also learn how risk-sharing, performance guarantees, and compliance with ITB obligations affect success in federal defence contracts.


What you’ll take away:

  • A practical understanding of the stages of Canada’s defence procurement lifecycle
  • Strategies for writing complete, compliant, and competitive bids
  • Insight into lifecycle costing, value propositions, and sustainment expectations
  • Lessons from CEOs and operators on working through government procurement
  • Awareness of Treasury Board and Cabinet approval processes and their impact on contracts

More expert speakers and information to share shortly

Josh Ogden, C-Founder & CEO, Co-Founder, Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc.

Josh Ogden is the Co-Founder and CEO of AVSS, a Canadian company specializing in safety systems and solutions for unmanned and manned aerial platforms. With deep expertise in aviation, systems engineering, and regulatory compliance, Josh leads AVSS’s efforts to deliver innovative, technically rigorous products that meet both civil and defence-grade safety requirements.

Natalie Raffoul, Managing Partner, Brion Raffoul

Natalie Raffoul is a Managing Partner at the law firm Brion Raffoul, where she specializes in procurement, government contracting, and compliance. Her expertise includes advising clients on bidding strategies, navigating regulatory and oversight frameworks, and ensuring legal readiness in public procurement environments.

Neil Chaulk, CEO, Solace Power

Neil Chaulk is the CEO of Solace Power, spearheading the company's efforts in pioneering wireless power technologies for the telecom, automotive, and other sectors. With over 30 years of experience, Neil adeptly bridges technical innovation with strategic business development. Under his guidance, Solace Power is actively collaborating with leading entities in the telecom and automotive industries to harness wireless power for practical, high-value applications.

Registration Deadline is November 2, 2025

If you have any questions about the program or registration, please contact education@canadianinnovators.org

REGISTER HERE

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