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Defence Capabilities Blueprint

The information in the DCB is accurate as of December 2023.

The Defence Capabilities Blueprint (DCB) provides information about defence procurement and contracting opportunities in an online searchable format. It replaced the Defence Acquisition Guide in May 2018.

The DCB update for 2023 includes funding ranges and project timelines for 144 major capital equipment, information technology and infrastructure projects, and significant in-service support contracts funded to advance Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE) priorities, such as NORAD modernization.

The information it contains is intended to help industry plan and compete for defence procurement opportunities. It can also be used to make informed research and development and strategic partnering decisions based on projected needs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

The DCB features:

  • Projects: Capital equipment, information technology, and infrastructure projects over $10 million
  • Support Contracts: Upcoming in-service support contracts and professional services contracts over $20 million

Users can carry out quick and advanced searches in the DCB. They can also browse investment opportunities by the following categories:

  • Defence Capability Areas (DCAs)

    DCAs are 13 broad component areas, such as Land, Sea, Air, Space and Cyber. These categories are further segmented into smaller constituent components of more than 150 DCIAs.

  • Defence Capability Investment Areas (DCIAs)

    Examples of DCIAs are Commercial Pattern Vehicles, Ship Parts and Components, and Avionics. Projects may include more than one DCA and several DCIAs.

  • Project sponsors

    Project Sponsors are the service command level or civilian equivalent organizations within Department of National Defence.

  • Key Industrial Capabilities (KICs)

    Canada’s KICs represent areas of emerging technology with the potential for rapid growth and significant opportunities, established capabilities where Canada is globally competitive, and areas where domestic capacity is essential to national security.

Project pages also have links to project websites where applicable.

The information in the DCB is accurate as of December 2023.

  • Helpful Hints

    1. The federal government’s fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31. In the DCB, you will often see reference to two years, for example: 2019/2020. This represents the fiscal year April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
    2. At the top of each DCB page you will see one or more of these descriptive identifiers:
      In Support Services
      Extends current CAF capabilities or projects
      Extension
      Provides services in support of various capabilities, projects or programs
      New
      Adds a new capability or initiative to the CAF inventory
      Recap
      Involves capital improvements that renew or replace infrastructure components (a new roof or foundation for example) to meet higher standards or accommodate new functions
      Replace
      Replaces existing systems or capabilities

Contact us

Do you have any questions or comments about the Defence Capabilities Blueprint?

Browse by DCAs

Defence Capability Areas

Defence Capability Areas (DCAs) are broad component areas, such as Land, Sea or Air. Projects often include more than one DCA.

Browse by DCIAs

Defence Capability Investment Areas grouped by Defence Capability Areas

Defence Capability Investment Areas (DCIAs) are smaller constituent components of DCAs. For example, avionics are a DCIA of the Air DCAs. Projects often include several DCIAs.

Browse by KICs

Key Industrial Capabilities

The Government of Canada has identified 16 Key Industrial Capabilities (KICs), defined as the skills, technologies, and supply chains required to support the development of a globally-competitive defence and security sector.

Policies and disclaimers

Policies and disclaimers

The Government of Canada is committed to strongly supporting our women and men in uniform. The DCB aligns with key government policies and strategies pertaining to defence procurement. These include:

Strong, Secure, Engaged: On June 7, 2017, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan released Strong, Secure, Engaged, a long-term defence policy that commits to a range of new investments for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), its members, and their families. The investments made under Strong, Secure, Engaged will deliver the support and capabilities our women and men in uniform need and deserve, as they work to make Canada strong at home, secure in North America, and engaged in the world.

National Shipbuilding Strategy: A long-term project to renew the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard fleets. The strategy is revitalizing our marine industry, rebuilding our country’s shipbuilding industry, and creating sustainable jobs in Canada while protecting our interests at home and abroad.

Further information regarding Government of Canada tenders can be found on the Buyandsell.gc.ca Web site.

The information provided for advisory purposes only and is current as of the date of publication. The information is, however, subject to change without notice and no commitment regarding its future accuracy or content, or any subsequent implementation of the Project described, is made by DND or the Government of Canada. Any expense incurred by any person or entity in reliance upon the information provided is at the sole risk of that person or entity. It is important to note that these contact details are provided for use by interested industry partners only.

Please direct all media enquiries to the Department of National Defence Media Relations Office at 1-866-377-0811 or mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca.

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