1. Independent Review Panel for Defence Acquisition: Some Reflections
September 2018

2. Context: Defence Procurement
The process – viewed as overly cumbersome, largely broken
Requirements – perception of gold plating by the Canadian Armed Forces
….. Context led to the Defence Procurement Strategy and commitment to transform defence procurement, including creating an independent challenge function over military requirements

3. Independent Review Panel for Defence Acquisition (IRPDA): Mandate
Validate the requirements for major military projects (>$100M and select others) and provide independent advice to the Minister of National Defence
Purpose: bring clarity and certainty at the front end of the procurement process
Desired outcome: increase the confidence and trust of decision- makers and enable the delivery of complex military projects

4. IRPDA – What is it?
An independent Panel appointed by the Governor in Council
Supported by a full-time Office of public servants who operate outside of DND/CAF governance but report administratively to the Deputy Minister
Meets monthly to review projects at specific milestones early in the defence procurement process (provides advice to the Minister before major expenditure decisions are taken)

5. The Establishment and Early Implementation of the Panel
Stakeholder engagement
Development of mandate, Panel composition, supporting Office and supporting processes and implementation strategy
Detailed roll-out planning and communication/engagement
Context: only the military provide military advice (i.e., military requirements)
The early challenges: cultural resistance, credibility, adding a step yet streamlining…

6. Some Reflections/Lessons Learned
A long journey with lots of small and large decisions – all important
Relationships matter….and they really matter when you are responsible for implementing unpopular decisions and you need others to make it work!
Getting the right team – be open to new ideas, skill sets and compositions
Understanding where you fit in the system (independence = operating in the grey)
Fearless advice and the aftermath
Immediate impacts vs those that will take years or even decades
Defence procurement needs all the help it can get!