Parliamentary Committee Notes: RCMP Planned Diligence Review of Sinclair Technologies Contract
2022-2023 INDU – Contract for a Telecommunications System for the RCMP
Date: January 20, 2023
Classification: Unclassified
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: RCMP
Proposed Response:
- While I want to assure honourable members that the RCMP followed all applicable policies and regulations during this entire process, the RCMP has put a suspension on the use of this Standing Offer and all other contracting and transactions with Norsat International/Sinclair Technologies until further notice pending a due diligence review conducted by the independent RCMP Internal Audit Unit.
- The preliminary objective of the Review is to provide an independent assessment of the procurement and security processes (including requirements identification and security) leading to the Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) standing offer and RCMP contracts with Sinclair Technologies for radio-frequency equipment to ensure due diligence was conducted and that appropriate safeguards were taken. The review will only include elements and actions within the authorities, processes and management of the RCMP.
- I have been informed that the review is expected to be completed by winter 2023.
If pressed on the review of other Sinclair Standing Offers and Contracts:
- I've been told that RCMP Internal Audit is using a risk based approach in the planning of their internal due diligence review of the elements and actions within the authorities, processes and management of the RCMP of the Standing Offer for radio frequency filtering equipment completed by PSPC.
- The results of their review will help inform the need for the review of the RCMP's involvement in other standing offers and contracts with Sinclair Technologies to support conclusions and ensure compliance with auditing standards.
Background:
In the RCMP, the Internal Audit Evaluation and Review is an independent business line of the RCMP, led by the Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive who reports directly to the Commissioner. The Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive provides the Commissioner and senior management with independent oversight, assurance and advice on specific strategic and operational areas of the organization.
The RCMP has launched the planning phase of an internal review, being led by its Chief Audit Executive. The objective of the Review is to provide an independent assessment of the procurement and security processes (including requirements identification and security) leading to the Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) standing offer and RCMP contract with Sinclair Technologies for radio-frequency equipment to ensure due diligence was conducted. Evidence of any applicable lessons learned will also be reviewed and captured. The review will only include elements and actions within the authorities, processes and management of the RCMP.
The review is being conducted to assess whether due diligence and appropriate safeguards were taken, as well as identifying lessons learned, as these elements are important steps for ensuring continuous improvement of the procurement process.
Based on the current objective and scope, it is estimated that the findings will be shared with RCMP senior management in winter 2023.
Contacts:
Prepared by: Marc Simard, Director General, Internal Audit, 613-218-9392
Approved by: Ian Raskin, Chief Audit and Evaluation Executive, 343-550-9985
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