Independent Review of the Office of the DND/CAF Ombudsman

The Department of National Defence is seeking an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Office of the DND/Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman, with the goal of evaluating its governance structure, authorities, and operational effectiveness. The review will benchmark the office against ombudsman functions across the Government of Canada, other levels of government, and peer democracies, including military ombudsman models from allied nations. This assessment is designed to inform actionable recommendations to strengthen the office’s independence and capacity, directly responding to Justice Fish’s Recommendation #103, which calls for a review of potential enhancements to ensure the ombudsman function remains robust and effective. The work will encompass an analysis of current practices, identification of gaps, and the development of evidence-based strategies to reinforce accountability and public trust. The solicitation, issued under W6369-27-X004, is open for responses until July 15, 2026, with proposals to be submitted to the Contracting Authority, Ethan MacGowan, at the designated email address. The performance location is the National Capital Region, and the contract is being procured by the Government of Canada through the Department of National Defence. The initiative underscores a commitment to transparency and institutional integrity within the defence sector, aiming to align the ombudsman office with the highest standards of independent oversight found in comparable democratic systems. No set-aside provisions are specified, and the procurement process is conducted under standard federal tendering procedures.