AS A MEMBER of General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada’s Power Team bidding on the Canadian military’s Logistic Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project, Heather Damaren has a critical role as lead on the In-Service Support components of the bid. A dynamic executive at Land Systems–Canada since 2003, Damaren’s resume illustrates why she is the logical choice for that role.
The scope and scale of the LVM project is perhaps best described by Damaren in her own words. “The Logistics Vehicle Modernization project will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with new and modern fleets of light and heavy logistics vehicles, trailers, and armour protection kits.” she told Esprit de Corps. The trucks are used to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies in support of operations at home and abroad. Logistics vehicles support missions across the full spectrum of operations, from disaster relief to combat.
By incorporating Marshall Land System’s Matrix Containers (a bid partner with Land Systems–Canada), the new trucks will be able to be configured in order to provide command and control, communications, workshop, and ambulance capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Without a doubt, the LVM project is a highly complex program with numerous equipment variants intended to enable CAF missions for decades to come.
The project is now in Phase 3 which entails the actual bid evaluation. On December 9, 2021, Government of Canada had issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified suppliers.
“My role in this endeavour is to bring together the In-Service Support components of our bid and ensure that we put forward the best, most compelling offer that not only meets, but exceeds Canada’s expectations,” Damaren explained. “I bring to the team many years of experience in quality assurance. My in-depth understanding of DND’s quality assurance expectations are important strengths that will be valuable in this role. We want our bid to demonstrate to the Canadian government why, and how, the Power Team is the best choice for the LVM project.”
Damaren firmly believes that her ‘engineering brain’, experience in manufacturing and customer support, plus her proven commitment to quality and customer-first principles will help her team develop a winning proposal.
Damaren firmly believes that her ‘engineering brain’, experience in manufacturing and customer support, plus her proven commitment to quality and customer-first principles will help her team develop a winning proposal.
There is no question that the CAF desperately require new logistics vehicles. The existing capabilities were acquired in early 1990’s and are overdue to be replaced. This current initiative, as outlined in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged is aiming to revitalize and replace Canada’s light and heavy logistics vehicle capabilities. What is desired is a modern fleet that incorporates the latest technologies that will allow the crew to carry a larger load, be more mobile and include increased protection.
Damaren’s stellar career began in 2003 when she joined Land Systems–Canada as a Quality Assurance Internal Auditor right after she graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Computer Engineering degree. Damaren then spent the next ten years in various quality assurance roles gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to ensure the highest level of quality in both products and service.
Subsequently she invested a further two years as a production area manager in final assembly, test, and sales where she managed three shifts of operations in order to ensure that her team met all safety, quality, cost, and scheduling targets for Land Systems–Canada’s manufacturing activities. Damaren then took on the challenging role of Manufacturing Engineering, wherein she led a team in the translation of product designs into build instructions for her production team.
“All of my gained experience in these various departments of our company positioned me to become the Quality Assurance Manager for all of Land Systems–Canada in 2016.” said Damaren. “For the next five years I was responsible for ensuring the highest possible level of quality in all steps of the contract process including design, supply chain, manufacturing, and sustainment. I was responsible for the quality management system for the entire life cycle of the contract. I also worked closely with Department of National Defence Quality Assurance representatives.”
Naturally enough, Land Systems–Canada is a very soughtafter employer in London Ontario. As such, Damaren was more than thrilled to be offered a position to work at Land Systems–Canada right out of university. Damaren has found Land Systems–Canada a rewarding place to work where one can see the result of a project that they’re managing or a design that they’re working on because everything happens under one roof.
Looking beyond the current LVM project future developments for Land Systems–Canada will include Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV’s) and Damaren sees that future as being bright. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the defence industry.” she said. “With the expansion of artificial intelligence and what it can provide, the development of autonomous platforms, an increased focus on robotics, and the need for cybersecurity, new technologies are changing how we view our work.”
General Dynamics Land Systems has a new software system, Katalyst Next Generation Electronic Architecture (NGEA), which fits perfectly into this space. NGEA is a modular open architecture featuring scalable hardware and software that creates a digital backbone for unmatched connectivity.
“Our Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT) is a rugged, reliable small-unit force multiplier that provides dismounted soldiers with a versatile platform that can carry equipment and perform multiple roles in various levels of autonomy.” explained Damaren. “We want to leverage the success we’ve seen with the MUTT to reach broader international markets.”
The company also wants to introduce the TRX Robotic Combat Vehicle-Medium class to the global market. Based on the success of the MUTT, the TRX platform, developed by General Dynamics, features innovative thinking – from its Artificial-Intelligence enhanced design to advanced, lightweight materials and a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The TRX sets a new best-in-class payload capacity to accommodate any mission equipment package. It provides superior performance in critical battlefield roles including autonomous resupply, complex obstacle breaching, counter-unmanned aerial system, electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
As for her life outside the Land Systems–Canada facility, Damaren was born and raised in London, Ontario. She is married and the mother two children; an 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter. The Damaren family typically spend Friday nights cheering for London’s Ontario Junior Hockey League team, the London Knights. Damaren herself was an accomplished athlete who grew up playing competitive lacrosse right through her 20’s. She has recently re-joined the co-ed London Masters Lacrosse league and she thoroughly enjoys the mix of fun and competition. In Damaren’s spare time, she enjoys managing her nine-year-old daughter’s hockey team, skiing with the family and bow hunting in the fall.
In the workplace, Damaren participates in many of Land Systems–Canada’s charitable programs, including the United Way campaign, the Canadian Army Run, and Habitat for Humanity. Outside of the Land Systems–Canada organization, she also volunteered with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary from 2002, retiring as an Auxiliary Staff Sergeant in 2015.
Some might call Damaren eccentric when she describes her favourite vacation. “Every summer my husband and I take the kids and drive our boat to Georgian Bay Islands National Park where we camp in the back-country for a few days on Beausoleil Island.” explained Damaren. “Rattlesnakes, bears and other wildlife frequent the island but it’s all worth it for the swimming, boating, hiking and fishing that this remote location offers!” That sounds like a logical choice.
