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| December 10, 2003 |
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| Industry Responds to Pending Iraq Contracts |
WASHINGTON - December 10, 2003. More than 200 leaders participated in The Iraq Reconstruction Contracts Briefing, convened today by Equity International.
Deidre Lee, Deputy for Operations in the Washington office of the Coalition Provisional Authority, delivered the keynote address, providing details on forthcoming RFP's for Iraq reconstruction prime contracts worth up to $18.6 billion. While the prime contracts are restricted to firms in Coalition countries, Lee emphasized that subcontracts are open to companies worldwide.
Michael Mele, Iraq Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said that the USACE is soliciting six design-build contracts for the electrical sector, two contracts for the security and justice sector, one contract for the communications sector, one contract for transportation, and one contract for public buildings, housing, and health. USACE will have an expanded role in the new CPA reconstruction program. He also updated the audience on USACE's contract with Kellogg, Brown and Root to restore the Iraqi oil infrastructure. KBR's George Sigalos provided further details on the oil restoration project as well as KBR's extensive activities in supporting the U.S. Army in Iraq. Sigalos said that KBR continues to look for subcontractors to help implement its contracts.
Officials from four other U.S. agencies provided details of further programs to support the rebuilding of Iraq. David Chavern, Deputy General Counsel of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, said that the U.S. has committed $500 million and other countries have committed $1.5 billion to support the new Trade Bank of Iraq, which may issue letters of credit so that companies looking to do business in Iraq can obtain loans and financing more easily. Jay Brandes, Director of the Iraq Task Force at the U.S. Department of Commerce, said that the U.S. is working with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the region to promote business in Iraq among American firms and local companies. Other U.S. officials speaking included Larry McDonald, Director of the Office of Middle East and South Asian Nations at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and James Clad, Senior Counselor to the President and Director for Near Eastern Affairs at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
Private sector leaders also described strategies for successful business development in Iraq. Danny Benjamin, Vice President of Al-Fawares said it is important to develop trusted relationships with Iraqi companies as part of any anticipated business project. Timothy Mills and Col. John Garrett, attorneys with Patton Boggs, emphasized potential new business through the development of relationships with Iraqi ministries.
The Iraq Reconstruction Contracts Briefing was the fourth 2003 forum on rebuilding Iraq organized by Equity International. More than 30 U.S. and international news media covered the event.
Source: Equity International
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