$350M to Oversee Iraq’s Military Infrastructure Build-Out
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The Government of Iraq has requested technical assistance services from the US military to ensure provision of adequate facilities and infrastructure in support of the recruitment, garrison, training, and operational facilities and infrastructure for the Iraqi Security Forces. This proposed sale would enable Iraq to support the recruitment, training, bed-down, and operational effectiveness of its military, supporting its mission to improve security and stability throughout Iraq. In many cases, the facilities under construction will include civilian infrastructure and dual-use facilities as well. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $350 million.
On May 18/07, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of Iraq’s request [PDF format]. Construction help seems like an odd request, but a mature procurement system that offers good project management skills, has a tested regulatory and oversight system to back it up that’s based on appropriate laws, and is relatively free from corruption takes time to build. Indeed, one can argue that this has been absent from significant periods in American history.
The contractors have not been chosen yet, but the executing agency has…
The U.S. Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE) is the principal organization that will direct and manage this program; they provide a wide range of related services in the USA, and have been overseeing Iraqi reconstruction contracts for some time now. AFCEE will provide services through both in-house personnel and contract services, and all contracts will be procured in accordance with U.S. Federal Government contracting law and regulations.
AFCEE will provide engineering, planning, design, acquisition, contract administration, construction management, and other technical services for construction of facilities and infrastructure (repair, rehabilitation, and new construction) in support of the training, garrison, and operational requirements of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
The scope of the program includes technical assistance for construction of facilities and infrastructure in support of 12 separate projects throughout Iraq. These would include new temporary vehicle storage facilities, medical clinics, hospital steam plant, security walls, training barracks/ facilities, dining facilities, recruit training facilities, training, maintenance and supply buildings, and utilities systems (including heating, water, sewer, and electricity).
Facilities to be provided at the regional brigade locations include barracks, training, maintenance, and storage facilities, medical clinic, communications center, and required utilities.
Services include support, personnel training and training equipment, acquisition of engineer construction equipment, technical assistance to Iraqi military engineers, other technical assistance, contractor engineering services, and other related elements of logistic support.
The estimated number of U.S. Government and contractor representatives to be assigned to Iraq to implement the provisions of this proposed sale will vary between 15 – 100 representatives. The ultimate number will be determined during the program execution.
