The links provided below should assist in keeping you as current as we are on this subject.
For more information on the OUTREACH 2004 Show in Amman, Jordan, focusing on the reconstruction of Iraqi Infrastructure http://www.kallman.com
Iraq: The Reality of Doing Business – by: Rick Ortiz
If the horrifying images in the news media and the reports of demonstrations and unrest have not scared you away from considering business opportunities in Iraq, then you can read on. It is not my intent to change your perception of the events in Iraq, but rather to help identify good business leads, establish contacts, and develop strategies for working within you own experience and comfort level in this non-traditional marketplace.
As the first commercial officer that arrived into Baghdad after the official end of the war, I arrived in Iraq the middle of May 2003; I was surprised at the large number of international companies already working in Baghdad. Certainly all the prime contractors, like Bechtel, Kellog, Brown and Root (KBR), Raytheon, and SAIC were there. In addition, a large number of smaller US companies, and third country firms were involved in doing business in the post war Iraq. The number of firms seeking business opportunities in Iraq seemed to grow exponentially through the long and hot summer months despite the numerous difficult challenges.
Security was, is and will continue to be the major challenge in the months and years to come. For this reason, I do not advise companies that have never exported or have limited exporting experience to target Iraq as their next market to explore. Experienced and more mature companies, on the other hand, should target contracts and projects that will allow them to limit their in-country exposure, and identify partners who have the experience and know-how to complete projects in areas that are considered high risk.
One way to do this is to go after subcontracts and tenders that only require the sale of goods. Firms should register their companies on the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA’s) Program Management Office (PMO) website: http://www.rebuilding-iraq.net
On this same website you can register to receive updates on specific requests for proposals (RFPs) and view the status of prime contracts currently awarded for major reconstruction projects. In addition, the US military procures basic materials such as water for the troops through centralized procurement – register at http://www.ccr.gov
All news in Iraq is not bad. In fact, if you would like to get a true sense of the extensive progress accomplished by the CPA and its Iraqi partners, visit the CPA website http://www.cpa-iraq.org or the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/iraq.
The Department of Commerce has a task force in Washington that can also provide a wealth of information and assistance. They also have a leading website with information on doing business in Iraq. In addition, they regularly post information about seminars, trade events, and networking opportunities. Website access is free and located at http://www.export.gov/iraq
Finally, if you are seeking partners in the region, you can go on line at www.ibcguide.org and peruse through a listing of 8240 Iraqi companies that are seeking international partners. The Commercial Service offices in the region (Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and UAE) are prepared to provide leads on potential partners from these countries who have experience in the Iraqi market. You can contact these regional offices directly (go on line at http://www.export.gov and double click on ‘our international sites’).
In summary, there is a vivant and growing market in Iraq and an abundance of reconstruction projects. However, companies need to be realistic in their approach to exploring this market including determining the level of exposure in country, if any. Companies that bid on contracts requiring work in Iraq should review all the security recommendations, and monitor the situation on the ground daily. The situation in certain parts of the country remains highly volatile. The State Department and Central Command post regular updates on the following websites: http://travel.state.gov/iraq_warning.html http://www.centcom.mil
There are six Export Assistance Centers located in Clearwater, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tallahassee, and we are prepared to assist you with your export related questions.
If you have any further questions, or would like additional information, please contact Rick Ortiz via email at Rick.Ortiz@mail.doc.gov.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
http://www.usaid.gov/iraq
Iraq Reconstruction Task Force
U.S. Department of Commerce
Your Link to Information about Rebuilding Iraq
http://www.export.gov/iraq
Bechtel's Supplier and Contractor Portal. The secured site for conducting electronic business with Bechtel http://www.supplier.bechtel.com/bni/usaid/
Bechtel have been selected by USAID through its Iraq Infrastructure Reconstruction Program to participate in the design, rehabilitation, upgrading, reconstruction, and construction of Iraq’s infrastructure, initially including: one seaport, five airports, miscellaneous electric power systems, road networks, rail systems, municipal water and sanitation services, school and health facilities, select government buildings, and irrigation systems.
From this site, you can ...
* Register your company
* Submit bids
* Link to online auctions
* Submit documents
* Submit Invoices
* View Payment Status
* Learn about Bechtel's Supply Chain Requirements
A database has been set up for receiving e-mail inquiries: IraqInfo@mail.doc.gov where all incoming e-mail inquiries will be kept and used for helping our businesses and those from our coalition partner countries.
USAID is charged with two aspects of assistance to Iraq: emergency relief and reconstruction.
Emergency Relief includes support aimed at meeting immediate humanitarian needs such as food assistance, health services, water, and sanitation. The majority of these contracts were awarded to international NGOs and U.N. agencies. Review the funding summary section of USAID's Iraqi Reconstruction Web site for a complete list of emergency relief contracts:
Reconstruction Activities are designed to address Iraq's longer-term rebuilding efforts. As of April 2003, USAID had issued nine solicitations for projects related to Iraqi reconstruction. The USAID Web site maintains a list of contract award notices.
Companies interested in providing technical or administrative services to USAID for or in the Persian Gulf can fill out an on line form at
http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/form/employment.html.
USAID procurement is guided by the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) -
http://www.arnet.gov/far and AID Acquisition Regulations http://www.usaid.gov/pub/ads/300/aidar.pdf
In most cases, the Buy America Act prohibits foreign firms from acting as subcontractors for projects funded by USAID. However, the Buy America Act has been waived for projects relating to Iraqi reconstruction. Future RFPs will outline eligibility requirements.
Department of Defense (DOD)
DOD Contractor Hot Line: For support of potential operations to control and mitigate damage to Iraq's oil facilities: Tel: 866-461-5171 (in the U.S.)
Iraq Reconstruction Contract Opportunities - DOD
Visit http://www.kallman.com for infrastructure reconstruction opportunities.
All federal solicitations for future work over $25,000 will be listed at the Federal Business Opportunities web site at www.fedbizopps.gov
In addition, firms can contact the DOD contractor hotline at (866) 461-5171 and can review USACE's web-site.
DOD and USACE follow the United States Government contracting regulations found in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). While it is anticipated that foreign firms will be allowed to compete for future contracts, future RFPs will outline eligibility.
UN Iraq Distribution Plan - Phase XII
List of supplies and goods to be imported by Iraq by sector ; food sector, medicine and medical equipment and supplies, water and sanitation sector, electricity sector, agriculture sector, education sector, infrastructure support for food, nutrition, agricultural and health sectors, oil sector, settlement rehabilitation, mines related, housing annex, and special allocation requirements.
Information on the U.N. World Food Program is available at: http://www.wfp.org
Contact numbers for WFP in:
Kuwait
WFP-Kuwait Regency Palace Najed Hall (Ground Floor)
Taawon Street, Salmiyah Kuwait
Tel: (965) 572-8000
Fax: (965) 572-3848
Email: WFP.Kuwait@wfp.org
Iraq
WFP- Canal Hotel
Canal Road
Baghdad, Iraq
Tel: 212-963-3010 (in the U.S.)
Fax: 212-963-3009 (in the U.S.)
UN Office of the Iraq Programme - Oil- for- Food
An oil-for-food programme began at the end of 1996 after the United Nations and the Government of Iraq agreed on the details of implementing resolution 986 (1995), which permitted Iraq to sell up to two billion dollars worth of oil in a 180-day period.