OSPB EXCEPTION REQUEST FOR CONSULAR BUILDING

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001245 SIPDIS DS/PSD/PCB, DS/IP/AF, PLEASE PASS TO SECURITY ENGINEERING BRANCH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ABLD AMGT ASEC SUBJECT: OSPB EXCEPTION REQUEST FOR CONSULAR BUILDING REF: JORDAN/MEDVIGY EMAIL DATED 07/02/04 ¶1. The ARSO has completed an exceptions request package in regards to the Consular upgrade project in the ref email sent to DS/PSD/PCB on July 02, 2004. This cable provides a synopsis of the exceptions package. ¶2. The Consular Section has an ongoing project to address many of the shortcomings listed in a 2002 OIG report. In this report, the OIG noted that the consular officers' ability to provide services to citizens and visa applicants was severely hampered due to their current physical layout. Some of the planned upgrades include reconfiguring internal office space and adding new hard-line doors. The funding for this project is currently blocked because exceptions to OSPB standards were not obtained prior to the Consulate's relocation in October 1999. ¶3. After the 1998 Embassy bombings, there was a strong push to collocate offices within the same compound. Since the Consulate was located directly on a heavily traveled street where there was not a protected perimeter, the former post administration decided to move the Consulate to the Chancery compound. This new facility was an existing structure on the compound. This structure formerly housed equipment for a telecommunication's project. The walls were built to FE/BR standard. Additionally it is located off Dumi Street which is a lightly traveled thoroughfare. There is also a ring of bollards which prevent vehicles from driving right into the building. Unlike the former location, the new structure does not have several large glass windows. In sum, the current Consular facility is located in a much more secure location. However, the prior post administration did not submit the required OSPB exception's package before they relocated. ¶4. Without the requested Consular building improvements, the officers' ability to accomplish their mission will be considerably diminished. They cannot restart the immigrant visa process without line of sight supervision of the local staff. Furthermore, OIG noted that Embassy Kinshasa should "ask the department for urgent assistance to remedy the problems." The Consular building is now located in far better protected structure. The Consulate is in close proximity to the Embassy and with the existing physical security measures mean that they are better protected. We firmly believe that the security of the Consular officers is not compromised in their current location. ¶5. The following exceptions to OSPB standards will need to be granted: a. A CAC allowing passage through the perimeter. b. A blast vulnerability study. c. Exterior walls that provide 15 minute FE/BR protection. d. Exterior doors that provide 15 minute FE/BR protection. e. Interior hardline that provides 15 minute FE/BR protection. f. A guard booth that provides 15 minute FE/BR protection. g. A clear zone on new office buildings. h. Setback requirements ¶6. Please review the exceptions package at your earliest convenience and let us know if additional information is required. ¶7. We look forward to your positive response. POC is ARSO Michael T. Jordan at 243-81-88-43128 (cell) or 934 ext. 2054 (IVG). HOOKS