FUNDING REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL

UNCLAS ACCRA 000255 SIPDIS FOR AF/EX, ISC, DS/EX/CFO AND DS/IP/OPO, AND OBO/RE AND OBO/AM/AF SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KICA AFIN AMGT USAID ASEC ABUD SUBJECT: FUNDING REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL WAREHOUSE SPACE ¶1. Request ICASS funding to continue leasing the current USAID warehouse April 1, 2008. Estimated annual warehouse lease (33,000), utility (16,000) and guard (13,700) costs are 63,000 USD. This cable has been cleared by the ICASS Council. In addition, OBO/RE advised use of MOU to transfer lease from USAID to ICASS, since it will not expire at time of transfer. ¶2. The AMC (American Mission Compound) warehouse is not able to handle the additional FF&A requirements of USAID, which was noted in Accra's consolidation plan under the warehouse management cost center. In addition to the USAID consolidation, twelve more American direct hire (ADH) positions were recently approved through the NSDD-38 process. Current fuel and water storage capacities at the AMC are insufficient to manage existing or keep up with increase demand resulting from local shortages of gas diesel, and water, which would be relieved by the additional fuel and water storage reservoirs at the USAID warehouse. Parking space on the AMC is limited and is inadequate to address the increased number of vehicles resulting from USAID's move to their new building on the AMC and consolidation. Leasing the former USAID warehouse would address this problem and alleviate vehicular congestion. ¶3. As this matter is time sensitive and the Landlord must be given notice before the end of January 2008 because of the 90 day termination clause, we would appreciate a quick response to our request to continue leasing the USAID warehouse property. As a result of the consolidation, ICASS is committed to provide warehouse management April 1, 2008. ¶4. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated on this very important issue, as well as approval of our funding request. BRIDGEWATER