MOU BETWEEN BAGHDAD AMANAT AND USG

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 003502 SBU SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV IZ SUBJECT: MOU BETWEEN BAGHDAD AMANAT AND USG ¶1. (U) The Baghdad Amanat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USG that marks a turning point in the coordination of U.S. reconstruction efforts in the Capital. The MOU is the result of a six month long coordinated effort on the part of the Provincial Projects Management Section of the Baghdad PRT. The MOU brings together all interested parties and will facilitate and streamline construction activities in Baghdad. The MOU was signed by the Baghdad Amanat, Gulf Region Division (GRD), Provincial Reconstruction Team ) Baghdad (PRT-B),Joint Contracting Command Iraq/Afghanistan (JCCI/A),and Multi-National Division ) Baghdad (MND-B). The agreement spells out procedures and standards for U.S. facilitated reconstruction projects and solidifies the partnership between the Amanat and the four US parties responsible for reconstruction efforts within the city of Baghdad. ¶2. (SBU) The MOU developed out of a seven point letter sent from the Baghdad Deputy Mayor for Technical Affairs Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa to the GRD Commanding General BG Dorko. The letter requested US agencies follow Iraqi standards for construction project execution. Specifically, the Mayor wanted the US to use the Iraqi contractor classification method when awarding contracts, in order to prevent unqualified contractors from taking on projects larger than their scope of experience. The Mayor also asked for Iraqi participation and oversight of projects. The MOU addresses the Mayor's concerns and creates a process for project development, execution, and turn-over procedures. ¶3. (SBU) The PRT served as the coordinator for the MOU negotiations and drafter for the document language, including translation of the final technical language. During the final stages of negotiating the MOU, the PRT played a pivotal role in ensuring the MOU provided for the interests of the Amanat as well as the Coalition Forces. ¶4. (SBU) This MOU process will be shared with other PRTs as a Best Practice to facilitate greater cooperation with provincial authorities and to ensure projects, from conception to execution, meet Iraqi government standards and regulations. CROCKER