Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAGHDAD3502
2008-11-04 14:51:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

MOU BETWEEN BAGHDAD AMANAT AND USG

Tags:  PGOV IZ 
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VZCZCXRO2765
PP RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHGB #3502 3091451
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 041451Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0216
INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
UNCLAS BAGHDAD 003502 

SBU
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV IZ
SUBJECT: 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