REQUEST FOR SOURCE/ORIGIN WAIVER: PROCUREMENT OF VEHICLES

UNCLAS QUITO 001204 SIPDIS STATE FOR INL/RM TIM HENDERSON, TIM BARRY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR AMGT KCRM SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR SOURCE/ORIGIN WAIVER: PROCUREMENT OF VEHICLES FOR THE ECUADORIAN NATIONAL POLICE ANTINARCOTICS UNITS ¶1. Issue: Post requests a source origin waiver from geographic code 000 (United States only) to geographic code 935 (Special Free World) to permit the procurement of vehicles in the Host Country local market for operational use by the Ecuadorian National Police Antinarcotics Units (DNA). Cooperating Country: Ecuador Authorizing document: LOA dated August 21, 2009 Project: Police Operations - Vehicles Nature of funding: Police Operations Funds FY-08 Description of commodity: Foreign-manufactured vehicles Quantity - 16 2010 Pickups 2.5 liters, 04 cylinders, diesel, intercooler with turbocharger, 100 HP transmission, 4WD, 05 speed manual transmission Quantity - 12 2010 Automobiles, Sedan 1.6 liters, 04 cylinders, 16 valves, DOHC, gasoline, 100HP, FWD, 05 speed manual transmission Quantity - 1 2010 Van, 2.5 liters, 04 cylinders, 8 valves, OHC, diesel, A/C, 90 HP, 05 speed manual transmission, 15 passengers Quantity - 20 2010 Motorcycles, 200 Cubic centimeters, 01 cylinders, OHC, gasoline, 05 speed manual transmission, 8.5 gals Approximate total value: USD 571,000.00 Origin: Special Free World Source: Ecuador Contracting agent: INL/RPSO ¶2. Discussion: These vehicles will be used for surveillance operations by the DNA. The DNA is a highly effective unit of the National Police Anti-Drug Directorate Quito office. For the security of undercover personnel and operations, it is necessary for the DNA Units to use nondescript vehicles that are locally common rather than the more conspicuous and distinctive U.S.-manufactures vehicles. The requested vehicles are to replace vehicles that will be put up for auction. ¶3. Recommendation: For the reasons stated above, we recommend approval of this request for a source/origin waiver to permit acquisition of these project vehicles in Ecuador. ¶4. Please expedite reply. Thank you. ¶5. Signed: Drew Schufletowski, NAS Director, Narcotics Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Quito, Ecuador. HODGES HODGES