The Command Post - Iraq - Australian Firm vies for Iraqi Reconstruction Contracts

April 17, 2003

Australian Firm vies for Iraqi Reconstruction Contracts

From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

The Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) says it is in negotiations with the United Nations and several US companies about securing a consulting role for Iraq's rehabilitation.
SMEC has been repairing infrastructure in northern Iraq for the past three years and has bases throughout the Middle East.

It will be interesting to see if contracts are only awarded to US firms.

Posted By Alan E Brain at April 17, 2003 09:43 AM | TrackBack

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Nah, we're not going to hog.

Posted by: Donnah at April 17, 2003 10:39 AM

Except where the French and Germans are concerned.

Posted by: crimsonsplat at April 17, 2003 10:47 AM

Sounds like they have a solid track record, hope this doesn't turn into a lowest bidder boondoggle

Posted by: Puff at April 17, 2003 10:48 AM

W already gave Poland the nod to get some contracts, why wouldn't the Ozzies?

They'll hopefully be paid for their wheat, too.

Posted by: Sandy P. at April 17, 2003 01:13 PM

They need to talk to the right people, though. The UN can't grant them anything at the moment (and hopefully for a long time to come).

Posted by: Gail at April 17, 2003 01:21 PM

I am a bit worried about the US - or the UN - setting contracts now: could some of this wait two months or so, with at least a constitutional convention in place to award contracts with Iraqi signatories?

Among other problems with doing it now, some types of contracts are limited to US-only bidders by law, which could make it look like we are trying to keep everything for the US.

Posted by: John Anderson at April 17, 2003 01:25 PM

Bear in mind, the contracts being awarded now are going to be paid for by the US, which is why the US has to follow all the rules for picking the contracter. When the Iraqi government gets going, they'll presumably pick whoever they want to

Posted by: Jeremy at April 17, 2003 02:57 PM