US firm wins $4.4m deal to run airports

WASHINGTON - A US$2.5 million ($4.4 million) contract to manage three commercial airports in Iraq has been awarded to Washington company SkyLink Air and Logistic Support.

The US Agency for International Development said yesterday that SkyLink would provide technical expertise to manage the international airports at Baghdad, Basra and Mosul, to pave the way for humanitarian operations and restore transport services to Iraq.

Under terms of the contract, the aviation and transportation company will develop plans for the restoration of smooth airfreight and passenger services.

The agency has issued nine requests for initial reconstruction work in Iraq, with eight contracts awarded so far.

Like many countries, the United States ties most of its foreign aid to US goods and companies. The agency has said foreign companies can take part as subcontractors.

Awards and grants so far:

Awarded

* Administration and management of the international airports at Baghdad, Basra and Mosul. SkyLink Air and Logistic Support awarded US$2.5 million.

* Restoration of the public health service. Abt Associates awarded US$10 million on April 30.

* Infrastructure. Emergency repair of electricity supply, water and sewer systems. Awarded to Bechtel Group on April 17 for US$34.6 million but worth up to US$680 million over 18 months. May also include repair of hospitals, schools, other public buildings and irrigation systems.

* Primary and secondary education. On April 11, Creative Associates International awarded initial US$1 million of a one-year contract capped at US$62.6 million. Involves upgrading schools, restocking classrooms and training teachers.

* Local governance. Also awarded on April 11, to Research Triangle Institute for US$7.9 million initially with up to US$167.9 million over 12 months. Seeks to maximise Iraqi participation in all phases and aspects of the reconstruction as the transition to Iraqi administration occurs.

* Port administration. Seattle company Stevedoring Services of America awarded US$4.8 million on March 24.

* Theatre logistical support. Warehousing, customs clearance and provision of bottled water. Awarded to US Air Force on February 17. Supplements existing Air Force contracts worth US$4 million initially and up to US$26 million over 12 months.

* Personnel support. Helping the aid agency in planning and managing reconstruction projects. Awarded on February 7 to the International Resources Group, with US$7.1 million initially.



Pending

* Iraq community action programme. Twelve-month contract to promote diverse and representative citizen participation in and among impoverished communities throughout the country. To be awarded.

Grants

* Back-to-school campaign. Grant to the United Nations Children's Fund on April 8 at US$1 million for one year initially, up to US$7 million.

* Health, water and sanitation services. Grant to the UN Children's Fund on March 28. Restoration and provision of basic health services to the most vulnerable populations, focusing on women and children. Grant of US$8 million for one year initially, up to US$40 million.

* Health system strengthening. Grant to World Health Organisation on March 28, worth US$10 million for one year. Identification and rapid restoration of essential health services for the population.