U.S. EMBASSY HOSTS SEMINAR FOR UKRAINIAN FIRMS INTERESTED IN BIDDING ON RECONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS IN IRAQ

In order to facilitate Ukraine's participation in Iraq's reconstruction, the U.S. Embassy today opened a seminar for representatives of Ukrainian firms that may be interested in bidding on U.S. Government procurement contracts. Over 50 private Ukrainian companies and public ministries participated. The two-day session will explain the mechanics of U.S. contracting rules to ensure that Ukrainian companies' bids for Iraq contracts meet requirements for consideration.

Five specialists from the United States Department of Defense will lead the program, which will address the following topics:
· Current U.S. contracts in Iraq
· Future contract opportunities
· Process for soliciting contracts
· Competitive selection of contractors and the evaluation process
· Contract award and post-award process
· Advice on creating a well-crafted solicitation or bid

"Ukraine has been one of America's staunchest allies in both the Global War on Terror and Operation Enduring Freedom by contributing troops and resources," Ambassador John E. Herbst said in his welcoming remarks to conference participants. "We are partners in a profound and difficult undertaking -- creating a free and democratic society where not so very long ago there was dictatorship. Both of our nations have just had elections of historic importance, that remind us again of the importance of the right of the people to freely choose their leaders."

The Ambassador noted that the government of Ukraine has shown strong interest in contributing to rebuilding a democratic Iraq, and stated that Ukraine has much to offer. "Iraq could certainly benefit from Ukraine's industrial and engineering strength. Iraq greatly needs outside expertise in a diverse set of areas - from heavy industry to health care. I suspect that many of the companies in this room have such expertise, and have real prospects of playing a role in the reconstruction of a democratic Iraq."

For more information please contact the Information Office of the U.S. Embassy at 490-4026.