When Freedom Is Bad for Business - How the U.S. invasion made Iraq’s economy worse, not better

Hello everyone !

Happy Memorial Day and many THANKS VERY MUCH to our soldiers and civilians supporting our efforts, our interests and way of life, in all regions past and present!

I have been in Iraq working for a large Iraqi construction firm living life there "outside-the-wire" with good-hearted and good-intended Iraqi nationals. They are so energetic and supportive of the opportunity to rebuild the country and manage it for themselves. And, as appreciative of US efforts to free them of Saddam regime as they are, there is a lot of resentment for the impoverished and dysfunctional social fabric left behind still in an sensitive state.

I've experienced the sentiments of the writer of this article being involved in everyday business. It is so difficult for those people there, arduous, laborious, dreadfully slow and expensive to do anything. It is a shame we weren't able to leave a lasting positive legacy after so much sacrifice everybody has made in the past years during our involvement in Iraq. Let's hope things get better, sooner than later, enshala, enshala!

This is a good article.. below intro and link to the full article is here...

IF YOU ARE planning to open a business in Iraq, I would advise you to bring a book. Something substantial, perhaps Tolstoy or Proust, or the unabridged Oxford English Dictionary. You’ll want a sizable knapsack, too, so you can comfortably carry not just all 20 volumes, but the enormous stacks of cash that the process will require.

Here is what the World Bank estimates you must do to open a new firm in Iraq. First, you will need to spend a couple of days deciding on a company name, determining whether it is already registered, and obtaining a “name reservation letter” from the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce at a cost of 350,000 Iraqi dinars ($300). Then, for about 900,000 dinars ($770), you must hire a lawyer to spend a day drafting articles of association for your company. You will need a couple more days to deposit 5,000 dinars ($4.30) in a commercial bank and obtain a confirming receipt, and up to two weeks and another 350,000 dinars ($300) to file for registration at the Commercial Registry. Advertising your incorporation notice in the local paper will set you back 80,000 dinars ($70), and you will lose another three days. Following that, you will expend two days and 20,000 dinars ($17) to make a company seal, but take heart—only one more day is needed to obtain your registration certificate from the Commercial Registry, which includes it absolutely free in the price of your registration filing.

Link to the full article is here...

Have a great day!

JOB: Sr Project Manager - USG Middle East

Erik Plesset
Sr Recruiter
MRI Raleigh
Tel: 919-781-0400 x 123
Email: eplesset@mriraleigh.com

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER - Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq and Morocco

My client, an international design / build contractor and ranked in the TOP of the ENR list of the 400 Top US Contractors is looking for a Sr. Project Manager for US Dept of State - USAID Overseas Building Operations Temporary Housing IDIQ contracts in the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan and Morocco.

PROFILE

The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for the profitable (P/L) operations and construction delivery of $50M housing, infrastructure such as utilities, power generation plants, water / waste water treatment facilities and support as required, per specification, of the developments including:

• Comfortable acting as Construction Manager interfacing with Client COR, internal design, operations and other support staff and international JV contractor partners, local nationals and other staff as required.
• Very familiar with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) contracting process
• Excellent knowledge of Prolog, Primavera, Suretrack Project Manager and Contract Manager Software
• Fifteen years or more of relevant international work experience, including project management of mid size to large construction projects with the Federal Government MILCON & CONTINENGENCY type of projects (OBO, DOD, USACE, USAID, AFCEE)
• BS degree in Engineering or Construction Management
• Travel and possible relocation through the Middle East, Morocco, Iraq or Afghanistan – MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN MIDDLE EAST.
• Candidates already established in the area will be given top consideration
• SECRET Security Clearance or ability to obtain one

Pay: Competitive, Uplift, Per Diem, Completion Bonus
Benefits: Full Benefits
Term: Contract and Long Term Employment

Director Business Development - Security Screening Systems

Great job here... for the right person... contact me directly at 919-781-0400 OR eplesset@mriraleigh.com

TITLE DIRECTOR / VP of Business Development – EXCITING OPPORTUNITY!
LOCATION Boston Area HQ, commutable (Mid-Atlantic, Northeast)
PAY $150K, 1% commission of sales
CLEARANCE SECRET OR HIGHER
TRAVEL 50%
BENEFITS Mobil Phone, Laptop, and other electronics provided, Company credit card, 100% medical benefits paid by company for employee and family, 30 days vacation per year

COMPANY OVERVIEW

My Client, a growing company with 200 employees around the world – a system integrator and operator of field + sustainment security screening systems primarily Gamma & X-ray Systems is looking for an energetic business development director. The company assembles people and equipment as a one stop shop including sales of new equipment and field engineering teams to maintain the equipment including installing software and hardware upgrades, training of owner users, and even participate in the background during actual hostile action or other use of equipment. The equipment they assemble includes systems for :

· Ground Penetration

· Night Vision Thermal Programs

· MRAP Systems

· Robotics

· IT

· Communications

The company has been operating under the radar teaming with large primes; now they are interested in going after contracts independently as well, building brand awareness on their own legs. Current business is at DOD with target expansion into DOHS (Dept of Homeland Security). Roots of company are from DOD Special Forces + Original Equipment Manufacturers of gamma and X-ray screening technology setting up

· International port operations and security screening of containers,

· leading into ground penetration and work with US Customs and border patrol

· Leading into field combat operations and mobile DOD and Federal (FBI, SWAT, etc) commands looking for IEDS, bad guys and all the munitions and people and things we need to DESTROY!

“IDEAL” CANDIDATE

· Strong relationship builder, amassing a wide variety of US Government, industry business relationships with senior officials, all leading to achieving a professional reputation for innovation, strategic planning and consistently achieving successful results

· Must be very good with taking apart RFPs / FAR / Financial Considerations building near term pipeline

· Marketing background to enhance long term industry brand recognition

· Retired 0-4 / 0-6 DOD (equivalent) Intel, Sp Forces Commands OR Dept of Homeland Security (Other 3 Letter Agencies) OR Business Sector OEM with a strong rolodex of contacts and understanding of USG contracting in the security field

· 5 or so years experience in commercial Defense Industry or Federal Security contractors

· Bachelor`s degree in Business Management, Administration, Engineering, or related field, and at least 10 years of program related experience

PERSONALITY TRAITS

· Aggressive

· Personable

· Chameleon

· Hunter

· Creative

· Innovative

· “Make things happen” kind of person

OTHER

Relationships and/or understanding of Major Commands (MAJCOM) Contracting to

· TACOM - Wheels Detection

· PM-FPS - Product Manager - Force Protection Systems

· JEIDDO - Imagery Detectors

· MARCORP SYSCOM - Quantico / Stafford VA

· Federal Protection Service - Mobile Command Maintenance

JOB: Global Director of Construction

Great Position for the right individual - my client is a large US Government construction and logistics firm operating in all regions of the world. Please contact me directly at 919-781-0400 EXT 123 OR eplesset@mriraleigh.com for more information.

CHALLENGE

• Improve international construction vision and delivery and revenue by bringing a careers' worth of experience to the table.
• Prepare for fast growth by establishing an infrastructure enabling that kind of growth while improving existing processes and "go to market" strategy.

GENERAL APPLICANT PROFILE

• 20 - 25 years experience in construction management both at the owners and contractor side in secure and unsecured (classified) projects (Top Secret).
• Career blend of US MILITARY Construction Engineering Corps AND Private Construction Management Firms
• DOD Active Duty OR Reserve Employment with US NAVY (NAVFAC), USACE, USAF (Retired at O-5 / O-6) AND US American Contingency Contractor
• Extended relationships and experience at government level in Asia, Africa, Middle East with diplomatic experience
• P/L Responsibility
• Comfortable with site visits in hostile and dangerous regions

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

• Hands on experience in field construction and operations for most types of general buildings, mixed use commercial and residential, infrastructure, power
• Experience in management of a $100M - $300M international construction division
• Experience in logistics in support of international projects

VETERANS DAY AND EVERYDAY OFFERS & DISCOUNTS

Hey Vets: Thanks for your service -- maybe you can take advantage of some of these retailers who also recognize your service.


RESTAURANTS:
APPLEBEE'S - FREE DINNERS TO VETERANS THROUGHOUT VETERANS DAY; SELECTIONS WILL BE FROM A NEW VETERANS DAY MENU.
- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE - FREE BLOOMING ONION AND BEVERAGE.
- GOLDEN CORRAL - FREE BUFFET DINNER FROM 5-9PM ON NOV 16TH TO ANYONE WHO HAS EVER SERVED IN THE US MILITARY.
- SUBWAY - FREE SIX INCH SUBS TO ALL VETERANS OR ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS.
- MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S - FREE ENTRÉE TO MILITARY VETERANS FOR ITS 12TH ANNUAL VETERAN'S APPRECIATION EVENT.
- KRISPY KREME - ONE FREE DOUGHNUT OF ANY VARIETY.
- UNO CHICAGO GRILL- FREE ENTREE OR INDIVIDUAL PIZZA WITH AN ENTREE OR PIZZA PURCHASE OF EQUAL OR GREATER VALUE.
- COUSHATTA CASINO RESORT - FREE SEVEN-CLAMS LUNCH OR DINNER BUFFET TO VETERANS OR ACTIVE MILITARY.
- MARKETPLACE GRILL & EXPRESS - VETERANS AND ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY RECEIVE FREE ENTREES.
- MASALA WOK - FREE ENTREE TO VETERANS.
- HY-VEE SUPERMARKETS - FREE BREAKFAST TO VETERANS.
- ABUELO'S MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANTS - ALL VETERANS AND ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY RECEIVE A FREE ENTREE.
- CAROLINA BURGERS & BBQ (MATTHEWS, NC) - FREE MEAL TO ALL SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS.

RETAIL:
BRIDES ACROSS AMERICA - FREE WEDDING GOWNS TO QUALIFIED MILITARY BRIDES.
- LOWE’S & HOME DEPOT - 10% OFF TO ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY, NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVE, RETIREES, HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS.
- SAM'S CLUB - HUGO CANES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY TO US VETERANS IN NEED OF MOBILITY ASSISTANCE (MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED).
- AMAZON.COM - FREE "VETERANS DAY HONOR" MP3 ALBUM DOWNLOAD.
- CABELA'S OUTDOOR STORE - EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT TO ALL MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, AND EMS PERSONNEL NOV 11-12.
- BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP - 20% DISCOUNT NOV 11-15 ON ANY ONE TRANSACTION TO MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS.
- DOLLAR GENERAL - 10% DISCOUNT TO ALL VETERANS, ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY, NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVE AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.
- FASHION BUG - 20% OFF ALL PLUS-SIZE AND MISSES CLOTHING PURCHASES WITH MILITARY ID OR SPOUSE'S MILITARY ID.

ATTRACTIONS:
NATIONAL PARKS, FORESTS AND MONUMENTS - FREE ADMISSION TO EVERYONE ON VETERANS DAY.
- KNOTT'S BERRY FARM - FREE PARK ADMISSION TO US ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL AND A GUEST NOVEMBER 1-26.
- COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG - FREE ADMISSION NOV 6-11 TO VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS.
- SAN JACINTO MUSEUM OF HISTORY - FREE VISITS TO OBSERVATION DECK, THEATRE, AND SPECIAL EXHIBIT FOR VETERANS.
- HISTORIC JAMESTOWN - FREE ADMISSION TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.
- BATTLESHIP COVE - FREE ADMISSION AND A SPECIAL CEREMONY FOR VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY, AND RESERVISTS.
- VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK - FREE ADMISSION TO ALL.
- BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART - FREE ADMISSION TO "LIFE AND LIBERTY" ON NOV 10-11 FOR VETERANS AND

CRS -- Iraq Casualties: U.S. Military Forces and Iraqi Civilians, Police, and Security Forces (Updated)

This is very interesting data...

This report presents U.S. military casualties as well as governmental and nongovernmental estimates of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties.

For several years, there were few estimates from any national or international government source regarding Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties. Now, however, several Iraqi ministries have released monthly or total casualty statistics. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) releases the monthly trend of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces deaths. In addition, the United Nations Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has charted the trend of civilian casualties from August 2007 to April 2009, and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) reported on the number of deaths by suicide bombers in 2008.

Nongovernmental sources also have released various estimates of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties. This report includes estimates from the Associated Press, the Brookings Institution, Iraq Body Count, the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, Iraq Family Health Survey, the most recent study published in the Lancet, and the British survey firm, Opinion Research Business.

Because the estimates of Iraqi casualties contained in this report are based on varying time periods and have been created using differing methodologies, readers should exercise caution when using them and should look to them as guideposts rather than as statements of fact. This report will be updated as needed.

Have a geat weekend!

Erik Plesset

MEP SUPERINTENDENT - US EMBASSY - EUROPE

PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY IF INTERESTED and QUALIFIED! eplesset@mriraleigh.com 919-781-0400

PROJECT- NEW US Embassy Compound (NEC)
LOCATION - E. EUROPE (Non Hostile) 30% Complete, 8 Buildings total with one main 20K sq. ft. compound, another 12K sq. ft. building and other support buildings. Main building is in final stages of foundation and prep.

PAY - DOE (six figures), full benefits, R/R, living accommodations, per Diem, etc.

SUMMARY- Great Career Opportunity! Great Job! Great Location!

My client, a US BASED international general contractor with several large projects, is looking for a MEP Superintendent. The right candidate will be part of the CM team made up of civil, electrical, QA/Safety, mechanical, security and Project Management.; as well as being a “guru” with a detailed understanding of Mechanical and Electrical systems to include means and methods of installation, functionality, schedule sequencing, quality control focus points, system start-up, commissioning, troubleshooting, etc. A big “must have”: a solid personality and composure with ability to keep control of the client, project execution, subcontractors, locals, etc.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Builds effective relationships with customers, design team, subcontractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meets or exceeds the customer’s expectations. Maintains a strong focus on meeting and exceeding customer needs and expectations through the life of the project.


OTHER EXPERIENCE
a. Chillers – Multistack preferred
b. HVAC systems - York
c. Building Automation Systems, particularly using Johnson Controls solutions
d. Underground including utilities
e. Mission Critical Work platform, including Data Centers (to include Tier IV)
f. Sufficient knowledge of critical environment work processes and a proven track record in managing work in 24/7 operating work environments to illustrate management of the risk in such applications.
g. Experience in directing and/or supporting the commissioning effort.