GAO: Contract issues could slow Iraq drawdown

[unhappycamper]

GAO: Contract issues could slow Iraq drawdown
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, November 4, 2009

ARLINGTON, Va. — A series of contracting issues are among the potential complications that could hamper the U.S. drawdown from Iraq, according to a report by the investigative branch of Congress.

Many contracts are set to expire next year just at the height of U.S. efforts to draw down to 50,000 troops by the end of August, according to the Government Accountability Office.

“Executing the rapid movement of troops and equipment out of Iraq will require significant truck assets,” the report said.

“Transitioning the mission to a new contractor and requiring the new contractor to provide 23,000 trucks and crews could be daunting.”

As multiple Iraqi contractors assume responsibility for base support, more U.S. personnel will be required to oversee the contractors, limiting the number of troops who can go on operations, the report said.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=65830



unhappycamper comment: It almost sounds like they are inventing the exit strategy on the fly. :(