Engineering & Construction Industry Condemns Iraq Study; Government Benefits From Firms' Experience; Process Accountable To Taxpayer.

Business Editors

War On Terrorism 

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 18, 2004

A coalition of engineering and construction organizations today strongly condemned a study released by the minority staff of the House Government Reform Committee and the Senate Democratic Policy Committee which criticized the Iraq reconstruction effort. The coalition countered that the study's findings and conclusions fail to understand the long established processes used in carrying out complex construction projects on behalf of the taxpayer.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the Design Professionals Coalition and others stressed the vital role played by private sector firms in carrying out the reconstruction mission in Iraq.

The organizations emphasized that private sector companies are uniquely qualified to handle the massive, complex and often dangerous projects on behalf of government clients. Contractors use a time-honored and transparent practice, favored by many government agencies, of tailoring joint ventures and construction management practices to suit specific project execution and financial requirements. Most importantly, these firms are committed to providing the highest quality services to their government clients and the taxpayer.

According to the coalition, the study ignores or fails to understand the substantial, time-tested safeguards that provide an auditable trail used to measure the performance and costing of engineering, construction, and project management contracts. Numerous government audit agencies are already involved in the oversight of these contracts. This, coupled with the professionalism and management controls in the community, provide ample safeguards to protect the interests of the taxpayer.

Under the direction of the Coalition Provisional Authority, the Iraqi Governing Council, and federal agencies such as the Corps of Engineers, the engineering and construction community has stepped forward in extraordinarily difficult circumstances in Iraq to provide expert services to further the national interests of our country. The work being done is making a long-term difference in the quality of life for Iraqis - and as such it holds the potential for winning the peace.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America's engineering industry, representing approximately 6,000 independent engineering companies throughout the United States engaged in the development of America's transportation, environmental, industrial, and other infrastructure. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.