KGL files protest for Prime Vendor contract award to Anham
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New Gulf supplier to US military eyes more contracts
by Tamara Walid – Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Dubai conglomerate, ANHAM FZCO, said that it would be bidding for up to 30 contracts to provide food and supporting services to the US military. (Getty Images)ANHAM FZCO, which took over a $2.2 billion US military supply contract from Kuwait’s Agility this month, is bidding for up to 30 contracts to provide food and supporting services to the US armed forces, its managing director said.
David Brauss said the Dubai based conglomerate, made up of three companies in Jordan, the UAE and the United States, was focused on US contracts in the Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan.
In an interview late on Tuesday, he said: “We are bidding for 20 to 30 contracts with the US government.”
He added: “We expect to win additional contracts there.”
He did not give a total value for the contracts under bidding by ANHAM, which contracts with local companies to structure ventures in emerging markets and is made up of Saudi Arabia’s ASTRA, Virginia based HII Finance and Jordan’s Munir Sukhtian Group.
Earlier this month, the US Defense Logistics Agency replaced Agility as the main supplier to the US military in the Gulf Arab region amid fraud allegations.
The decision followed an indictment accusing Agility of fraud in $8.5 billion worth of contracts first signed in 2003 to supply the US Army in the Gulf.
The US government said it is close to a settlement with Agility, but the Kuwaiti firm on Wednesday said there could be no guarantee of a deal. A third firm, Kuwait’s KGL, on Wednesday said it has filed an objection to the awarding of the contract to ANHAM.
ANHAM officials could not immediately be reached for comment on KGL’s filing.
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Other Related Posts From Ms Sparky
- Fluor Drops Protest of $500 Million KBR Iraq Support Contract
- Anham Says Logistics Contract With U.S. Department of Defense is Final
- Anham LLC to replace Agility as Prime Vendor (updated 4/17/2010)
- Will Dyncorp and Fluor protest the CTP task order award for LOGCAP IV
- KBR will not protest LOGCAP IV contract awards in Afghanistan
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Thursday, April 29th 2010 at 8:08 pm |
Dominic Baragona here, Rocky’s dad…Pam and I have walking the halls of congress six years trying to get justice for the Rock…Finally we are starting to see the fruits of our labor..Like Pam said, KGL will never forget the name of LTC Dominic Rocco Baragona…
Sunday, May 9th 2010 at 5:33 am |
I sympathize with you all, but I have worked in the Gulf for few yeatrs during the rough times of liberation and during 2003 and we all risked our lives for additional $$ to earn in between Kuwait and Iraq.
During war times, movements are not usually normal and accidents do happen due to many trucks on the road in between Kuwait and Iraq, unfortunatlely, it happened to your son. We have to keep our Faith in God.
Saturday, May 1st 2010 at 9:32 am |
Fruits of your labor? Do you believe your hard work truly affected the award of the Prime Vendor contract? Not sure if there are any truly squeeky clean contractors out there. My condolences for your loss.
Saturday, May 1st 2010 at 10:50 am |
I know LTC Rocky Baragona’s family has worked very hard in Washington DC. One would hope the work of this family has been noticed and taken into consideration. Anytime there is a financial loss for one of these companies, a surviving family sees that as a victory. I’m not going to take that away from them. One person can make a difference. I see it everyday in the changes to our laws and DoD regulations because people like Cheryl Harris and Jamie Jones chose to fight.
Sunday, May 9th 2010 at 5:45 am |
My sympathy goes to you all, but I may have another point of view.
I worked in the Gulf during the Liberation and part of 2003 in between Kuwait and Iraq and the number of trucks passing through the major highways was unbelievable to keep up with UN needs. With so much happening, the risks of accidents do increases.
I have heard good stuff on KGL being in business for so long and supported the needs as required.
I think they played a crucial key in the Liberation process.
We are all believers, so May God rest his Soul and Heaven be his permanent place.
Monday, May 3rd 2010 at 5:58 am |
KGL Shipping and ValFajre in a partnership? Interesting. As per the website and advertising in the Middle East, this service transports civilians to/from Iran to the UAE for business and pleasure. How does this service transfer US money to the Iranian Government? I’m simply attempting to understand the connection more clearly. As far as I know KGL Shipping has never operated a prime contract or subcontract with the USG.
I agree that the Supreme Court would be a long shot. After the two lower courts dismissed the case due to lack of jurisdiction, it’s highly unlikely they’ll hear the case.
Why didn’t the Army investigate? Sounds like they simply ruled it a routine traffic accident and moved on. I can understand considering the hostile environment, but that doesn’t excuse their lack of follow-up after the fact. Did the UN investigate? Why wouldn’t the UN pursue legal action? Don’t get me started on the UN.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 2:25 am |
Most companies in the region do business with Iran in one form or another. I know that KGL’s Combined Shipping is strictly commercial in nature. It’s a passenger service that transports the passengers as well as their cars.They have never operated as a prime or sub contractor for the USG. To me Combined Shipping is a non issue.
In fact, you’ll find much of the equipment used in the middle east including those for USG contracts more than likely will contain parts manufactured in Iran. Truck bodies, engines, axles, tires etc., Many mid east equipment manufacturers have some Iranian ownership or are tied to Iran in someway. So even equipment/parts used for USG contracts can be traced to Iran! Most logistics providers including Agility and AnHam fall into this category. So if you investigate KGL then investigate them all! It’s a waste of time and taxpayers dollars to investigate this angle.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 5:37 am |
These legal grounds are nearly irrelevant. Non issue, I agree. In my opinion, it’s futile to think anyone can hammer any defense contractor on these grounds.
It sounds as if the US Army neglected to fully investigate the accident. It’s tragic that a US serviceman lost his life in this accident. The seatbelt issue is nearly irrelevant as well. I’ve deployed to Iraq four times and most of the HWMMVs are so small and nearly impossible to enter/exit while wearing your battle rattle and weapon. Damn things are made for people under 5’6″. Most servicemen get injured/killed by fires/trauma within vehicles due to IEDs, not traffic accidents. I’d rather take my chances with a traffic accident than being burned alive any day. The USG or anyone claiming LTC Baragona was partially at fault or negligent because he wasn’t wearing his seatbelt is completely clueless. Iraq is not like the US or any other peaceful setting. Seat belts do save lives, even in Iraq, but in a HWMMV I’d always choose not to wear mine while in Iraq. I’d leave the choice to wear a seatbelt up to each occupant.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 5:52 am |
You are correct on all accounts. Not all the i’s are dotted or t’s crossed during the fog of war. At the end of the day it was a tragic traffic accident. No more , no less.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 9:15 am |
In response to TOPDOG, you don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to find the evidence you are asking for: KGL’s links to Combined Shipping and to the OFAC-proscribed Iranian shipping companies are stated plainly on those companies own websites, e.g. look at Combined Shipping’s website:
http://www.cscq8.com/about_profile.asp.
The website states that:
“The ‘Combined Shipping Company KSCC’ is a leading Kuwaiti maritime shipping and freight forwarding service provider…The company is a joint venture between the ‘Kuwait and Gulf Link Holding Co.’ – (KGL), one of the most prominent investors in the field of transport, logistics and technical services in the Middle East and the Iranian ‘VALFAJR-Shipping Company’ a subsidiary of IRISL Group, the main Iranian sea transporter for passengers and cargo in the Gulf region and worldwide.”
Take a close look at the photos on the respective websites of Combined Shipping Company and Valfajr and you’ll see that some of the ships supposedly in Combined Shipping Company’s fleet, actually bear the logo and markings of Valfajr.
One suspects that KGL set up Combined Shipping with Valfajr to provide a false flag for the Iranian ships to ply the Gulf.
Further, Valfajr’s website lists Combined Shipping Company as its agent in Kuwait:
http://valfajr.ir/default.aspx?tabid=439
Also, IRISL Group’s website lists Combined Shipping Company as its agent in Kuwait:
http://agencydept.irisl.net/allemails.asp?area=ME&ar1=AF
As for Valfajr’s and IRISL’s involvement in Iranian nuclear proliferation, they are summarized in a September 8, 2008 U.S. Treasury Department press release. You can find the whole text on the Internet but here are some excerpts:
“The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control today designated the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), and 18 other affiliated entities, for providing logistical services to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). ‘Not only does IRISL facilitate the transport of cargo for U.N. designated proliferators, it also falsifies documents and uses deceptive schemes to shroud its involvement in illicit commerce,’ said Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. ‘IRISL’s actions are part of a broader pattern of deception and fabrication that Iran uses to advance its nuclear and missile programs. That conduct should give pause to any financial institution or business still choosing to deal with Iran.’”
The press release named Valfajr as one of the other entities “which were found to be owned or controlled by or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, IRISL.”
The press release ended with this:
“These actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13382, an authority aimed at freezing the assets of proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters, and at isolating them from the U.S. financial and commercial systems. Today’s designations are part of the ongoing interagency effort by the U.S. Government to combat WMD trafficking by blocking the property of entities and individuals that engage in proliferation activities and their support networks.”
The involvement of the Iranian government-owned, and OFAC-prohibited shipping companies in KGL’s supply chain to provision U.S. troops raises a host of obvious potential security risks.
It’s incomprehensible to me that the U.S. Defense Department has given contracts to KGL and qualified them a a bidder for P.V.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 11:38 am |
Interesting fact. KGL is a corporate sponsor of the annual golf tournament for military members in kuwait at Sahara Golf Course.
http://www.ausa-kuwait.com/events/newsandevents2010.html
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 at 12:37 am |
Evidently you need to be a Sherlock Holmes! I’m a very simple guy and to me the bottom line is this…Has Combined Shipping specifically been found in violation of any International Law? Any US law or UN Sanctions?
What about any major airlines that have agreements with Iranian carriers? Or what about major shipping companies such as Maresk, APL, Evergreen, K line, NYK, etc.,
All of the above I’m sure are involved in some ways with local agents and freight forwarders that represent them in Iran. I’m sure most have connecting carrier or space sharing agreements as well.
The above also applies to major manufactures, logistics companies, pharmaceutical firms, you name it.
Last time I looked the communist Chinese owned half of the USA and many US firms are happily doing business with a known human right violator and WMD country.
We should apply the same standards to them all.
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 at 7:18 am |
It takes time for the DoJ to indict. Look how long it took them to indict Agility. But without the efforts of people like the Baragona family these companies would continue with business as usual forever. The DoD has had a serious don’t ask don’t tell policy when it comes to contractor “indiscretions” as they would like to refer to them. Us normal people call them heinous crimes. But there are no amount of attorneys or communications directors or public relations firms who will be able to wage battle against a person(s) who feel they have violated by these companies. For the companies it’s business as usual and there are $$$ attached to every decision. For the families is personal.
I wouldn’t expect Pam to post any information that is not already on the internet. For the rest of it I guess you will need to wait for indictments.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 10:24 am |
Kuwait is a country filled with human traffikers. I have no idea why the USA puts up with this shite. The Kuwaitis can rape a filipina and then tell her he is sorry at the police station and he is off the hook. It actually was written in the Arab times the story i just told. Kuwaitis are pigs and we should have left these bastiches to Saddam.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 6:27 pm |
Optimus Prime,
There are filipinas trading in other filipinas in kuwait and they work on a u.s. installation. not human trafiking on base but on the economy
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 6:30 pm |
You know prime when we bailed out the Kuwaitis in 90-91 that is not mentioned in there history books. Those sheep headers headed for the hills and did not stand and fight. When we showed up in the AO with 320,000+ we were heros but after when fell back it is like we were never there and they just tolerate us just because.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 6:38 pm |
I honestly wish global warming would hurry. I would like to see the ocean rise and flood the Kuwaitis back up to saffwan Iraq. USA should pull outa all these screwed up countries and let them fight each other like they have been doing for thousands of years. Leave them to thier own vices.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 7:30 pm |
Lol at the comments regarding the Kuwaitis. most of them are flat out liers and when you call them on there bs, they lie even more. I have documented evidence of human traffiking of filipinas by a certain filipina that works for csa. i reported it to the police and they just laughed. other filipino nationals no of her traffiking in humans, but she remains on a government contract
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 at 12:37 pm |
With respect to TOPDOG, what is being presented here about KGL does constitute evidence — some of it pretty powerful in my opinion — although it is true that there has not been a U.S. criminal conviction of KGL. But, as Ms. Sparky says, the DOD seems to have a ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy about contractor fraud — at least for certain contractors. I would say the DOJ in particular has been actively covering up for certain corrupt contractors. (Case in point: the recent criminal conviction of Sgt. Ray Chase — the DOJ announced that Chase admitted that he took some approximately $1.4 million from private contractors including Tamimi Global, LaNouvelle and “another unnamed company.” Well, why is DOJ concealing the name of that other bribe-paying company? I know who that company is and why DOJ is protecting them — but that’s a story for elsewhere on this forum).
It’s also true as dad.79 says that a lot of Arab companies in the Gulf have dealings with Iran. In fact, one of those other companies with ties to Iran is Anham, newly awarded the PV contract.
But back to KGL — this is a company that has received $140 million DoD sub and prime contracts and which is facilitating Iranian activities that are contrary to stated U.S. interests and policies. Another example of KGL’s ties to Iran: — In 2004, KGL signed a 21-year contract to build and operate Mina Saqr port in Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. This port is one of the main conduits for sanctions-evading imports by the government of Iran, including of products with military applications.
Also, in 2008, KGL constructed a large diamond processing facility in Ras al-Khaimah, which, according to my sources, was set up for Soviet arms trafficker Victor Bout and his associates and for the government of Iran, to funnel diamonds from Venezuela (another U.S. foe) to Iran. The Dashti family that controls KGL are said to have not only constructed the facility but to be actively engaged in transportation of illicit diamonds between Venezuela and Iran via this processing facility.
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 at 1:27 pm |
I have to say I think Ms Sparky readers have to be some of the most informed readers/commenters out there. Viktor Bout, arrested in 2008 in Bangkok for arms dealing owned the charter airline KBR used to transport employees from Dubai to Baghdad. I have flown on those planes. There are some who speculate he was also smuggling weapons at the same time. For Ksniper….this “business relationship” between Viktor Bout and KBR is well known and publicized. This is one example of the DoD/DoJ don’t ask don’t tell.
Sunday, May 9th 2010 at 9:44 am |
No one questions your brothers nor for that mater the thousands of other servicemen, women and civilians who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitide.
I also do not necessarily disagree with what you are trying to accomplish. I do however disagree with your approach. I do not think you have all, of your facts straight and have misled the public to a certain extent. I believe that somewhere down the line this crusade although noble in nature became much to politicised. I also believe your view of this case is clouded by your emotians created by your loss and a deep hatred of KGL You will do whatever it takes or say whatever is necessary to prove your point. I don’t think this approasch helps your case in the long run. That’s just my opinion.
You chose not to pursue this case in a Kuwait court of law as this didn’t fit your ultimate objective. That legal avenue was in place from the very beginning. That is why KGL remained silent initially. You also chose to reject KGL’s settlement offers and sue for 5 million dollars. You wanted this heard in a US court of law as this would help push your agenda. I understand that.
We can agree to disagree on your approach. We do have the right to free speech and can voice our opinions freely. If my opinion offends you I’m sorry but it doesn’t make me any less patriotic.
I am a firm believer in unbiased justice and facts that are proven in a court of law. No one is above the law be it you, myself or KGL.
Sunday, May 9th 2010 at 10:05 am |
I thought this blogsite was available to all to voice their opinions? It’s way to much conspiracy theory for me. WMD proliferators, killing US servicemen, human trafficking, slavery, USG contract vilolations, witholding eviddence and lying to the USG, etc., Sounds like KGL is a group of Nazi’s or thugs.War criminals? That just doesn’t happen in today’s marketplace. Believe me if there was any hard evidnece to prove KGL’s complicity they would be banned from any USG contracts. All vendors are vetted prior to any bid submissions and continuously monitored (audited) once awarded a contract. There are many checks and balances in place in todays USG contracting environment. The system isn’t perfect but it is as good as it gets at the moment.
Sunday, May 9th 2010 at 10:27 am |
I have tried to stay away from this thread and allow everyone to just voice their opinions, but it’s time for me to chime in. In your statement:
I find it difficult that any one who knows anything about Defense contracting would be able to make the statement that if there was evidence to prove KGL’s complicity they would be banned from USG contracts. That is not the case. We have been trying t get KBR banned from government contracting and have plenty of evidence. They meet the requirements of debarrment and yet they are still awarded more contracts.
Even if there were mountains of evidence that KGL met the requirements of debarment, very unlikely the DoD would debar them voluntarily. The DoD would have to be forced. It is my opinion KGL is guilty of human trafficking. Their unlicensed truck driver TCN killed a US soldier. Did this TCN even know how to drive a truck? He wasn’t licensed. The have contracts in Iran. And it’s not a stretch that a Defense contractor lies to the client.
I think one of the issues American Expats have when someone starts accusing their company of crimes like human trafficking, prostitution, fraud, etc is that they might somehow feel complicit because they are getting their check from these companies. I got checks from KBR for two years and didn’t feel complicit. I did my best every day to make sure my work was done safely and to the best of my ability. KBR corporate are the criminals, just like KGL corporate are the criminals. Not the boots on the ground workers unless of course they are committing crimes. KBR, KGL, Fluor, Dyncorp, Aglity and the like have a throng of attorney’s to argue on their behalf. And that is a full time job.
So you statement:
Is true. But just not good enough for us. In the mean time, we will continue to fight to get the laws changed so companies like KBR, KGL et al….. are brought to task when they violate their contract, the law and most of all…..when the kill someone they won’t be allowed to use the “it’s a warzone” excuse.
Sunday, May 9th 2010 at 11:33 am |
I have been following the chain of comments back and forth and I couldn’t help it not to step in and give my opinion about this matter. I have been reading about this story for a while and I read all I could find online about it and I wanted to share or ask few questions that are puzzling me till now and maybe someone can answer.
As I read ,KGL was working on UN contract during this tragic accident, and this truck was delivering AID under the UN program . If that is the case and we all know that this truck was in IRAQ , then how the truck crossed the border with no license plate ? how the driver exited Kuwait and entered Iraq without a passport and driver license issued by the Kuwaiti authority?
All these are standard procedures that must apply to any vehicle or truck crossing the border from any country to another. All what I read on this blog that no plates , no license , no passport etc are very hard to believe. Also under the UN contract , what was the insurance requirements since it was UN not US contract ?
Also did anyone aske about the result of the investigation if any that was conducted by the Army or by UN? I mean a human life was lost and I’m sure that at some level even the bare minimum the USG or UN have conducted some kind of investigation ? did they ? what was the conclusion? because I’m sure that if the Government have found them guilty then they would have taken action against them and asked them to be responsible. Finally going back to the insurance issue and since they are Kuwaiti company and was doing UN contract during the accident , did any one check what is the limit of coverage under such contract? I read that the insurance should cover these matters and they should have turned it in and that is it . is that satisfactory ? is it true that whatever the insurance would have paid, it would be enough ? because what I also read by TOP DOG that KGL offered and it was rejected ?
Sunday, May 9th 2010 at 10:08 pm |
USA, I’ve asked the Baragonas (on this site) whether KGL actually offered to match the SGLI, but still no response. I’m not sure whether ANY insurance company ever offered funds though.
You are correct about trucks and drivers not being able to cross the border without licenses and passports. That dates back prior to 2003 and is strictly enforced. Whether the plates were removed after crossing into Iraq is another subject.
Yes, where are the investigations from the UN and the US Army? Sounds like both entities failed to look into the accident properly. Could the driver have a license, but not be properly trained? Of course. FYI. Even properly trained, experienced drivers in Kuwait don’t receive CDLs. Kuwait MoT issues different licenses than the US.
Monday, May 10th 2010 at 7:59 am |
I believe KGL offered to match the amount and then eventually doubled it. As far as condolences I know for a fact they were made in person to the entire family by KGL personnel. There was also no high fives or smiles at the hearing. The hearing was a very solemn event. They in fact submitted a sworn affadivat that this never ocurred. I know some of the folks involved. I have no reason to doubt them. Believe me they are not only professionals but very campassionate human beings as well. NO way would they behave like that. They are all expats. This is the truth.
Monday, May 10th 2010 at 8:19 am |
Also, the September 11th hearing was totally coincidental and organised by lawyers from both sides. Thre was no conspirancy. Who are you kidding? Again this is an effort to politicise the situation and demonize a company who acted in good faith and in accordance to the law as it applied at that point. KGL negotiated in good faith and in accordance to the law.
Was an offer to settle rejected not just once but twice? Is that not an acknowledgemnt of responsibility?
The bottom line here is KGL is a scapegoat for this agenda. That doesn’t mean they have done no wrong and have always acted responsibly. I don”t know of a company here that isn’t flawed to an extent.
If you want to change the system do it responsably and with the truth. You’ll get further with it.
Better check your source on the 10 billion that KGL is worth. No way! KGL is a LOCAL company with limited resources. Where did this information come from?
Monday, May 10th 2010 at 9:48 am |
$10 billion? LMAO! $750M if they stretch it. Take a look at their public annual financials just released, better yet the last 5 years.
I know several of the KGL Expats and they would NEVER high-five one another and/or act disrespectful concerning this case, especially in a courthouse. Maybe the family didn’t hear or receive what they wanted so their perception is skewed. This is a witchhunt and the leader is a senator from Missouri…..Claire McCaskill. Her testimony spews of falsehoods. The coming elections will most likely send her packing….good riddance.
Monday, May 10th 2010 at 10:27 am |
NEVER say NEVER. I am trying not to take sides in this one. But if Pam says the judges statements are on record that should be easy enough to prove.
What I am hearing here is a family who is asking KGL to take responsibility for the death of a family member who was killed by one of their employees. What I hear from the KGL side is….it’s was just a tragic accident. In the States, how often is it “just a tragic accident” when it comes to a death by motor vehicle. If one of their family members were killed in the states I’m sure there would be no shortage of attorney’s on the scene.
I do not hear it has anything t do with money. What I am hearing is it has everything to do with getting the laws changes so that other Americans who are killed or injured by foreign defense contractors can have their day in court. Many others are fighting the same types of battles to get laws changed. For too long foreign companies contracting to the USG have been able to operate unhindered by the US civil courts. How convenient.
So for the Pam Baragona’s, the Cheryl Harris’, the Jamie Leigh Jones’, Janine Hermansons’ and other who I can not mention as of yet, I applaud you on behalf of future victims.
It’s time for these laws to be changed.
Wednesday, May 26th 2010 at 5:04 am |
The problem with hiring 3rd country contractors is that unless contracts are airtight (which they are not) and legal treaties are in place (with the Middle East – they are not) – there is little recourse to the events that occur. My condolences to the LTC’s family – your loss is far beyond what many of us are going through with legal hassles due to the transgressions of 3rd country contractors – which I’d love to see DOD/DLA sit in front of some US Senators and explain…
Sunday, May 30th 2010 at 5:00 am |
Looks like Anham is having some serious difficulties preparing for the Subsistence Prime Vendor contract. Most of the Kuwaiti newspapers reported today that the municipality tore down all of Wazzan’s recently erected force protection fences around their warehouses. The municipality brought in a bucket loader this weekend and razed the entire chain link and concertina covered fences. LMAO. Even with the fences up the facility doesn’t come close to complying to USG force protection standards. What now Anham (Wazzan/Logistica)?
I bet Agility and KGL are loving this development. Any word on the KGL protest?
Monday, May 31st 2010 at 11:40 am |
I drove by the Wazzan property today to see for myself. Rest assured, JHowds speaks the truth. Chain link fence torn down and lying on the sidewalk. Here’s my question: If Anham (Wazzan/Logistica) didn’t and or couldn’t meet the force protection requirements set forth in the solicitation, how could the USG award the SPV contract to them? I assume this one of many points of contention in the protest. IMHO, doesn’t look like the USG evaluated the proposals properly and the protest might be upheld.
Monday, May 31st 2010 at 12:12 pm |
Not that I would every doubt JHowds EVER but it’s always nice to hear that someone took the time to drive by and check things out for themselves. Thanks for letting us know. This sounds like it is about to get very very interesting! Pics would be nice!
Tuesday, June 8th 2010 at 4:13 pm |
This just out!
ANHAM get’s the GREEN light. Apparently KGL lost their protest. HERE
Tuesday, June 8th 2010 at 7:55 pm |
Miracles do come to those who wait..
Seems the tearing down of those fences didn’t make a whole lot of difference.
Looks like the USG is finally taking some strong steps to send a message to KGL.
Wonder if they will get it.
Tuesday, June 8th 2010 at 9:17 pm |
I’m not convinced the USG does anything “strong” but in this case it was costly for KGL.
Wednesday, July 21st 2010 at 3:08 am |
Here is an update:
Kuwaiti firm calls foul-play on contract going to Dubai competitor
Kuwaiti logistics firm KGL said the United States government has agreed to look into an objection filed by the company regarding the award of a military supply contract to its competitor.
The firm, also known as Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Co, said in a statement to the bourse on Wednesday that it was awaiting a decision on the matter.
KGL filed the objection in April after the U.S. military awarded the contract to the Dubai-based ANHAM FZCO LLC in the wake of fraud charges against its main long-time supplier Kuwait’s Agility.
The company said ANHAM did not meet minimum bidding requirements for the contract.
Agility is in talks with U.S. authorities over accusations it defrauded the military in the Middle East on multibillion-dollar supply contracts.
Kuwait has become a major logistics base for the Amerian military since the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.
KGL’s shares fell 2.3 percent at 0715 GMT on Wednesday.
Sunday, July 25th 2010 at 12:32 am |
Two Kuwaiti newspapers are reporting that the GAO has ordered DSCP to accept revised pricing for the Subsistence Prime Vendor contract. It appears the protests filed revealed major discrepancies with Anham’s pricing and proposal as it did’nt meet the solicitation requirements of minimum pallets available and force protection standards, to name a few. I guess this is DCSP’s way of admitting they improperly evaluated bids and mishandled the acquisition process. Let’s see if the revised pricing from competitors allows for a true BEST VALUE award.
Does anyone have a copy of the letter sent to all SPV bidders? Any Anham, KGL, or Interglobal insiders out there?
Wednesday, July 28th 2010 at 12:43 am |
You all need to bust open the calcification in your brains! The truth has changed!!!
Oh boy it has!!!!
You cannot approach a new situation the same old way.
Your tax dollars would never be better used in any other way, than to infiltrate every magical illumination of this side show tactic to escalate the unknown agenda at Iran.
Watch this hand so you dont see the other!!!!!!!!
I say Jurisdiction we do not have to pour tax money to outside services.
There is nooooo way it is cheaper I dont care what you show me.
This company may seem to have its own name but if we uncovered its true origins you just might save some of those tax dollars.
This Rock was placed in someones way and when the time comes we will see that the rock is the truth.
Truely married to our country. The Rocks legacy will leave a stain on orchestrated cover up.
When your making real changes, the truth reveals itself, and the lie that was posing as truth must become a larger lie in order to conceal the truth from coming out.
This is a rabbit hole, taxpayers beware. You were an unknown part of it.
But they used the wrong guy! Wait till they hit the wall of this Rock.
You cant stop the righteous soul!
Thursday, April 29th 2010 at 5:45 pm |
Good work. I firmly believe that one person can make a difference.
Saturday, May 1st 2010 at 11:11 am |
It doesn’t seem impossible to me. Nothing seems impossible to me.
To finish any race you must first start it. I have much more respect for people who choose to try to right a wrong than those who complain about it.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 3:15 am |
Scumbag, WMD proliferator, human trafficker, bad contractor? Those are huge accusations on a company that as far as I know has not violated any international laws or any USG contractual requirments/obligations. Do you have any evidence to back this up? I would like too see hard evidence of any violations of the law especially the WMD proliferator issue.
I’ve lived in Kuwait for 6 years now and know KGL. They have supported the USG’s efforts in Iraq without any illegalities or incidents that I am aware of. They have done so as a sub contractor but still subject to all the contractual requirements that the Primes must adhere too. That includes the human trafficking laws as well.
Did you know that 90% of KGL’s and for that matter most Kuwait contractors labor force is expat or TCN? I earn a living in Kuwait and support my family back home as do tens of thousands of others here.
I do not want to marginalize LTC Baragona’s death. Any death is a tragedy and I believe we are at close to 5000 (USA) and counting not including the ex pats and TCNs killed in action. That being said, all of us knew what we signed up for before we got here and are compensated for it accordingly.
Don”t you think that suing KGL and making them adhere to US law as a foreign owned firm will open a pandoras box of problems? The job market for ex pats would collapse and the US Taxpayer would have to shell out untold millions to pursue every foreign owned company that is perceived as liable. Isn’t that what international and local laws are for? This is not just a local issue but has Global ramifications as well. Are we ready for that in these very difficult economic times? Maybe I just don’t understand this whole issue as it is complicated and tragic but I look at it as every american would. How will this effect me and my ability to provide for my family? That’s the priority. I’m as patriotic as the next guy and in fact went to a Military College. But at the end of the day it’s all about family. In that sense I can appreciate your persistence.
Anyway, for sure Rocky’s death was tragic and justice should be served but hasn’t this gone through the US legal system? Didn’t KGL offer a settlement above and beyond the US Army’s standard life insurance policy? Isn’t that acknowledging that at least they sympathize with your loss? I am sorry but I just don’t believe they are the monsters you claim them to be. That’s based upon 6 years of living in Kuwait. They are just as human as you and I. There is good and bad in every society including ours!
Again I completely sympathize with your loss but show me the hard evidence where KGL has been involved in human trafficking, WMDs, corrupt contract practices, contract violations, fraud or has deliberately misled or lied to the USG. It would be much easier to support your efforts.
Saturday, May 1st 2010 at 11:29 am |
Please keep me posted on your Bill so I can blog about it. It’s hard to keep up on everything but I try. Funny you should mention violating the Iran Sanctions, I just received some info on that. Shameful what these companies get away with and it’s business as usual.
Saturday, May 1st 2010 at 12:23 pm |
The word….
Sunday, May 2nd 2010 at 7:24 pm |
KGL supporting and or working with the Iranian Government on contracts? Do tell. I thought that was all garbage spread by their main competitor in Kuwait, Agility.
I read through some of the KGL articles. If they were working on a UN contract in Iraq, how will the USG and or the US court system be able to pursue them any further? Hasn’t the case been thrown out twice due to lack of jurisdiction? What’s this about the truck not having a license plate?
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 7:18 am |
Pam-Well done. This guy sounds like he is in some way connected with KGL. Probably on their legal team.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 5:50 pm |
Talk about all of the USG’s eggs in one basket…..Agility/Taos/GCC is the incumbent for SPV, DDKS, HL6, DRMS, and several other contracts in CENTCOM. What was the government thinking? The USG finally got wise and indicted them on 6 criminal counts. Highly doubtful that the USG will ever allow virtual monopolies again such as KBR and Agility. If you want to read about corruption and incompetent leadership, read the articles about Agility/Taos/GCC. If there was greater competition in CENTCOM, the USG would have more options and many of these issues would be avoided.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 10:15 pm |
America was built upon the framework of the constitution which guarantees the right of due process and the presumption of innocence. Facts and evidence lead us to make the right decision. WE cannot make decisions based upon emotions, innuendos and hearsay.
Demonizing a company and its people without facts is not the american way.
Let the legal process run its course and all the facts come to light. Then truth and justice will prevail.
It doesn’t help your cause to malign the company without any evidence of wrongdoing.
You want to change the system that’s fine and I understand your feelings and what drives you. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about it.
Show me the evidence that KGL has been found guilty of anything by the USG. Any indictments?
There isn’t anything. Again, to call a company and its people scumbags, bad contractors, human traffickers, WMD proliferators does not help your cause. It wouldn’t be tolerated in the states by a US Company without evidence and it won’t hold up in Kuwait for the same reason.
Prove your case but do it with evidence and facts that can be backed up in a court of law.
I believe in the system despite it having its flaws it’s still the best in the world.
Tuesday, May 4th 2010 at 10:54 pm |
As long as I have worked in Kuwait the drivers employed with the major transporters involved in USG work are intensively trained as REQUIRED by contract as well as by the companies themselves. These companies have safety and training divisions dedicated to the training of their personnel. Carrying cargo of all kinds from tanks to containers, securing cargo, safe driving practices are constantly reinforced. These safety programs are managed by expats who are fully certified by international standards.
A driver cannot cross the border or haul USG cargo without rigorous screening and subsequent badging by the USG.
Drivers are not allowed to cross the border without having all the proper documents in their possession including passports and heavy drivers licenses.
They are housed and paid according to USG requirements.
They are all covered by insurance as well (DBA) which is also a USG requirement.
Those are the facts.
AS far as the rest show me the evidence of any indictments, guilty verdicts, anything that shows KGL has violated the law.
I’m not an attorney or a politician, God forbid! I’m just a guy who’s been in the business for a long time. I work hard and honestly to support my family AND my country. I just know what I have ACTUALLY seen and experienced. That is what I relate too. As far as the other issues you address as I do not have first hand experience I have to see hard evidence. Let the investigations take their course.
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 at 6:41 am |
I looked for evidence about KGL being banned in India. I did find articles referring to KGL being placed on a watchlist, along with just about EVERY other foreign company that recruits from India, but zero proof they were ever banned. Do you possess such documentation that proves they were/are banned? I’ve heard this news before, but no one has provided hard evidence. Please post it here if it exists. I just want see the facts versus rumors, opinions, specualtion, etc. that 95% of the bloggers post.
Reports also suggest KGL did offer to match the SGLI of LTC Baragona, but the family rejected the offer, as is their right. Is this fact?
Monday, May 10th 2010 at 5:45 am |
My apologies for being blunt, but did KGL offer to match the SGLI? Offering matching funds doesn’t explicitly mean they accepted responsibility, but it does mean they recognized the event and offered their condolences in the form of a small sum of money for your huge loss. It goes without saying that no amount of money could ever replace your loved one.