KBR’s LOGCAP III contract extended in Iraq LOGCAP IV task orders canceled
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Food service is a crucial service provided by LOGCAP. Under LOGCAP III, 78.9 million bags of laundry have been cleaned, 1.1 billion meals prepared, 239.2 million patrons visited MWR facilities, 449.2 million pounds of mail handled, 23.3 billion of water produced, 268.6 million tons of ice produced at nine ice plants, 7.8 billion gallons of fuel issued (bulk/retail), and 152.8 million miles driven in support of forces. (Photo Credit: US Army)
LOGCAP III Task Order continues support in Iraq
May 5, 2010
By ASC Public Affairs
The U.S. Army has announced that it will continue the LOGCAP III contract to provide life support services to U.S. Forces in Iraq until the scheduled withdrawal of those forces is completed in December 2011.
Under the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program, or LOGCAP, contractors from the private sector are used to provide a broad range of logistics and support services to U.S. and allied forces during combat, peacekeeping, humanitarian and training operations.
The LOGCAP III contract was competitively awarded to KBR in December 2001. In April 2008, the LOGCAP IV contract was implemented; under that contract, KBR competes for task orders with two other companies – DynCorp International LLC and Fluor Intercontinental Inc.
Since that time, the U.S. Army Sustainment Command (ASC) has managed the transition from LOGCAP III to LOGCAP IV in a manner intended to assure that the delivery of services to field units will continue without interruption.
To date, 12 task orders have been awarded under LOGCAP IV: Three for project management offices (one for each contractor); three for services in Kuwait, where the transition to LOGCAP IV was completed in June 2009; four for services in Afghanistan, where the transition to LOGCAP IV is scheduled to be completed by July; one in support of the U.S. military relief effort to aid the victims of the earthquake that struck Haiti in January; and one to provide corps logistics support, theater transportation, and postal operations services in Iraq.
The LOGCAP IV solicitations for task orders to provide base life support services in Iraq which would have been issued this month have been canceled.
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Other Related Posts From Ms Sparky
- Red Star’s Bagram contract extended again
- KBR Awarded LOGCAP IV Task Order for Bahrain
- KBR awarded $2.3B LOGCAP IV task order in Iraq after poor performance evaluation (updated 02/28/2010)
- Fluor awarded LOGCAP IV Task Order for Haiti-Jobs Canceled (updated 4/29/2010)
- KBR Not Allowed To Bid On LOGCAP IV Task Orders?
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Thursday, May 6th 2010 at 7:00 pm |
The Army has canceled the LOGCAP IV competition for life support services in Iraq and will continue to provide those services through LOGCAP III and KBR. (Story at Government Executive Web site) Why on earth would they do this? The LOGCAP IV contractors had prepared proposals, which were originally due in April. All the Army had to do was open them and see if one of them met their needs at a competitive price.
Yet the Army prepared a Business Case Analysis (BCA) to consider cancelling the competition and now has done so. The stated reason will be that the operational concerns of the Combatant Commander led to the decision that transition to a new contractor during the draw-down period would be too disruptive. However the Army has also claimed that transition from KBR to two new contractors (DynCorp and Fluor) in Afghanistan has been successful. Arguably operations in Afghanistan, which have experienced an increased optempo, with more troops, would have been more susceptible to disruption.
In 2005 the Army wanted to waive the withholding of 15% of KBR vouchers since KBR would not prepare an adequate proposal to definitize task orders. This waiver required the signature of the Director of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (Ms. D. Lee). A recent DoD IG report found the Army did not provide an honest analysis to Ms. Lee, suppressing key facts in their waiver request. It would not strain credibility to believe they have done the same with the BCA.
The Army has already claimed savings in Afghanistan and Kuwait by competitively awarding under LOGCAP IV. Even though KBR has a lower profit margin on LOGCAP III, winning competitive proposals have provided real savings. The Army is willing to ignore these savings, which will cost soldiers the opportunity for more support, to stay with KBR.
One can only wonder what the real reason is. A coincidental issue is that KBR has experienced a drop off in revenue of late. First quarter profits were off 40% according to CNBC. The Army has a long history of taking care of KBR. I was essentially removed from managing the LOGCAP contract because I would not get with the program and channel over a billion dollars in unearned revenue to KBR. This timing is unfortunately consistent with prior actions. I saw first hand the influence that KBR, through a network of retired general officers, exerts over Army decisions.
Also disturbing about this action is the Army’s willingness to ignore the Commission on Wartime Contracting. At a recent hearing the Commissioners made it clear that they knew the recommendation of the BCA would be to cancel the competition and that they disapproved. The panel from DoD was comprised of Shay Assad, Director of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, Department of Defense; Lt. Gen. William Phillips, principal military deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition Logistics and Technology); and Edward Harrington, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Procurement). Mr. Assad indicated that he would be in favor of competition generally, but had not seen the BCA. Once he saw the BCA, he appears to have lost his enthusiasm for competition.
I have written elsewhere that the Commission on Wartime Contracting has had disappointing results. The Army sees no repercussions in misleading and ignoring the Commission. Unlike the Truman Committee, which was able to change Army direction on occasion and save the taxpayer money, the Commission does not have the clout. This is despite the highly experienced commissioners, their obvious motivation to accomplish reform and a very able staff.
The only real recourse is for the Senate Armed Services Committee to demand an explanation of this decision and a reconsideration of the decision. I suggest the SASC because they have leverage over DoD and the Army through program authorizations and confirmation of general officers. The Army must answer questions such as:
· Why is the Army unable to manage a successful transition in Iraq?
· What discussions did Army leadership have with KBR over this decision?
· Is the BCA a complete and accurate portrayal of the situation?
· By forgoing savings through competition, what services will the troops have to give up?
Thursday, May 6th 2010 at 7:44 pm |
Mr Smith i guess you have not read the post concerning the outcome in afghanistan. The commanders on the ground made their recommendations and the Dept of the Army agreed. Troops are not giving up anything sir, i am sure there will be more comments concerning this issue. For once the government listen to the commanders on the ground. I suggest the Armed services committee stick to managing the chaos in Afghanistan instead of trying to jack up the draw down in Iraq. See what happens when you go with the best price in afghanistan in which KBR underbid the competition by 900 million and you see what you got now in Afghanistan. Come on Mr Smith, you think the military wants a repeat and they don’t talk either yeah right. Talk about savings? Fluor was paying employees to sit in Greenville awaiting CAC cards and other requried documents were they performing a mission or sitting on there can getting paid, while they are hiring FN’s from the balkans like crazy. If i am not mistaken to work on LOGCAP IV you have to pass a background investigation now did the FN’s they are hiring fill out the SF85 and finger printed? Hell not so please go concentrate on that part sir instead writing some BS about no bid competition and how we are costing the government money and reducing services. Do more with less. The Afghanistan mission is bogged down and on the verge of failure. Next story Sparky.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 6:12 am |
Ksniper you can be such a narrow minded, single sighted arrogant @ss. I think Mr. Smith is more than familiar with what is going on in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait with regards to KBR, Fluor, Dyncorp, the Army LOGCAP. He’s also intimately familiar with the level of fraud, waste and abuse that KBR has been involved in. He is also intimately familiar with the Army’s level of incompetence. I do not believe that just because the Army has screwed the transition in Afghanistan that KBR should continue to be compensated. The Army has got themselves in bind and they are now being forced to dance with the devil. http://dpc.senate.gov/hearings/hearing45/smith.pdf
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:51 am |
How in the hell can the Army screw up the transition. Are you living in a fantasy world sparky? The governement gave both Fluor and Dyncorp billions to deliever and have they? Hell no, this a business and don’t get off the porch if you cannot deliever. They are only going to dance for so long and they will put that contract out for bid and i wonder who will win again? Hell Dyncorp jacked up the police training contract and they had to extend it because other BS. Sparky you are truly a work of art. Well the incompetence hired the incomptent in Afghanistan and now they have seen what has happen. Get over it Sparky, KBR will close out Iraq and probably afghanistan as well. I will send you are towel to wipe those tears when it happens. Remember June or July something wonderful is going to happen don’t forget
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 7:02 am |
A few of points:
1. In 2004 the Army comptroller informed all of us charged with managing LOGCAP that operations were now in Phase III, Occupation. While in Phases I & II (Planning and Combat Operations)commanders had unlimited resources (they got what the said they needed) with Phase III there was a budget. I met with GEN Casey in 2004, prior to his leaving for Iraq, and he was accutely aware that now there was an opportunity cost for every dollar he spent. He had to make choices. He wanted to eliminate any wasteful spending and LOGCAP was a target. He charged the Army Audit Agency with identifying areas where he could reduce LOGCAP costs. If operations have moved to Phase IV (Withdrawel) this budget restriction still holds.
2. Combatant Cmmanders have an unfortunate, but understandable, tendency to identify service support in Iraq with KBR. They are also reluctant to change contractors, seeing this as a distraction and potential disruption. I saw this on numerous occasions in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. For this reason most decisions about support were a product of Combatant Commander concerns, concerns of the Army Staff, especially the G4 and concerns of the Acquisition staff led by the Commander, Army Materiel Command, a four star general. If all of these inputs, with all appropriate facts and analysis, led to the BCA determining that LOGCAP III was the best course in Iraq, then I would agree. As you know I am a bit skeptical about the conditions of the BCA.
3. Part of my main issue is that the Army claims savings in Afghanistan through LOGCAP IV competition. I am sure they are hard to determine, but LOGCAP IV was designed to achieve these savings through obtaining proposals which offered different ways of achieving the Army’s objectives as the main way of cutting costs. KBR, DynCorp and Fluor all have management inefficiencies, similar costs of personnel and subcontracts and roughly similar overhead structures. As long as the Army does claim those savings and officially considers transition in Afghanistan a success (repeat, here I am talking about the official story), then it is hard to consistently maintain this is impossible in Iraq.
4. Unfortunately KBR has a long record of inordinate influence on Army decisions. This has and can harm the troops by depriving them of other needed support. The taxpayer is also not recieving full value for government funds. For this reason I continue to advocate oversight by Congress, especially the SASC, of the LOGCAP program. Informed members, such as Carl Levin, John McCain, James Webb and Claire McCaskill, aided with strong staff work, are fully capable of understanding and evaluating Army decisions.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:05 am |
Thank you. I agree oversight is very important. Without it, the Army has a blank check to spend as they please. Even with oversight they seem to have adopted the “let’s just do it till we get caught” attitude.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:37 am |
Let’s do it till we get caught….that sounds like what I would tell my X girlfrind when we was at her husbands house. Prime 3:16 comin at ya in livin color !!!!
Everyone needs to lighten up…this forum is too serious……laugh and have fun….or whatever you choose to call it!!
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:44 am |
Well I am Mr Arrogant, i guess i am so narrow minded to see how much chaos is in Afghanistan and i figured there would be some dumbass responses on how well Dyncorp and Fluor are doing in Afghanistan? Well i am not going to debate the response but facts are the following
1. both fluor and dyncorp are having issues in afghanistan.
2. Dyncorp lost it’s partner agility and who was suppose to provide the labor to get the job done.
3. Fluor is still in the south trying to hold the fort, Dyncorp is losing folks faster than the oil is leaking out of the Gulf.
4. Before you know the government is going to put the Afghan mess out for bid yet again.
5. I believe Sparky you are the one who is narrowed minded. KBR is evil in your mindset and it will always be. Your frequent contributors can say whatever they want to say. If they are not in Afghanistan well their comments do not hold water.
Next time you want to talk trash to me Sparky ensure you have done you homework. Mr Smith talks oversight well i don’t think they(the governement and Army) are very worried about Dyncorp and Fluor are they. Like i said, Commanders on the ground basically told those who can’t perform to pound sand and you don’t like that Sparky so you can bring you side kicks to the fray. Remember your big words do not cause me any troubles, i am in the trenches and do the best to complete my mission and i really don’t care what your Mr Smith has to say because you are in the states riding a desk and i am here eating dust. If you depend on what some bullet heads are saying and not here eating dirt and living in crappy conditions then don’t pull my chain with this oversight crap and if the government was interested then Dyncorp should have a LVL 4 CAR and you know it Sparky you just won’t admit it, you talk much dung but nope too many powerful folks in washington to let them fail. So put that in your pipe and smoke it. I am here in Iraq because i choice to be if i wanted to be in afghanistan i could be with either company but i choose not to test the greeener pasture by sitting on my arse in Greenville or Dallas. If you for once took off those blinders you might see what is going on around you, but apparently you don’t want that. I cannot wait for the next comments.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 10:39 am |
You can you smack too. Doesn’t make it factual or correct. The Army is out of control and you know it.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 4:50 pm |
beg to differ on the statement Fluor is having issues
Fluor is still in the south because Dyn-Corp dose not have people on the ground yet
i was on transition
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 6:01 pm |
Not out of control, just decided not to have a repeat performance of Afghanistan in Iraq. If they were out of control they would have awarded the contract to Fluor and Dyncorp like Afghanistan and watch the mess begin that i do know. How can you hose up an established contract and some have the balz to call it a start up.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 7:11 pm |
I just have one question – where exactly is the cost savings if the savings was based on the 120 day transition that was bid that has now turned into 16 months – while they are now paying both contractors – the old one and the new one.
It may have looked good on paper – but I bet an audit of the accounts will show that the costs have actually increased.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 7:41 pm |
Sail i have to agree with you, some say it is rosy in afghanistan but when you are paying 3 contractors to do the same job please show me the savings there is none. The Army flip the switch on both Fluor and Dyncorp. Fluor was in the south and Dyncorp the north pre award but when it came out OOPS Dyncorp got the south and Fluor the north Fluor adjusted and Dyncorp is still not performing in the South that is why either KBR will get apart of Afghanistan again or Fluor will have it all. Stay tuned folks.
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 6:20 pm |
if you guys were over there you would understand
Dyn Corp does not have the personnel
thus Fluor can not leave south
the incumbent KBR is dragging there feet up North so we can’t take sites from them.
why do you think KBR is staying in Iraq
hint i am taking LOA until my site turns on
Thursday, May 6th 2010 at 10:57 pm |
Guess this is one way for KBR to get around the BMI ……. Now nobody at KBR has to take a new physical………Watch out for the rush of people going to the DFAC desert counter
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:26 am |
My current BMI is 32. I can make repeated dessert runs…come on 260 lbs feed me till I die…WOO WOO!!
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:33 am |
Can you smell what the DFAC is cookin? Oh mighty Cholesterol, give me your power to smite the vegetables that come to me and try to make me skinny. We shall lay our livers at the door of the fat mans paradise and enter humbly into the presence of the DFAC gods and when we eat we shall say: And it was good. Oh yeah…you can smell it now !!!
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 10:37 am |
That is the funniest damn thing I’ve read it a while!! Thanks for the laugh!!
Thursday, May 6th 2010 at 10:59 pm |
Ksniper is an a@@!!! If KBR had to do the SF 85 processing half of the supervisors would be leaving. The USG has a different standard for TCNs on the background check. They must produce a document from their country about their background. Yes , there is no fingerprinting for them but Cie la Vie! Ksniper does not talk about Dave Breda who was convicted of sexual assault recently and the NCIS picked him up after he left KBR. But the crime was done on KBRs watch. Fluor has a better system in place! One does not see people watching movies, surfing the net or chatting as well. Recently an ITT person was fired. Why? For disrespect of another. He cut a hole in a locals prayer rug and urinated on it. His position was canceled after an investigation. He went back to Houston. If this was KBR he would have been promoted. I also do not see Ksniper talking as to why KBR stock is down. If KBR is so good and people have a chance to stay with KBR, why are so many managers going to Fluor Mr. Ksniper? Answer that one? One has not seen any going back after they transition either. It cannot be so bad now. You talk of failure with these others but KBR has failed the client, the workers and the taxpayers. Jamie Jones is a shining example of one who fought KBR and is still fighting KBR and is winning. Others in her stead have chosen to take $3million and walk away. She wants KBR’s hide and she should have it. It is just too bad the courts will not go after the people involved criminally. That would send a stronger message to people like the Leesville crowd.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 6:00 am |
Tracy Barker didn’t take the $3M and run. She was the first of the KBR victims to report their rapes and was forced into secret binding arbitration with KBR. The arbitrator awarded her $3M. There was no options for her at the time she filed to “stand and fight”. But the fact she stuck with it and went through the secret arbitration process and prevailed is standing and fighting as far as I am concerned.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:23 am |
SF85….you know that is good. Bring on the SF85…that is some good sunscreen. Iraq summers are harsh and some SF85 garuntees to weed out the bad stuff. Seriously though – there is a lot to fear from the SF 85 if you have a bad record. All the folks going over to CTP have to fill this out. No exceptions, trust me…I see them and hear the whiners having to fill it out. I even did this last year at Greenspoint…it is a painful form…but no fear if you are clean. If the supervision is bad…then can thier asses.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:38 am |
Absolutely. If the contract requires a clean record and you are not clean then it’s time to go home. This should be a lesson to all those people out there partying. If you are out there drinking and driving, smokin’ a little weed, committing a few B&I’s and grand theft please continue to do so. It makes it easier for those of us who don’t have a record to get hired. I guess I should say those of you….I’m not trying to get hired.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 10:02 am |
Ear to the ground who needs a cleaning, Alot of mananger have left that is there choice but there are alot of folks who call everyday who want to comeback. You look at the negative, i am not going to comment on what i don’t know. I am not going to dragged into some conversation with you. If Fluor and dyncorp are soo good then why does fluor and dyncorp hire a bunch of FN’s and not americans who need the jobs. Alot of folks preach american first but on the other hand hire boat loads of FN’s to do the job. Not sure who you work for Ear, but i am sure you are happy working there or you a manager who is working from the states adn pulling the strings in afghanistan? If KBR has failed why did the Army extend the contract in Iraq??????? I guess you don’t have an answer for that do you hell no keep you ear to the ground you might hear about Fluor and Dyncorp’s CAR report NOT on this blog.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 10:41 am |
KBR is the least of all the evils in Iraq. At least their incompetence is a known factor to the Army. And I don’t KBR has electrocuted any recently so things are getting better in Iraq.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 12:27 am |
As far as I can see LOGCAP IV is still going to happen for the CTP Mission awards. The only thing that got spared is the BLS contracts. I will say that this puts KBR into a conflict of interest since they are telling employees that the BMI can only be 40% or below for LC IV. What about the employees who are now being extended under LC III? Too many untold factors here and too many employees who are in panic mode. I can see where KBR could be sued over all of this if they don’t start having more transparency on the whole matter. I am curious to see what the final outcome of this will be.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 6:15 am |
I believe the CTP task order will not be affected by this decision. Actually I have been expected this. The DoD has got Afghanistan so screwed up I have expected them to leave the status quo in Iraq. I was actually surprised they even awarded the CTP task order. I would expect Dyncorp and Fluor to raise holy hell.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:48 am |
Its not just AFG thats screwed up…its across the board. But, AFG is worse for wear than Iraq is. I would like to see where all the CARs are at and what they are for for Fluor and Dyn Corp. It is true that we rarely here of them on this forum. Lay the smack down on em Spark…the same as you would on KBR. honestly I would never betray KBR. I have given most of my adult life to them. This is not the KBR I grew up with. I don’t like a lot of the things they do, but they have put food on my table for over 20 years both in USA and Iraq and Kuwait. All contractors have good and bad, but we only hear 90% KBR bad on this site and 10% fluor and Dyn Corp. Come on Spark…throw us a bone.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 6:47 am |
Interesting thought just came to me. If the BMI is enforced for LC IV but not for LC III then could one not sue for damages done because of double standards? Opinions anybody?
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:00 am |
Different contract different requirements. If the BMI is not being enforced on LOGCAP III and is on LOGCAP IV I recommend a request for transfer to a LOGCAP III position.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:17 am |
Big…III & IV are 2 different contracts. Any NEW hire to either contract after September 2009. PER THE ARMY, is required to be under 40 BMI. If a new hire is over 40 trying to hire in for III then they dont get hired.
If you are currently over 40 BMI, then I suggest you quit whiniong and shed the weight to make the cut.
Cheers
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 9:18 am |
Big…III & IV are 2 different contracts. Any NEW hire to either contract after September 2009. PER THE ARMY, is required to be under 40 BMI. If a new hire is over 40 trying to hire in for III then they dont get hired.
If you are currently over 40 BMI, then I suggest you quit whining and shed the weight to make the cut.
Cheers
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 7:20 pm |
Deb – you are right on on this reply.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 7:19 pm |
Actually each contract stands alone an is subject to the clauses and conditions in the contract. And be assured that each contract is different.
For example – LCIII had a clause that forbid contractors from being armed. On the other had CENTCOM Iraq contracts required contractors to provide their own armed security.
There is NO ONE SINGLE rule – everything depends on what exactly is contained in the written contract.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 11:33 am |
I am LMAO at Ksniper. He asks why KBRs contract was extended. I guess he cannot comprehend the written english language. As I stated earlier, it must be because he went to a government school or one in Leesville.The Army stated why and it all had to do with time constraints with the pullout. Plain and simple. As far as having so many TCNs KBR did a pretty good itself. Back in 05 and 06 they used PPI and I did not see a Ex-pat with them! When I was tendering contracts with another well known US company , PPI sent in it’s proposal. Only the front cover said PPI and every other page was KBR and the proposal had photos of the KBR Medical at Cedar as a example of their services. As far as we were concerned at that time in 06, PPI was KBR and we SH@@canned their bid as we saw it being a false bid by PPI who was managed by KBR. Ksniper, you use a computer then use spell check as it shows you are from Leesville.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 5:57 pm |
LOL, Ear you are probably the mayor of leesville sorry bud i am not from leesville. I did go to school and yes i do make spelling errors but the bottom line is KBR is still in Iraq for another 18 months. That is why everyone is mad or upset or feelings are hurt because of this event. Ok Sparky lets go on to the next subject. The mission will be contiued to be discussed and Mr Foreman said Dyncorp has issues in the South. Not enough folks on the ground and mission requirements not completed. And no CARS to boot? Interesting i guess they got stuck in the spam box sparky?
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 1:05 pm |
Congratulations KBR!
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 1:09 pm |
I’m very certain the majority of the KBR employees are happy and rightfully so.
Friday, May 7th 2010 at 4:56 pm |
not surprised at the outcome
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 12:37 am |
Agai at Ksniper I am LMAO. He again ignores the fact of what the Army said about the pullout being the reason with the short timespan left. With so much time spent here he should also know how to use spellcheck, lol!!! He doesn’t and that is why he probably stays with KBR! There are some people calling to go back to KBR and these people are sub performers. They still have the kickback and relax attitude. Fluour actually wants people to do their damn jobs. Then to complete the paperwork at the end of the day. I have yet to see a CAR for fire extinguishers like KBR received. Fluor is on top of most things unlike how KBR was. THE BOTTOM LINE FROM WHAT I SEE FROM KSNIPER POSTS IS THAT HE SHOWS NO CONCERN FOR THE CLIENT AT ALL. HE BASHES FLUOR BUT PROVIDES NO INSIGHT ON HOW THEY SHOULD IMPROVE WITH ALL HIS INSIGHT. WE ARE HERE , THE EX-PATS I SHOULD SAY, FOR THE SOLDIERS. THE TCN’S SAY THEY ARE HERE FOR THE MONEY. ONE WOULD THINK KSNIPER IS THE ENEMY. I AM TAKING APPS FOR THE FIRING SQUAD FOR WHEN WE LOCATE HIM AND WATERBOARD HIM FIRST!
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 5:41 am |
Waterboarding is not a justified means of torture according to the bleeding heart liberals. Maybe we will have to try something else. LOL
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 8:29 am |
LOL, if you ear is to the ground that means you are too busy listen for scuttlebutt instead of doing your job ear. No waterboarding here buddy because i see what is coming not like yourself. I have yet to see the CARS that fluor recieve at least KBR lets everyone know we got a car and let ensure no one else is out of compliance. If am the enemy then i hate to imagine what or who you are? If they are on top of what they are suppose to be doing then why can’t they get there people to field and work instead of sitting on the side lines. You hire expats to train the FN’s and TCN and then once they feel they are worthy then to the curb the expats are kicked. I bash everyone who needs bashing not like Sparky KBR is the Target. So please Ear if you ever catch me i am sure you will be sniped before you even know i was there
. LOL you say i don’t show 0 concern for the client well buddy i am sure you keeping the client happy. So before you know it you will be on your way home after being replace by cheap labor. I am sure you will be on here crying and whining about how fluor treated you. Remember i can reach out and touch you before you know i was even there.
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 1:12 pm |
Well you are agood little fluor worker,You self-righteous ass.Mush be a supervisor,with you nose up some bodys ass.and looking for more.
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 6:30 pm |
can’t we all just get along.
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 1:47 pm |
My My My.
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 5:04 pm |
Well Ear i am sure you won’t be there long sir. Remember you heard it here on Sparky’s blog. I hope it does not happen to you but it has happen to quite a few folks already in afghanistan. I have heard from folks that there husbands and wives are training the FN’s and TCN’s how to do there jobs so once they learn they will get rid of them i’ve seen it happen before on other contracts.
Saturday, May 8th 2010 at 5:09 pm |
enjoy folks i will be out for awhile i know sparky won’t miss me.
Sunday, May 9th 2010 at 6:24 am |
Going on R&R? Safe travels. Miss ya!
Monday, May 10th 2010 at 1:43 am |
Hell no, until you fix that airline they have KBR flying on i think i will keep working
.
Monday, May 10th 2010 at 3:28 am |
What s the latest SITREP KSNIPER? I hear they are flying into Abu Dabi and flying Iraqi Airways within the theater. I was told they were 700 backlogged both ways (BTC-Dubai).
Friday, May 14th 2010 at 12:13 pm |
Maybe the reason KBR is still around is that they are in bed with the Army. Literally just ask the C sites PM or the ACO at C1.
Friday, May 14th 2010 at 5:31 pm |
I am sure this will be interesting to hear about please tell us more flamethrower. Give sparky a bone to run with.
Saturday, May 15th 2010 at 11:31 am |
LOL@UltraMagnus, I think Flamethrower gave it to us!
Saturday, May 15th 2010 at 6:07 pm |
There is more than meets the eye. …. Just because you eat lunch with someone or talk to them more than 5 minutes everyone assumes you are together especially if the party you are talking to is a female. If you are not in the room when the act is taking place then it is called a rumor. People do that all the time, Folks can say Mrs Sparky is in bed with Fluor and Dyncorp but is she? Unless you witness the act it is hearsay. Get my Drift??? If the C sites PM is in bed with whoever post the pics or link to the tape and we will all know until then stop spreading undocumented rumors Flametosser.
Saturday, May 15th 2010 at 11:32 am |
Autobots – send out telatran 1 and gather intel. All available information needed. Get us the scoop on DYn Corp and Fluor CARS. Share with us how the mighty have been penetrated and gutted by the sword of the DCMA. Air the dirt that surronds them. Ok…Ive had some fun…CTP strat tomorrow. Glad I am not on that one. 1000 for airfare and no cash advances. But the rumor is we won Bahrain…show me the money. Roll out.
Saturday, May 15th 2010 at 6:09 pm |
I wonder how bad it is going to be if the rumor is true about bahrain i am sure you will see something on here unless it is gets stuck in Mrs Crawford’s spam folder.
Saturday, May 15th 2010 at 3:14 pm |
Won’t change anything regarding the BMI, they are still sticking to it.
Saturday, May 15th 2010 at 3:15 pm |
Optimus, are you the WSI Firefighter that was at Slayer?
Monday, May 17th 2010 at 11:20 am |
Nope…not a WSI FF and have never worked at Slayer. I have been with LGCP for a few months now. I am a certified volunteer FF back home in the states, but here I am something totally different. All I can say is I am a KBR dairy farmer with as much BS as I deal with every day. Transform and roll out…to Bahrain.
Monday, May 17th 2010 at 6:24 pm |
I heard that Baharin deal was another accomplishment for KBR. I wonder why Mrs Crawford has not chimed in about that contract. I read something earlier about some hogwash from JBB.
Tuesday, May 18th 2010 at 12:10 am |
Just wondering why it has to be hogwash?
Wonder also if you are the one who doesn’t have the facts straight?
I am sure there is a place you can go and frequent where there is not so much hogwash as here.
Have a nice day and be safe.
Keep on their tails Deb!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 18th 2010 at 5:57 am |
Hogwash – Dawn, Prell, Palmolive, Joy, Blue Coral….which variety of hogwash do you prefer. I highly reccomend the Dawn due to the degreasing qualities, but it doesn’t leave a shine as good as the Blue Coral. Hogwash….i would go with the Blue Coral to wash my hog. But I have a Honda…so it’s tecnically not a Hog…that is a Harley I think…decisions…decisions….hogwash.
Hmmm……..
Tuesday, May 18th 2010 at 7:39 am |
Have you ever thought of doing any comedy writing? Seriously!
Saturday, May 22nd 2010 at 2:09 am |
guys i am proud of being KBR/FN hire.to be frank and precise KBR is not a perfect company but we always make it a point to make things right even in the worst situation.there are people who are asking why all those FN in DOD contracts?first most of the ME countries they have a long experienced working with us.a lot of the top 100 american companies overseas you will find a lot of asian expat for reason of business marketability and cost efficiency.some of you will say a lot of americans right now are unemployed but sometimes american will not accept a salary lower that 2k a month.there is no beer and no holidays working as a contractor there is no luxury also.just the bare necessity to get you on a day to day.KBR has treated as decently even though we are FN.they treated us fairly like any american company.I would be forever greatful to the american people and to KBR for changing our lives!so if you were never been in the warzone just pls.apply and try to worked there and findout how hard to be a TCN working there.we are not allowed to used the postal service,regulated to used AT&T,doesnt have enough money to go to the px or buy online so imagined yourself in our shoes.
Saturday, May 22nd 2010 at 5:54 am |
Imagine yourself in your own country with no job at all without our tax dollars. Oh and by the way my mortgage payment is 1,300 a month. How much is yours?
Saturday, May 22nd 2010 at 6:19 am |
There are people in this country who have lost loved ones in the war and have recently lost their jobs and homes. Something is wrong with that.
Saturday, May 22nd 2010 at 6:47 am |
agreed
Saturday, May 22nd 2010 at 6:16 am |
I’m not sure which country you are from, but I am not anti Foreign National. I am anti-human trafficking and I am pro “Hire American’s First”. This trend toward “trying to save money” by hiring FN’s for as low as $500 per month after they’ve paid a recruiter upwards of $3000 for the job is ripe for exploitation of very desperate people. One of the fastest growing populations in Baghdad are the FN’s who are being left stranded!!
I am an avid Hire American First. No offense to any FN, but the money that pays your wages is our tax dollars and paying you wages does nothing to boost our rapidly declining economy. This fake cost saving measure the Defense Department has enacted is a joke. The Defense Department could care less about cost savings. Occasionally they talk a good line, but in the end they spend what they want, they do what they want. Here is the pecking order in hiring that I believe the DoD should adopt whenever spending US tax dollars.
1. AMERICANS
2. Residents of coalition countries who are and have been actively participating in the conflict like Britain
3. Host country Nationals
4. Residents of coalition countries who are acting like they are participating in the conflict by sending a couple dozen troops to Iraq like the Netherlands, Bosnia or Solvenas total of 4 so they can say they are in the coalition.
The residents of any country who has made it illegal to travel to Iraq such as the Philippines should NOT be hired by any DoD contractor or their subcontractors! Because now the human trafficking recruiters hiring Filipinos really have them where they want them.
For more info on who’s in the Operation Iraqi Freedom coalition http://www.findmapping.com/show.php/iraq-coalition/member-countries
For more info on who’s in the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Participants_in_Operation_Enduring_Freedom
Saturday, May 22nd 2010 at 6:23 am |
The American people did not change your lives. It was a Political decision by the administration of Bush and now Obama. If you had let the US taxpayers vote on having their tax dollars spent on workers whom do you would they would want to have the money? You also failed to address the issues of how the Bosnian Mafias screwed over the ex pats. Letting their buddies get the best housing or jobs by hiding resumes of the ex pats. They also seem to get the vehicles as well and office jobs. I just wished we were getting 6 to 20 times the annual salaries that you TCNs are getting, depending on country of course. lastly, how much tax is being deducted from the paychecks you get and where does the money go to if at all?
Tuesday, January 4th 2011 at 2:58 pm |
Trust me, the Army Brass has NO love affair with KBR. The electrocution issue (which had KBR executives testifying/pointing the finger at the Army at a Congressional Hearing –backed by an Army IG report that also condemned the Army)turned many of the GOs/SES’ers against KBR. However, the troops on the ground, in very large part, love KBR’s work ethic, ability to get things done, and the comraderie many have with their Expats due to prior Army service.
So, when it came time to choose who’s going to get the job to transition, KBR won out over Dyn and Shaw. Those Companies were having significant issues with the TOs they’d won, and the Army didn’t want an OJT situation. So, they turned to KBR, again, to do the job. Considering the considerable congressional heat and other political bashing/media bashing they received in return, you KNOW that the Army knew that KBR WAS the solution, like it or not. (And MANY in the Pentagon/on the Hill DID NOT!)
The bottomline: KBR is the ONLY Contractor that knows the job inside and out … and they were the only ones who could do the job without a considerable learning curve. KBR’s been on the ground there for nearly 10 years STRAIGHT. There’s NO ONE who can match that experience/expertise.
The Army did what was right for our soldiers and for the Iraqi People ….
Tuesday, January 4th 2011 at 4:39 pm |
I have to say (and you know I hate it), from what I’m hearing about Dyncorp in Afghanistan KBR, is in fact the better of the two companies. I agree with you on the learning curve. Why change horses so close to the end of the race. Don’t get me wrong. KBR could have done many many many things better from the start. Electrical installations, water production and the list goes on. But in all honestly I don’t know if anyone could have done it better. I place a huge amount of blame on the Army for little to no oversight of the contract.
Tuesday, January 4th 2011 at 5:44 pm |
As usual, things are probably more complicated than they seem. A few points:
1. I agree that DynCorp has had problems in Afghanistan, based upon the reports I see. DynCorp performed well on LOGCAP II, but did not have to provide anywhere near the kind of service as in Iraq.
2. Fluor has done better with their work, but does not have a perfect track record. Those performance issues would have been part of the award decision in a competition for work in Iraq. LOGCAP IV Task Orders are not awarded on only low price, that is just one factor. So I am still a little puzzled as to why the Army cancelled the competition in favor of a directed award. At least I wish the decision had been more transparent.
3. Really, transition should not be as large a problem as it seems. If KBR were self-performing more of the work it might be. However, they chose to subcontract more work than we ever expected. Subcontractors do not care much who writes the check, as long as it comes on time (KBR often had a problem with this.)
4. While some in the Army may not love KBR as much as in earlier years, they still have a lot of influence. They hire quite a few ex-generals. They have strong lobbying arms in Washington and good relations with some members of Congress and with some staff.
5. Troops tend to like whoever is providing them with such services. To my knowledge, KBR, Fluor and DynCorp hire a high percentage of former soldiers in their ex-Pat contingent. What KBR accomplished on LOGCAP III was due to the competence and work ethic of these employees on the ground. I liked them too.
6. As Ms. Sparky says, contract oversight is key. The Army, the Defense Contract Management Agency and the Defense Contract Audit Agency have never had an adequate presence for such a large effort, even after eight years. This is one of the reasons I am beginning to think contractor support was the wrong way to go.
6. Minor point, the DoD IG did the major electrocution investigation. In my opinion, their reports muddied the water on the issue of responsibility in the cases of SSG Maseth and SG Everett. The IGs did not appear to have a sound grasp of KBR’s responsibilities under the LOGCAP III contract.
Thanks Riiiiiight! for your input. I am glad people are still thinking about this issue.
Wednesday, January 5th 2011 at 6:52 am |
Charles – Thanks for your insight on this. We are not going to let these issues just fade away. We will keep writing about them until they are resolved.
Wednesday, January 5th 2011 at 7:05 am |
Mr. Smith – I question your statement that Dyn performed well on LCII. If you will recall their first TO was the Balkans – it was cancelled for non performance – a one year bridge contract was issued to KBR who subsequently won the Balkans Support Contract that was separate from LC.
Additionally, LC II could have run for 10 years but the Government choose to issue LCIII after only 5 years.
Wednesday, January 5th 2011 at 8:10 am |
I believe Sail’s comment illustrates the extreme difficulty with obtaining accurate information about the LOGCAP program. The Army has not done much to make this at all transparent.
1. LOGCAP I was awarded by the Corps of Engineers to KBR in 1992 as a one year contract with four option years. Baring any major problems it was expected to last five years. KBR provided support in Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti and of course Bosnia for Operation Joint Endeavor.
2. Since OJE was scheduled to end in 1998 and LOGCAP I expired in 1997, the Corps awarded KBR a sole source contract for one year with two six month options, to continue support in Bosnia. There was not a DynCorp Task Order for the Balkans or a failure under LOGCAP II.
3. LOGCAP II, with DynCorp, was also a one year contract with four option years. When we solicited LOGCAP III we decided ten years was a more appropriate time frame, allowing for continuity in planning and staffing operations. At this time developing long term provider relationships was a push at HQ, DA. This decision was also based upon the kind of operations experienced at that time. Of course the Army did not have to exercise any option years if performance was poor.
4. When OJE extended beyond 1998, the Corps of Engineers removed it from the LOGCAP program and solicited for the Balkans Support Contract. This was appropriate, as LOGCAP was designed for contingency operations and the Balkans was now in a sustainment mode.
5. The Corps has stated they received two proposals under this solicitation. Award was made to KBR. They have not formally identified the other contractor who participated. I do not remember who it was, if I ever knew. Given what I know about the Corps, it would have been extremely difficult for another contractor to win this competition.
6. DynCorp’s main operations under LOGCAP II were in the Pacific, in the Philippines and Sri Lanka. PACOM was the customer and expressed satisfaction with their work. My old friends at DynCorp might be somewhat surprised to find me defending the company, as we had issues on another contract.
I am glad we can exchange information on a forum such as this. Hope this helps understand a complicated acquisition program.
Wednesday, January 5th 2011 at 11:04 am |
You’re right the acquisition program is very convoluted and complicated. I’m sure that plays no small part in the difficulties the DoD has in overseeing their contracts. Thank you for setting us all straight!
Wednesday, January 5th 2011 at 6:20 pm |
Thank you Mr. Smith. Both you and Deb are correct – there are numerous variables that go into the award decissions. The concept of Best Value is hard to actually explain.