Wow, I had no idea the Professional Services Council would get involved with the process, but that is cool. I didn’t even know they existed, and at least someone cares about us. Although, seeing how this was sent almost a month ago, the SOFA(Status of Forces Agreement) writers and negotiators have been notified and I really haven’t seen a focus on these issues. When the final product comes out and the agreement has been signed, then we will see if Condoleezza Rice was really listening.
Also with the letter, they mentioned how this SOFA could impact a Afghanistan SOFA in the future. That if you do not protect civilian contractors with a sound agreement in Iraq, that Afghanistan might push for the same type of agreement in that war zone. It is about precedent and it is about doing the right thing, and that the DoD and DoS both have an opportunity to take a stand about how important we are in the war effort. Especially as we draw down in Iraq, and build up in such places as Afghanistan and Africa.
The other thing that is interesting about the PSC, is that they are another resource you can use to bring up issues in the industry that need attention. –Head Jundi
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PSC Urges Contractor Protections in Iraq SOFA
In a letter sent to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on October 8, PSC outlined its concerns regarding the development of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Iraq that may exclude basic protections for contractor personnel supporting the military and reconstruction efforts in the country. Of particular concern is the fact that a fledgling Iraqi legal system and the general in-country environment may not provide adequate due process procedures for detained contractor personnel.
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