Coalition forces reach out to vendors in Herat

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.20.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Approximately 140 businessmen and women, representing 72 Afghan small businesses, attended Herat Vendor Day in downtown Herat, Dec. 13.

The event, with the theme “U.S. forces partnering with Afghan contractors for a better and safer tomorrow” was sponsored by the Regional Contracting Center at Camp Stone.

Herat Chamber of Commerce and Herat business officials also attended the contracting event.

In addition to the contracting center, participants included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan Engineer District – South and the non-governmental organization, Peace Dividend Trust, a non-profit organization. Speakers focused on what Afghan firms need to do to obtain U.S. government contracts.

Richard Horton, contracting specialist for the Corps of Engineers, instructed vendors on submitting a successful proposal package and provided handouts and a CD to firms that qualified under Afghan first requirements.

“We have set aside a project in Shindand district as an Afghan first proposal,” Horton said. “The project consists of two buildings; one for an office and one for billeting. We want to work with Afghan companies on these small projects to teach them how to work with the corps of engineers. When they are able to complete these projects successfully, it sets them up to be competitive on the more complex projects.”

“These locally awarded contracts give the work to Afghan firms and help build their capacity,” he said.

Several Herat business leaders thanked Peace Dividend Trust, the Regional Contracting Center and the corps of engineers for making presentations at Vendor Day and for bringing business to Herat.

• Date Taken: 12.20.2010
• Date Posted: 12.20.2010 08:19
• Story ID: 62318
• Location: KABUL, AF