Camp management services for British Embassy staff in Iraq

A key element of the transition from the Coalition Provisional Authority to Sovereign Government, and to normalisation in Iraq, was the re-opening of the British Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Basra. Both of which were required to provide focal points for the UK reconstruction programmes in addition to the usual functions of British Overseas Posts. Crown Agents was contracted in May 2004, as a result of a competitive tender exercise, to provide essential Life Support Services for the Foreign Office and Department for International Development residents and their support staff in order that they could operate efficiently in the demanding environment. Residents often carried out their duties in situations of considerable danger and Crown Agents undertook to make their day-to-day living conditions as comfortable as possible

The task involved site and facilities management including full catering services delivered in association with our sub-contractor, ES-KO International. The cultural diversity of the customers and the logistical challenges associated with ensuring a reliable supply chain given the adverse security conditions, required a robust operational plan to ensure success. Flexibility was an important feature of the operation, involving catering for up to 500 staff a day, together with special occasions for locally employed staff during Ramadan and a high profile Queens Birthday Party in 2005. Other responsibilities included fuel supply, laundry and commissariat facilities.

Crown Agents also provided workshop facilities for a fleet of around 60 armoured and general purpose vehicles in Baghdad. This contract has now been extended to include Basra and Kirkuk. The availability and serviceability of the fleet is fundamental to the overall security plans for the three UK Posts in Iraq. The fleet operates in very harsh conditions of climate and terrain, and as such reliability is crucial.