Bremer to Inouye: Contractors are selected on an open and fair bidding...

[Fridays Child]

...bidding process, consistent with US law.

These were Bremer's exact words, when asked by Sen. Daniel Inouye how the contractors working in Iraq are selected. Inouye did not challenge Bremer's response but calmly went on to pursue an unrelated line of questionong.

From the video at C-SPAN titled "Paul Bremer on Supplemental Budget Request Before Senate Approps. Cmte.," here is a transcript of the relevant segment (beginning at approximately 1:02:49):

Inouye: Do we have--this is a question that is asked of me quite often--do we have major American corporations involved in the reconstruction?

Bremer: Yes, we've had, uh uh, a number of contracts--I think the total is now 92 contracts have been let and, under US law, the contract, the prime contractor in those cases, must be an American corporation.

Inouye: How much are the contracts worth?

Bremer: I would have to, uh, I would have to get back to you but they're certainly worth 2.4 billion because that's the amount that was appropriated, and then there will be other contracts that we have let using Iraqi funds that will have gone to American companies, also, but I would have to get back with you with a precise number, Senator. Certainly, at least 2, uh, 2.4 billion.

Inouye: How are the contractors selected?

Bremer: Contractors are selected on an open and fair bidding process, consistent with US law.