Program Review Board (PRB) Meeting Minutes - 27 Jul 03

Program Review Board (PRB) Meeting Minutes - 27 Jul 03 Attendees: *Dave Oliver Chair, OMB *Peter McPherson CPA, Economic Affairs Sherri Kraham PRB, Director DIROPSINF *Andrew Bearpark *Amb. Neil Mules Australia UK *David Richmond CPA, Comptroller Col Paul Hough Ken Nations CPA, Comptroller Deputy William Block Ministry of Housing & Construction Scott Brown IMF Staff Observer Scott Castle Gen Counsel Col. Tony Bell HCA, CPA-CA *Walt Slocombe MONS&D *Col Michael Toner CJTF-7 C8 George Wolfe CPA, Economic Dept Hank Bassford CPA, Baghdad Central Brett Blanton CPA, Baghdad Central Min of Trade/OFF Transition Team Jessye LaPenn DFZD/UK Peter Troy *Ali Tulbah CIC Nick Kralfz World Bank (observer) * Voting Member 1. Status of Funds: Col. Paul Hough briefed the status of funds 2. Minutes distributed and approved. 3. Funding Request #397: Commanders' Emergency Response Program, $20M. Kraham briefed that the funding request was for $45M but the Committee voted to reduce the amount to $20M based on a lack of information on which to base future requirements and cash flow problems. The Board discussed whether the Commanders would be able to spend more and conduct more programs with a higher level of funding. It was the CJTF-7 Comptroller's opinion that they would likely spend a higher amount on requests. The Comptroller agreed to provide reporting on the projects funded under the program and disbursement of funds data. The Comptroller also agreed to relooking at the allocation of funds within the program. Request approved for $45M. 4. Funding Request #250, MANPADS Weapons Buyback Program, $500,000. Oliver: Fairly well laid-out plan, funds from DFI. Discussion of informing DOD about the buyback program and whether Development Funds are appropriate. Castle advised it was not necessary to get authority from DOD in advance. Request approved 5. Funding Request #225, Iraqi Trade Facility, SSM. Oliver: Trade bank facilitates credit to lenders, no money spent unless trade bank makes bad investment. Letter of credit, money paid upon delivery, straight letter of credit. Slocombe: Risk; private Iraqis won't be able to pay. UN classical letter of credit. Oliver: Board only approves $SM; the $95M of callable capital will be administratively reserved. Request approved for the obligation of $5M. 6. Funding Request #226, Labor Intensive Program, S11M. For job creation, part of the 300,000 jobs. Motion to approve: approved. 7. Funding Request #340, Baghdad City Hall Complex - Phase 2 Rehabilitation, S1.8M. Oliver indicated that he wouldn't recommend it because it isn't in the budget recently submitted by Baghdad. Motion disapproved, put in budget. 8. Funding Request #265, Weapons for NIA, $6. 1M. Just to begin the bidding process for weapons for police and New Iraqi Army. Why these weapons? Cheapest, effective and most widely available ammunition. General Hahn: Bad guys have AK47s; pistol not effective; police will not go out with pistols. Motion to approve: $6.1M, DFI recommended funding source.