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US firm wins $46m contract to boost Iraq infrastructure 

By Megha Merani
KBR Iraq Creative Commons/Panoramio
Under the contract with Iraq’s Ministry of Planning KBR will offer economic planning and large-scale project management services
  • Office to open in Baghdad
  • Will also support energy projects
  • KBR expanding in Iraq

US engineering giant KBR has won a five-year $46 million contract to support Iraq’s infrastructure development and future energy projects, including mega-projects.

The company is expanding its presence in Iraq, establishing a new office in Baghdad and said it is also considering the creation of a design centre to enhance local engineering skills.

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Under the contract, awarded by Iraq’s Ministry of Planning, KBR will offer economic planning, strategy development, feasibility studies, technical reviews and large-scale project management services. 

The Houston-based firm will work across various Iraqi ministries to help identify, design and implement critical projects aimed at boosting Iraq’s economic and social progress.

Last year KBR settled a major legal battle related to its past activities in the region, agreeing to a $108.8 million settlement in a US whistleblower lawsuit – the largest cash settlement of its kind linked to alleged fraud during the Iraq War. 

The lawsuit, filed under the False Claims Act by former employees, accused KBR of defrauding the American Army by mismanaging supply orders and inventories.

According to the lawsuit, KBR routinely ordered new materials despite having excess stock available, leading to substantial waste funded by US taxpayers. 

Whistleblowers alleged KBR was indifferent to this massive waste because the army reimbursed KBR for unnecessary costs, plus profit.

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