Funding
The main funding for PRT's comes from Provincial Reconstruction and Development Committee (PRDC) and Quick Response Fund (QRF) programs under ISAF. Also, some funding comes from USAID; namely under the Community Stabilization Program (CSP); the Local Governance Program (LGP); Community Action Program (CAP); Izdihar Economic Growth Program; and the INMA Agri-business Program.
Additional sources are: the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF), the Commander's Emergency Response Program (CERP) is the main fund used by the United States Army or USMC Civil Affairs Teams in both Iraq and Afghanistan. By the new regulations that came out in early 2009, the Iraqi Government has to pay half (50%) of projects above $750,000.
CERP Officers have authority to sign agreements with contractors up to $200,000. The Pay Agent disburses cash or pays by electronic transfer (EFT) in Afghanistan. The PRT Commander (LTC or CDR) can approve projects up to $25,000. CERP guidelines require that development projects be coordinated through and sustained by local governments and prohibit the use of funding for the salaries of government officials. The monies can't be used by police or security forces. CERP projects from up to $200,000 have to be approved by the Task Force Commander. The contracts are written in US Engineering standards. The Army usually pays by electronic funds transfer as pay agents are discouraged from paying cash to contractors in Afghanistan. The projects are paid in phases. Engineers work through project details with contractors. If the contractors fail the performance work standard, the engineer can recommend that the PRT withhold funds until project deficiencies are corrected. The project can also be cancelled.
One of the issues that holds up a project is sustainability. If the project can't be self-sustaining, such as an electric utility in a small village or town, it will not be approved by higher headquarters. Mandated 'Terms of Use' contracts are signed by the end user of the projects to insure PRTs are providing a self-sufficient resource and will not be responsible for its upkeep. One year guarantee on contractor workmanship is standard.
Other funds that are not used by the Civil Affairs Section: the Development Fund for Iraq. (DFI) and new funding targeted specifically for USAID Focused Stabilization, Community Action and Local Governance Program (LGP) as well as PRT development funding.
Read more about this topic: Provincial Reconstruction Team