Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
U.N. Awards Defense Firm Lockheed Martin $250 Million Contract in Darfur
From Staff Reports
The United Nations awarded defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) a $250 million contract to build five new camps in Sudan’s civil-war-ravaged Darfur region, and in the neighboring Kordofan regions for 4,100 U.N. and African Union personnel, The Associated Press reported yesterday (Tuesday).
Specifically, the six-month contract was awarded to California-based Pacific Architect Engineers Inc. - which Lockheed Martin bought in August 2006 - without bidding because of complex requirements and a short the timeline for completion, U.N. spokeswoman Michele Montas told The AP.
It is rare to see international business conducted in Darfur, but Lockheed Martin is no stranger to working in contested areas. Such is a reason why 84% of the company’s net sales were made to the biggest customer in the world, the United States government.
Although the contract won’t have a meaningful financial impact on the bottom line of this $45 billion company, the reputation that will follow if the project if successful is a reward. A defense company that can turn an A+ job in Darfur can pretty much prove it can handle operations anywhere.
News and Related Story Links:
- CNN Money:
Lockheed Martin Unit Gets $250 Million UN Pact To Build Darfur Camps. - Money Morning News:
Aluminum Giant Alcoa Awarded Major Parts Contract for New Stealth Jet.
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