2009-WBG-12
Coordination with COGAT on erecting structures in the West Bank (Areas A, B and C) and importing materials that could be used in construction, repair and rehabilitation
Issued: September 21, 2009
The purpose of this Contractor and Grantee Notice is to clarify existing procedures for erecting structures and the procurement, shipment and use of any USAID-financed materials for construction, repair and rehabilitation in the West Bank. This Notice will also provide contractors, grantees and recipients with information and guidance to ensure these structures are built and related materials are procured and shipped in accordance with applicable COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, a part of the Israeli Government) requirements.
Background: USAID projects that involve construction materials or erecting a structure of any kind (whether permanent or non-permanent) that do not have documented clearances from both COGAT and Palestinian municipal authorities for the location, source and nature of its construction materials, the dates of importation of construction-related materials and eventual use will very likely face costly delays and possible cancellation. While restrictions exist for projects everywhere in Gaza, in the West Bank, the areas under Palestinian or joint Israeli-Palestinian authority, Areas A and B respectively, are subject to some restrictions. Additional restrictions apply to Area C, administered by the Israeli civil administration known as COGAT.
In order to avoid costly delays or possible cancellation due to failures to coordinate adequately with COG AT, this notice serves to remind USAID implementing partners of procedures for projects which could be considered "construction", which for purposes of this Notice, includes the erection of permanent or non-permanent structures of any type. These procedures are not unlike those currently in effect for obtaining "donation numbers" for materials to be donated to the Palestinian Authority.