PSC Calls for Industry Collaboration Forums to Support Drawdown in Afghanistan

Arlington, Va. (May 17, 2021) In a May 13, 2021, letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Administrator of USAID Samantha Power, the Professional Services Council (PSC) highlighted concerns voiced by the U.S. Government’s contractor partners regarding the U.S. military drawdown in Afghanistan and called on those senior leaders to examine the drawdown’s “significant impacts” on contractors who work in Afghanistan and the broader region. 

Contractors play an invaluable role through the Middle East and South Asia by supporting critical defense, development, and diplomatic efforts. The letter, co-signed by PSC, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), poses several questions the government agencies should review to ensure a well-planned and effective military withdrawal from Afghanistan, as well as post-drawdown efforts to foster stability there. 

The associations also recommend the formation of two collaboration forums, one in Kabul and one in Washington. These forums would facilitate better information-sharing among U.S. Government officials and their government contracting partners.

“Contractors have worked side by side with government civilian and military personnel in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years and continue to provide critical mission support. Contractor concerns should be considered as the drawdown occurs,” said Stephanie Kostro, Executive Vice President of Policy, PSC. “It’s possible to take what industry has learned from prior large-scale retrograde operations and apply key lessons and insights through a collaborative process. This process can support a more effective military exit from Afghanistan while also providing for much-needed, longer-term development goals. We look forward to working with these government agencies to make this collaboration happen.” 

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