Hart has had personnel operating in Iraq since the start of the second Gulf War, escorting a variety of non-military personnel, including global media groups and commercial entities, across the entire country, before, during and after the military action. As such, the Company was in a unique position to offer its services to the commercial sector from the very start of the reconstruction process and now supports companies engaged in a variety of projects country wide.
Hart successfully protected a 350km power line from theft and insurgent activity. The task commenced with detailed risk assessment and planning followed by the protection of the entire workforce during construction and the subsequent policing and protection of the line. This included employing and training an Iraqi National Force of 1500, which continues to serve the government on this project following completion of the project. This last point not only demonstrates Hart's credibility in training; it also demonstrates its skill in working with and understanding local populations and cultures.
During January and February 2005, Hart provided security services (together with National and Coalition Forces) which helped secure the landmark success of the first democratic elections in the history of Iraq.
In Iraq, our Maritime Division, supported by our Land Division providing close protection on the ground, completed a contract for the Coalition Provisional Authority ("CPA") to provide ISPS consultancy services. These will enable the Iraqi Port Authority ("IPA") to meet the compliance requirements of the ISPS Code.
Hart supports operations throughout Iraq from secure bases in Baghdad and Basrah and is currently the largest security company operating in Southern Iraq.
Hart has deployed Security Managers with BBC reporters in areas such as Zimbabwe, the Congo and Sudan, as well as in Iraq. As the crew's personal security detail, we are able to serve as both cultural liaison and facilitator, setting up contacts and meetings, while conducting rolling assessments. Thus we ensure that our clients are not exposed to unacceptable risk whilst doing their job. This type of service necessitates skill and professionalism (including an understanding of culture and knowledge of languages).
Hart conducts detailed, multi-layered security risk assessment programmes that cover all aspects of World Food Programme activities in many different countries. This includes political risk assessments, covering likely developments that will affect security in the country, through to a thorough analysis of threats to operations and personnel and compliance with established security protocols and legislation.
Manufacturers, distributors and all nodes in the supply chain are facing new security compliance challenges, as governments impose new policies and initiatives in response to the increased threat of terrorism. Programmes such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), the Container Security Initiative, the Free and Secure Trade Program, Smart Box and the 24-hour Advance Manifest Rule have been introduced to enhance Supply Chain Security.
Through its consultancy and training services, Hart has assisted companies in the supply chain, from factories to ports and ships, to achieve compliance with these new policies and initiatives. Since 2002 Hart has participated in the US Department of Homeland Security 'Operation Safe Commerce' initiative, which aims to provide a comprehensive security solution to the vulnerability of cargo containers throughout the supply chain.
Hart is also a key contributor in a consortium known as Global Secure, that was awarded contracts to track and control containers moving between the Far East to Los Angeles and Europe to New York. The programme includes vulnerability assessments and subsequent detailed risk analysis of all points of the supply chain, in the development of an innovative system that combines procedural, technological and informational elements. The system increases security, remains transparent and provides economic incentives to the commercial entities in the supply chain. In advance of final standards, the Global Secure consortium (Boeing, ADT, Parsons, Iridium and Hart) continues to develop its solution with selected US importers and US Government agencies.
