facts on missile defense

Benefits for the Czech Republic / Poland

Q: What will be the economic benefits to the host nation(s) for siting any missile defense elements?
A: The primary benefit to host nation citizens will be improvement in national security.  There will likely be additional economic benefits to any host nation during construction and once the site becomes operational.   Companies of the host nation will have the opportunity and be encouraged to bid on construction and service functions.  Personnel assigned or working at the facility will also contribute to local economies as well in the form of renting housing and/or the purchase of consumer goods. 

Q: Will the United States pay rent or will it provide a lump-sum to compensate the Czech Republic/Poland for use of the site(s)?
A:The Unites States does not intend to pay rent nor pay a lump-sum to compensate a host nation for use of the sites. 

Q: Will Czech/Polish companies be permitted to take part in construction and/or outfitting (supplies, services, materials) of the installation?
A: Companies of the host nation would most likely have an opportunity to take part in construction of the facility if the U.S. prime contractor determined that the host nation company was both qualified and competitively priced. Sub-contracts could be awarded for construction and service functions, or for research and development.  Host nation companies would be encouraged to bid on such sub-contracts.

Q: Is the installation likely to help reduce unemployment in the region?  Recent media reports have stated that construction of the installation could result in more than 1,000 new jobs for local residents.
A: A Missile Defense site could provide opportunity for an increase in employment during construction and to a more limited degree during operations.

Q: Will construction/operation of the installation result in upgrades to existing infrastructure, i.e., roads, electrical power, telephone service, etc?
A: The level of upgrades at the facilities will be dependent on the final site selection since the different potential sites infrastructure varies greatly. Current analysis indicates there will be a requirement to upgrade facilities at several of the potential sites visited.  These upgrades may range from technical requirements to support the overall system, to force protection requirements, needed to ensure proper security for U.S. equipment and personnel.

Q: Will priority be given to host country companies to receive contracts for installation construction and service functions, as well as possible research and development contracts for the missile defense technology and possibly a visa waiver for host country citizens wishing to visit the U.S. as well as favorable consideration for other U.S. projects such as reconstruction opportunities in Iraq?
A: Companies of the host nation could be awarded sub-contracts for construction and service functions, or for research and development, if the U.S. prime contractor determined that the host nation company was both qualified and competitively priced.  Host nation companies would be encouraged to bid on such sub-contracts.  The agreements required for siting a ballistic missile defense installation in the host nation would not provide a special priority for such contracts or; favorable consideration for other U.S. projects such as reconstruction opportunities in Iraq.  Visa waivers for host nation citizens wishing to visit the United States would have to be considered in another venue.