State Department contract for Iraq 'helicopter services' could reach $500 million over 5 years

Above: A private contractor helicopter with 'security' forces over Baghdad in 2006.

Fearing an imminent drawdown of U.S. troops and equipment from Iraq amid escalating violence, the State Department is hiring its own private helicopter squad to ferry its personnel around the country.

Government military contractors Blackwater, DynCorp and Triple Canopy are the only three companies competing for the contract, possibly valued at more than $100 million a year for up to the next five years, sources tell ABC News.

The requirements call for approximately 20 helicopters with maintenance, storage and crew to ensure 24-hour availability.

Read the rest at ABC News

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