DAI's new media initiative
Below are excerpts of a 2008 document that describes the democracy project that Maryland contractor DAI was carrying out in Cuba.
Appendix A - Statement of Work
BACKGROUND
DAI is supporting a Washington, D.C. based project focused on promoting democratic governance in Cuba (hereinafter referred to as the "CDP Program"). Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the goal of the program is to hasten Cuba's peaceful transition to a democratic society. There are strong indications that Cuban civil society is becoming increasingly vibrant and active. Given that media may play a pivotal role in strengthening civil society and contributing to an increase in democratic norms, the CDP Program will include an integrated media and public information strategy to play a constructive role in hastening transition or mitigating possible crises.
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Blame game: DAI, USAID, Alan Gross
Maryland contractor DAI argues that it had "little authority" over American development worker Alan Gross while he carried out a perilous democracy project in Cuba.
Gross's lawyers say DAI is simply trying to evade its responsibility. In a motion filed this month in U.S. District Court, they state:
...DAI professes deep concern over Plaintiff Alan Gross’s incarceration in Cuba, while simultaneously seeking to avoid any responsibility for the fact that it put him there. In doing so, DAI seeks to cloak itself with immunities and other protections that have no applicability to DAI as a private company, and that, indeed, have no place in this case at all. Seemingly lost on DAI is a very basic tort concept: DAI repeatedly sent someone to do a job for which DAI knew he was ill-prepared, without even the most basic education, training, or warnings. Ultimately, DAI’s Motion rests on erroneous factual and legal premises, and thus the Motion should be denied.Gross and his wife, Judy, sued DAI for $60 million in November 2012. The contractor has asked Judge James E. Boasberg to dismiss the case.
On March 15, Gross's lawyers - Barry I. Buchman, Scott D. Gilbert, Natalie Baughman and Emily P. Grim - filed a 57-page motion asking Boasberg to throw out DAI's motion.
Among the points of disagreement include just how much authority DAI had over Gross.
The contractor, based in Bethesda, Md., contends that the U.S. Agency for International Development was calling the shots.
In fact, Gross's lawyers say, DAI had key responsibility for the operation while USAID oversaw it from a distance. They state:
Defendant DAI, which makes millions of dollars from Defendant United States each year by providing “innovation” and “fresh thinking” in the implementation of international development projects like the one at issue, cannot now seek to avoid liability for its negligent conduct by recasting itself as a mere puppet of the U.S. government.
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DAI is at 7600 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Md. Photo: Google StreetView
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