Lukoil, Russia’s second-largest oil company, is seeking bidders for security contracts in Iraq in order to protect its operations in the Baghdad and Basrah areas.

The contracts are expected to be amongst the biggest security deals in Iraq and the deadline for bids is 15 November 2015.

The scope of the Baghdad contract will cover the provision of security for Lukoil staff travel and accommodation.

In Basrah the contract will cover the provision of security for Lukoil’s secure compound as well as travel from Basrah Airport to the secure compound and travel to other locations, including the West Qurna-2 oil field.

The Basrah contract is expected to be worth around $60-65m.

One of the companies bidding on the Basrah contract is Iraq-based Harlow International.

“This is a huge security contract,” said the business development director of Harlow International, Mike Lord. “Lukoil has the largest security requirement in the whole of Iraq right now.”

The tender comes amid increasing concerns about kidnapping and social unrest.

“Kidnapping has increased over 2015 and vehicle borne bombs remain a significant problem,” said Lord.

Harlow international is the first Iraqi security company to be awarded the PSC1 private security accreditation.

The Lukoil security contracts will be tendered initially on a one-year term and they will have the option of being renewed. The contracts are being tendered via Litasco, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lukoil Oil Company.