United Nations Awards Contract to Review Operations of International Treaty on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

FAIRFAX, VA, May 12, 2004 - ICF Consulting has been selected through an international competitive procurement to evaluate the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol for the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Kenya, Africa. The Protocol calls for the phaseout of the production and use of ozone depleting substances (ODS). The Multilateral Fund distributes financial aid contributed by industrialized countries to developing countries that are not fully able to meet the ODS phaseout requirements independently.

Under the $460,000 contract award, ICF Consulting will review the functions of the governing bodies of the Multilateral Fund that have expended more than $1.65 billion over 10 years on ODS phaseout projects.

"As the Protocol moves towards completion of its mandate, we need to ensure maximum effectiveness in addressing its compliance goals," says Mark Wagner, Vice President of ICF Consulting and Project Leader. "The permanent phaseout of ODS in all signatory companies is of great global significance because the depletion of the ozone layer results in increased levels of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth’s surface."

"Ultraviolet radiation is a known human carcinogen linked with skin cancer. Reducing baseline exposure is critical," added Abyd Karmali, Senior Vice President in ICF Consulting’s London office. "In addition to higher rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, ultraviolet exposure is also associated with cataract development and immune system damage. Small increases in ultraviolet radiation also diminish the productivity of important food crops and have impacts on marine and other aquatic ecosystems."

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was adopted in September of 1987 following the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in late 1985 and the recognized need for stronger measures to reduce the production and consumption of chloroflorocarbons (CFCs) and other ODS. The Montreal Protocol established the international legal framework to prevent further depletion of the ozone layer.

Learn more about our environmental consulting services on Global Climate Change and Stratospheric Ozone Protection Analyses.

ICF International (Nasdaq: ICFI) partners with government and commercial clients to deliver consulting services and technology solutions in the energy, environment, transportation, social programs, defense, and homeland security markets. The firm combines passion for its work with industry expertise and innovative analytics to produce compelling results throughout the entire program life cycle, from analysis and design through implementation and improvement. Since 1969, ICF has been serving government at all levels, major corporations, and multilateral institutions. More than 1,800 employees serve these clients worldwide. ICF’s Web site is http://www.icfi.com.

For Immediate Release Contact: Douglas Beck 1.703.934.3820