The primary contract between the AID and the University of Delaware was completed around the end of September, 1994. Negotiation of subcontracts with Gaza Strip, Israel, Morocco, and USGS began soon after that. Due to a variety of reasons such as ensuring the consistency of accounting methods, international fund transfer, authorization of advanced payment, permission for equipment purchase abroad, and administrative delays at the University, most of the subcontracts were finally in place around mid-December, 1994. Despite the delay in subcontracts, preparatory work started during this period.