A Homeland Security Department (DHS) audit found that a northeast Kansas school district awarded $50 million in federal disaster funds to rebuild facilities following a 2008 tornado without using a full and open competitive process.
However, the DHS inspector general said it deferred to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision that the costs were “fair and reasonable for the work performed” under government regulations that allow for exceptions, according to the June 24 report released publicly last week.
Still, IG said the agency had better options and should remind Kansas of its responsibilities to make sure grant recipients are aware of federal regulations and monitor such activities to ensure compliance. It also said the state, which administered the funds, should also inform the Chapman, Kan., school district that it must comply with procurement requirements otherwise future FEMA reimbursements could be at risk.
Keep reading this article at: http://www.fiercehomelandsecurity.com/story/kansas-school-district-awarded-50m-disaster-funds-without-open-competition/2015-07-10
