Folmer To Hold Public Hearing on Procurement Procedures

Harrisburg – Senator Mike Folmer (R-48), Chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, today announced that a public hearing on Auditor General Jack Wagner’s recent report on state procurement procedures will be held Tuesday, December 1, at 10 a.m. in Hearing Room One of the North Office Building, Harrisburg.

The report found a lack of competition, transparency and accountability in the state's awarding of $592 million in contracts to a single information technology vendor. Wagner's auditors found there was no competitive bidding on 34 of 59 contracts awarded by the Administration to the information technology vendor.

The hearing will focus on Wagner’s recommendations to improve the Department of General Services’ policies, controls, and oversight of the procurement process, and the Rendell Administration’s response and planned follow-up to the audit. Auditor General Wagner and Department of General Services Secretary James Creedon are scheduled to appear.

Folmer said his goal for the hearing is to critically review the report, ask tough questions, and see if changes are needed or warranted.

"All levels of government need to focus on reform, especially in the areas of openness, accountability, and transparency," said Folmer. "That’s why Senator John Wozniak and I introduced Senate Resolution 133, which, among other measures, calls for the development of a competitive bid process, and greater oversight of taxpayer-funded projects."

"Anytime one tax dollar is not spent wisely is one time too many. Especially in tough economic times, elected officials need to be sure we are squeezing every penny out of every tax dollar. If we don’t, we let the taxpayers down. By fairly reviewing the Auditor General's findings, we can better ensure taxpayers come first, and they are getting the most for their money."

Contact:

Fred Sembach
717-787-5708