Committee Holds Public Hearing on Procurement Procedures

Harrisburg – Senator Mike Folmer (R-48), Chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, today conducted a public hearing on Auditor General Jack Wagner's recent report on state procurement procedures. Auditor General Wagner and Department of General Services Secretary James Creedon both offered testimony.

The hearing focused 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. 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.

Folmer said his goal for the hearing was 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. "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."

Video of the hearing, as well as testimony of Auditor General Wagner and Secretary Creedon can be viewed at http://senatorfolmer.com/communications.htm.

Contact:

Fred Sembach
717-787-5708