By: Diane Benjamin
Below are three contracts between ISU and the same Law Firm. All cover the same time period. All are for services not to exceed $19,999. The only difference is the scope of the work to be performed.
See this link for 2016 Expenditures Guidelines: http://purchasing.illinoisstate.edu/ Yes, the contracts are from 2014 – but the law was in effect then too.
Spending $20,000 requires more paperwork than spending $19,999. Since taxpayer money is being spent, the LAW is meant to protect us.
Did ISU circumvent procurement laws to avoid transparency?
What does it say about the law firm that played along?
How many other contracts have been written for $19,999?
Stay tuned.
1)
Drinker, Biddle, & Reath B146419 7/1/13 – 6/30/14 Research and Sponsored Programs Licensing
2)
Drinker, Biddle, & Reath B146420 Also for 7/1/13 – 6/30/14 Research and Sponsored Programs Patent Work
3)
Drinker, Biddle, & Reath B146425 Also for 7/1/13 – 6/30/14 CIRBN Project Work
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…why does this not surprise me. No time for a bid? I am certain that someone will provide a logical explanation…some super special loophole or policy.
Old adage: If someone wants to steal money bad enough, they will find a way.
The City did a similar thing with the funding of an EAC program at the 4/11/16 meeting.
The contracts begin with the new fiscal year. They are for specific projects/purposes and set a limit on the spending for each.
I wish the federal and state governments would put limits on their spending and dtop going beyond their intended role and scope.