Ohio Inspector General’s Office releases findings on 2021 complaint against Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission
On March 1, 2021, the Office of the Ohio Inspector General (OIG) received an anonymous complaint alleging that the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) was failing to comply with applicable procurement requirements.
Subsequently, the OIG opened an investigation to examine whether the processes OTIC used for the soliciting, awarding, and payment for Construction Administration and Inspection, and Material Testing and Quality Control services complied with OTIC procurement policies and Ohio Revised Code (ORC) requirements.
Investigators determined that OTIC allegedly did not always comply with required OTIC policies and ORC requirements. Some notable findings include that OTIC staff allegedly:
• Failed to publicly announce opportunities for “professional design services” costing more than $50,000.
• Failed to evaluate at least three firms to identify the firm best suited for the project.
• In the case of material testing services, failed to obtain and negotiate a proposal from the selected firm.
• Provided no evidence to support that discussions were held in the selection of a firm or how the selection treated all interests “fairly and equitably” and maximized the value of OTIC funds.
• Did not provide Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission members with documentation supporting the rationale for the selection of the firm identified in the Commission’s resolution to be assigned to perform the services.
• Failed to provide the Commission members with the costs associated with the assignment identified in the draft resolution, which was subsequently adopted by the Commission.
• Failed to consistently approve rates and issue payments in accordance with OTIC policies, procedures, and contractual terms.
The report of investigation includes 11 recommendations to strengthen the agency’s internal control systems related to the process for soliciting, evaluating, and awarding of contracts for “professional design services;” the rate approval process; and payments for services rendered. The OTIC was cooperative during the pendency of the investigation and made numerous policy changes prior to the release of this report.
The report of investigation is being referred to the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Ohio Ethics Commission for further consideration.
Ohio Inspector General Report of Investigation file number 2021-CA00002 is now available at https://watchdog.ohio.gov/static/Investigations/2023/2021-CA00002/2021-….