Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot (D) urged the state to stop using emergency contracts for some COVID response efforts – blasting a Health Department agreement that ballooned by more than $10 million after the Board of Public Works refused to approve it last month.
At issue is a consulting contract with Ernst and Young, which is advising the state on implementation of its COVID-19 program.
Franchot and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp (D), at a Board of Public Works meeting on March 24, refused to give retroactive approval to an $11.9 million contract with the New York-based firm, without knowing more about the scope of the work or why the Health Department was seeking approval well beyond the 45-day window for emergency procurement.
The contract returned to the board on Wednesday, with modifications bringing the revised contract amount to more than $25 million.
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