02.15.18

Chairman Enzi Seeks More Info on FEMA Disaster Relief Contracts

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, is seeking more information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about disaster relief contracts awarded to companies that cannot perform the work required.

Chairman Enzi wrote to FEMA Administrator William B. Long requesting additional information about two specific contract awards to Tribute Contracting LLC and Bronze Star LLC, which were the subject of recent news coverage.  Tribute was awarded a $156 million dollar contract to provide 30 million meals to victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The contract was terminated when Tribute was able to provide only 50,000 meals.  Bronze Star was awarded a $30 million dollar contract to provide emergency tarps and plastic sheeting that were never delivered.  

“It appears that FEMA has not properly vetted some of the companies that receive contracts, and therefore may have wasted millions of taxpayer dollars, while simultaneously denying services to citizens in need of them,” Enzi wrote.  “Taxpayers have a right to expect more responsible stewardship of their hard-earned dollars.”

In the letter, Enzi asks FEMA to answer questions about how it vets and identifies contractors.  He also asks for explanations as to why contracts are awarded to companies that cannot fulfill their obligations, and in some cases, have previously had contracts terminated for failure to perform.   In an effort to assure tax payer dollars are being spent wisely and effectively, Enzi wants to know how much money has been paid to contractors that cannot perform, and what is being done to recoup any such funds.

Read the full letter here.

# # #

U.S. Senator questions FEMA over Puerto Rico contracts

FEMA Contract Called for 30 Million Meals for Puerto Ricans. 50,000 Were Delivered.

FEMA awarded contract for 30 million meals for Puerto Rico to one-woman firm, which delivered 50K

Big contracts, no storm tarps for Puerto Rico

Company failed to deliver tarps to Puerto Rico, FEMA says