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Fun with numbers

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* Adam Andrzejewski sent out a provocative e-mail last week. It began with a quote from a state legislator

“Governor Quinn is driving a bus through loopholes in the Illinois procurement code.”
State Representative Dwight Kay (R-Glen Carbon)

* Andrzejewski continued…

Not even Rod Blagojevich thought of these loopholes…

Gov. Quinn is using intergovernmental agreements and grants to circumvent a competitive bidding process. Many thanks to Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar-Topinka for providing the data: total intergovernmental agreements (IGA) outside of a bid process totaled $1.8 billion (2013) and $5.2 billion since 2010!

* Andrzejewski claims IGA’s and grants have skyrocketed since the days of Rod Blagojevich…

AN EXPLOSION OF NO-BID GOODIES

Gov. Quinn’s total dollars in no-bid contracts and grants are 2,823% higher than the Blagojevich administration. Bidding a contract is important for transparency, competitive pricing, accountability and oversight.

* So I checked with the governor’s budget office. What’s going on here? They explained that if you take a look at the list AA compiled, you’ll see that these are grants to local governments, mainly due to the capital program. Rod Blagojevich had no capital program, hence the huge increase.

I communicated this to Andrzejewski and this was his response…

The point is not about the appropriation vehicle- capitol bill or otherwise. It’s about competitively bidding the contracts. It’s about distributing appropriated money in a manner where taxpayers are protected. We are not concerned with the appropriation vehicle, at this point. Our point is that a competitive procurement process has been undermined by loopholes in the code. Quinn is has driven $5.2 billion through those loopholes.

* But how is the procurement process undermined? These are grants to local governments for projects already in the pipeline and which, apparently, were bid at the local level. How do you bid grants like that? His response…

First, citizens needed to know the gross scale of growth in intergovernmental contracts/grants and you have to admit that $5.2 billion in four years with a topline 2,823% increase are big numbers. Illinois still has billions in unpaid vendor bills from general operations.

Secondly, we separately broke out the intergovernmental (IGA) contracts. The IGA’s have increased by 900% in the Quinn administration, from $44 million to $438 million last year. Again, at this point, we are not concerned with the funding purpose (construction, IT, etc.). Transparency, accountability and competition are thwarted with no-bid intergovernmental contracts. Quinn’s put “IGA contracting” on steroids.

* But, again, how do you bid that stuff? His response…

In my “first point” below, I covered the answer to your question below. In the “second point,” I cover the intergovernmental agreement contracts– and the gross majority of those can always go through a procurement process no matter what the purpose. Quinn must defend why it’s a 900% increase in no-bid IGA CONTRACTS. The only defense is the standard, “trust us we are saving you money.”

* I pointed out, yet again, that there was no capital program under Rod. His response…

Then it’s an interesting “defense” when the state is broke and billions are owed to vendors. To allow a 900% increase in no-bid contracts, to not frugally steward a half billion of hard earned taxpayer dollars, just because the lawmakers appropriated the money pot, is just another reason Illinois has net outward migration.

At that point, I gave up.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:41 am

Comments

  1. “Look, my mind is made up, don’t try to confuse me with the facts!”

    Adam A.

    Comment by Nearly Normal Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:48 am

  2. Proving once again that a little information can be a dangerous thing…

    Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:48 am

  3. With AA, the only defense is to give up trying to establish the facts, and realize that he more in love with his rant than with reality.

    If there’s a problem with bidding and contracts, then it’s at the local level of government, and he should focus there. If his problem is with capital projects at all, then he should say so.

    Comment by Walker Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:51 am

  4. The point he is making is “no-bid”….a salient point, especially given that state of IL economic woes.

    Comment by Friedman Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:51 am

  5. ===The point he is making is “no-bid”….a salient point===

    No, it’s not. How do you bid grants to local governments for approved, already bid projects?

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:52 am

  6. The real problem, the procurment process is so complicated only a few buisness’ take the time to actually navigate it, and they know it. So we tend to get inflated prices over compettive prices.

    There needs to be an emmendment, that if you can secure a price x percent below the lowest bid, you can give that person a contract.

    I have seen the State purchased things through the approved master contracts for twice as much as you could go buy them from a store in town, or from, say, amazon.

    A diffuclt to use procurment process that requires a business to either hire former State employees or have connections to understand how to navigate just guarnatees lack of real competiveness.

    Why we cant look at what the best deal for something is in retail, and buy it if its below the contract prices escapes me. I want to see a canidate run on extreme couponing for State purchases….

    Bumblee tuna 10 for a dollar with coupon? DOC food services will take 1 million cans please….

    Comment by Ghost Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:52 am

  7. Adam Ant. He has solutions, so he goes looking for problems.

    Comment by John A Logan Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:56 am

  8. Geez, trying to follow that guy’s logic gives you a headache.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:56 am

  9. Rich, I love how even after you correctly referred to the capital bill, he calls it a capitol bill. First, Andy, Capitol is capitolized, and second, its a building where bills are passed, not a bill that funds buildings.

    Comment by Jimbo Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 11:59 am

  10. Once again Rich Miller from The Capitol Fax Blog hit’s the nail on the head! FACT checking against the often - overzealous sensationalist type organizations that make false accusations just to appease a less than informed voter is a powerful tool. Thank you Rich Miller!

    Comment by Priceless... Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:00 pm

  11. Nothing is procurred through an IGA. An IGA is an agreement between two governmental entities to work together on something. It could be two State agencies or a State agency and an entity at a different level of government. If an outside vendor is needed, one of the entities is still going to have to procure that vendor in accordance with the laws and rules applicable to that entity. To talk about a “no bid IGA” is just nonsense.

    Comment by ANON Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:07 pm

  12. Our argument is simple: Quinn’s no bid CONTRACTS are up 900%. No amount of distraction can hide this fact. We don’t care if they are construction or IT- the CONTRACTS are NO-BID. Simple and straight forward and the Gov needs to explain why.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:19 pm

  13. AA’s arguement reminds me of those who argue for ‘trickle down economics’; just conjecture, no facts to back up the theory.

    Comment by Jim'e' Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:19 pm

  14. ===the Gov needs to explain why===

    Again, how do you bid grants to municipalities that have already bid out the approved projects and are awaiting state dollars?

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:20 pm

  15. Rich- The top line increase of all payments is 2,823% for $5.2 billion which includes intergovernmental agreements, grants and exempt contracts. In a broke state, it’s a number citizens needed to know. Most troubling are the NO-BID IGA and exempt CONTRACTS that are up 900%. Stop distracting folks from the main point. It’s the contracts…

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:25 pm

  16. The projects were put out to bid by local entities.

    The state provided funding for the already-bid projects through grants.

    Where is the problem?

    AA sounds like the tea partiers who ranted “Keep your gov’t hands off my Medicare!”

    Their problem isn’t really with the program - it’s with Democrats in general.

    Comment by A. Nonymous Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:29 pm

  17. deja ve…. so going to the main point of contracts, how do you bid a contract that has alread been bid by a municipality?

    And since IGA’s are contracts between government entities, can you point to a few where the what we paid for services was more then we would have paid in the private sector?

    Arguably more IGA’s means we are using cheaper govt providers then hiring more expensive contractors, so the large increase represent an example of savings. that we increased the use of cheaper services is the point?

    Comment by Ghost Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:29 pm

  18. AA – Sometimes things sound better in your head…

    Comment by Under Influenced Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:30 pm

  19. Here’s a great example of a Quinn administration NO-BID, IGA with Michigan. Biggest project in state history outside of road construction. Even Bill Daley thought this one stunk: http://forthegoodofillinois.org/blog/2013/12/governor-quinn-targets-the-whistleblowers/

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:33 pm

  20. This forensic audit guy is a laugh riot.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:38 pm

  21. Here’s Bill Daley’s exact quote,”We need to know why a company with a string of failures in other states which is also under investigation
    by the federal government would be given a no-bid contract by Governor Quinn’s administration.”

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:53 pm

  22. @Adam:

    You don’t bid IGA’s. Try and understand what you are talking about because you are making yourself look ridiculous. They are with other GOVERNMENTS. Dope.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:54 pm

  23. Demoralized- Dude, that’s the exact point… it’s a loophole in the procurement code that Quinn’s driving a bus through. And, clean up your language…

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 12:58 pm

  24. @Adam:

    You aren’t getting it and it’s apparent you won’t get it. Rich is right - we should all just give up on you on this one.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:00 pm

  25. AA, on a grant to Barry, IL so they can upgrade their street lights, who exactly would bid? Barry 2?

    Or should the state decide what every municipality needs and bid all local projects themselves? I thought you tea baggers were all about local control?

    Comment by Small Town Liberal Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:08 pm

  26. OK. So I looked through the list. The number of transportation projects is staggering. Those would be road and other transportation projects. I’m guessing most of those would have been designated in a capital bill. Um, Mr. Andrzejewski, those appropriations are done by the General Assembly. Except for his participation in the appropriations process (which I’m not sure exists to a great extent any longer), the Governor doesn’t “direct” those anywhere.

    Also, did you happen to see on your list agencies that have IGA’s with the Auditor General’s office. You really need to get those things off the list if you want to be taken seriously. I would suggest you do a bit of research on what those are.

    I saw a few between the State Board of Education and the Board of Higher Education. Wow. There’s a scandal. They have crossover programs, as well as federal funds that flow through the BHE to ISBE.

    I could keep going but I don’t want to do your job for you. Before you put out meaningless lists you should probably understand what you are talking about.

    Try again please.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:10 pm

  27. Well, Bill Daley “got it”… here’s a copy of his press release: http://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Daily-Comments.pdf Under Quinn, these no-bid IGA CONTRACTS are up 900% and the above highlights just one of them.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:10 pm

  28. Demoralized- Of course not every contract is a scandal, but Illinois has billions in underpaid vendors and at a minimum we can all agree that NO-BID contracts don’t protect taxpayers like competitive bidding. Quinn’s put the IGA loophole on steroids.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:15 pm

  29. Just keep repeating yourself, Adam. Someday us simpletons will understand.

    Comment by Small Town Liberal Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:15 pm

  30. I don’t think quoting Bill Daley is going to help your case much further here.

    Comment by PoolGuy Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:16 pm

  31. AA - Respectfully, you’re missing the difference between (1) grants provided by a State to local governments and (2) contracts entered into by the State with third party service providers. If your point is Illinois should be held accountable for its own contracts, which at times, are not subject to a bidding process, then your point is well taken - but you’re using the wrong statistics. Be careful misusing data and other information as propaganda to win the loyalty and control of the public for your own ideals - this can lead to devastatingly bad consequences.

    Comment by Northsider Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:18 pm

  32. @Adam:

    *sigh*

    I give up. You are diluting the legitimate example you have provided with a long list that, if you knew what you were talking about, you wouldn’t have put out because you would have realized it clouded the point you are trying to make.

    I suggest you go through your list and find the legitimate examples. I can tell you that 99% of what you have aren’t those examples. Throwing the kitchen sink out there and seeing what sticks isn’t a good strategy.

    I also suggest you get an education on what IGAs are and the various purposes they are used for. Because, sir, if you are banking your big “scandal” you are wasting your time.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:19 pm

  33. Should say “if you are banking your big scandal on IGAs you are wasting your time.”

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:19 pm

  34. Northsider- Deal with the IGA on the table- Illinois upgrade of Medicaid Management Information Services (MMIS), read Daley’s press release above and the link to our investigation (above) and try and defend it. Now, that’s one contract of a 900% increase.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:21 pm

  35. AA: You just don’t get it at all. These funds are for contracts that ARE bid, just not at the state level.

    And they are simply structurally impossible to bid a the state level, by any administration, as Rich keeps trying to point out.

    You may have a problem in this case, but it’s not with “no-bid contracts.”

    Comment by Walker Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:22 pm

  36. Does Adam know when George Ryan was governor yet?

    Comment by Jorge Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:23 pm

  37. Demoralized- thanks for the strategy advise. Now, here’s a suggestion for Quinn– start bidding the damn contracts.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:26 pm

  38. @Adam:

    IGAs by their nature are not bid. You don’t get it. That’s fine. People are entitled to be clueless. Thank goodness you aren’t in charge. That’s all I have to say.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:27 pm

  39. Walker- Many times the IGA isn’t “bid”- look at the Michigan-Illinois IGA- in 2005 CNSI was a single bidder. Then, Illinois lobbied Michigan to “extend” the contract, then Quinn administration executed an IGA with Michigan to bring along CNSI. See timeline here: http://forthegoodofillinois.org/blog/2013/12/governor-quinn-targets-the-whistleblowers/

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:29 pm

  40. Demoralized, We agree (IGA’s are not bid)- let me make it as clear as possible to you- the IGA loophole in the IL procurement code needs to be closed. We are pointing out that Quinn has abused the loophole- 900% increase.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:31 pm

  41. Sounds like Quinn followed up on some grants that were promised to local governments, unlike a governor a few years ago (I honestly don’t remember which one-Blago maybe?) that withheld grants. Some nearby townships and schools went ahead, purchased ground, and built new buildings (thru a local BID process) based on the promised grants, then were stuck paying thousands of dollars in interest (that they didn’t have) until the money finally came through.
    Didn’t realize that Quinn was such a promise-keeper until AA brought it up. Thanks, Mr. Quinn.

    Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:37 pm

  42. Where’s Andrzejewski’s name on a ballot? And what’s he running for.

    All these great comments the day before the election. Where’s Adam?

    Comment by Mokenavince Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:42 pm

  43. Mokenavince- on the front page of Investor’s Business Daily- http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials-brain-trust/031414-693376-corporate-welfare-to-fortune-500-is-exposed.htm Thanks for asking…

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:49 pm

  44. AA: You say “We agree (IGAs are not bid)”.

    Wrong! IGAs involve contracts that ARE bid, just not at the state level.

    It has nothing to do with the procurement code, or any “loophole” in it. It is structurally impossible for you or anyone else to “bid” IGA contracts at the state level.

    You have one or two big cases where there was only one bidder, and it doesn’t look all that competitive — and these are surely legitimate concerns.

    But the bulk of the numbers you keep quoting, and the “900% increase”, are just simply false, because they involve contracts that ARE bid. Can you not at least acknowledge that?

    If you don’t, then your comments cannot be taken seriously by any informed person.

    Comment by Walker Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:50 pm

  45. Walker- in theory the contract was bid (at some past point), the new work contract is NOT bid, the contract is an intergovernmental agreement and the vendor comes across for the NEW work. No competition. See MI-IL deal above. In the absence of the IGA, the contract would go through a bid, procurement process.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 1:56 pm

  46. You have some nerve! You have just proven to the intellectual fraud that everyone NOT on the take has alleged!

    Comment by FedUp w/Trolling Bureacrats Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 2:13 pm

  47. Dont worry. I am screen shooting from my fon and my computer for the differential. I dont think anyone serious can engage you or your sycophantic followers. You are all willingly corrupt. Thank you for being apologists and accomplices to the ruination of IL. You should be in jail along with Quinn.

    Comment by FedUp w/Trolling Bureacrats Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 2:15 pm

  48. Adam: In theory and actuality the contracts are bid, at least those many cases I am familiar with. There is no “loophole” in the code.

    You might have one or two cases that appear bad practice, where a former winner of a competitive bid on the “same” project is chosen even though the work requirements have been significantly changed. This is concerning, but has nothing to do with a “loophole for IGAs.”

    Even so, use the numbers for those deals alone, and you have a good argument.

    Just give up on the “900% increase” due to “no-bid contracts” nonsense, because the bulk of contracts associated with capital funds and IGAs are in fact appropriately and competitively bid.

    Comment by Walker Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 2:17 pm

  49. I don’t get it, so the state give money to local communities that bid out a capital project, let’s say for sewer improvement or road work? This is a problem? Local contractors, local workers, improving our roads and infrastructure. Yeah, he’s right, we need to stop that right away. no way for that to continue.
    and with some local control by locally elected officials. STOP NOW. only the GA knows how to spend real money.

    Comment by frustrated GOP Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 2:28 pm

  50. Frustrated GOP- when the state contracts, we want it bid. Period. There’s a 900% increase in the no-bid IGA loophole in Quinn administration.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 2:32 pm

  51. AA - I’ll bet some of those items are for preliminary engineering on transportation projects. You do know that bidding of engineering services is against the law, right?

    Comment by Birdseed Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 2:49 pm

  52. ===when the state contracts, we want it bid. Period.===

    These are NOT state contracts, Adam. This is money to pay for LOCAL contracts.

    What part of that do you not understand?

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 2:51 pm

  53. What’s the old saying…? Admit nothing, Deny everything, Demand proof! ADD

    And then when faced with the facts continue to deny - that is the Illinois way - and now the Good for Illinois way. Love it

    Comment by ADD... Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 2:51 pm

  54. And this guy ran for gov??

    Also, thank you for giving us Dwight Kay. That guy is doing “amazing” work.

    Comment by Under Influenced Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:00 pm

  55. Adam is right, villages, cities, and schools should bid for these projects. For example, perhaps Carbondale can build their road cheaper than Carpentersville. Carbondale would get the bid.
    I have another question, was any of this money to assist in rebuilding after disasters? I would also guess some of this might be assistance in road work I know one village received some state funds to assist in lighting a dangerous street. The city paid a portion, the county contributed, and the state. Without such support the street would still not be lighted properly. The village just didn’t have the funds with the economic changes the last 5-6 years.

    Comment by frustrated GOP Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:07 pm

  56. I think if he keeps saying “loophole” and “no bid” over and over again then it will magically come true.

    Comment by PoolGuy Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:12 pm

  57. Rich- These are state contracts right out of Topinka’s computer system. It’s a state contract with all sorts of other government units, including local gov’ts for construction, but also the IT contract with Michigan highlighted above and many others. Here’s how it works: state wants a questionable vendor like CNSI; finds a government- Michigan (who has a contract with CNSI); does an intergovernmental agreement with Michigan; CNSI goes to work for IL- NO BID.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:15 pm

  58. ==Here’s how it works: state wants a questionable vendor like CNSI; finds a government- Michigan (who has a contract with CNSI); does an intergovernmental agreement with Michigan; CNSI goes to work for IL- NO BID.==

    That’s not what your list is about. GET. A. CLUE.

    Yeah, lets make the state have a bidding process for IGA’s with the Auditor General’s office. It’s clear you have no idea what you are talking about or even what the heck an IGA is.

    If you would like a tutorial on IGAs I would be happy to provide it.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:20 pm

  59. @Adam:

    By the way, it should make you happy that I can’t even buy a $5 item without filling out procurement forms. That’s so very efficient.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:23 pm

  60. Demoralized- it certainly is what the list is about… and that IGA is on the list. IGA’s are over-used by this administration to circumvent competition, transparency, and procurement. Each IGA by definition is a contract circumventing a bid process.

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:23 pm

  61. @Adam, reading your response’s I’m reminded of the old adage “Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with their experience.”

    At least you are consistent with you talking points, but the fact that you continue to push this flawed and incorrect logic is just wrong.

    Unless of course you are saying you no longer want individual cities and municipalities to do bidding on local projects and would rather have the govs office do all that. I’m sure that would be efficient.

    Comment by How Ironic Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:25 pm

  62. Adam, I won’t argue with you that there are things in there that should be bid and maybe the Gov. is abusing the IGA. but when you lump it all together your message gets lost. We all stop listening. find the questionable stuff, point it out,send it to Andy Shaw. But don’t go to the total line and say it’s all bad.
    One man’s loophole is some small villages main street resurfacing project. and that’s vote and a ribbon cutting.
    Wait, the next season of this starts Wednesday. I need to get my wish list together. :)

    Comment by frustrated GOP Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:27 pm

  63. @Adam:

    So you think those IGAs with the between agencies and the Auditor General’s office, for example, should be bid. You are completely hopeless on this topic. It’s really sad to watch.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:36 pm

  64. ==but when you lump it all together your message gets lost==

    Exactly. But he doesn’t understand that apparently.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:37 pm

  65. Demoralized– the 900% increase under Quinn vs. Blago on IGA’s doesn’t have anything to do with the Auditor General’s IGA. Don’t get silly…

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:41 pm

  66. It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his job depends on not understanding it.

    Upton Sinclair

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:43 pm

  67. The Auditor General’s IGAs are on your list. It’s your list not mine. You’ve implied everything should be bid. It either should or it shouldn’t. Pick a lane and stay in it.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:43 pm

  68. The State’s Procurement Code, which Adam has failed to read or understand, reads:

    …This Code shall not apply to:
    (1) Contracts between the State and its political subdivisions or other governments, or between State governmental bodies except as specifically provided in this Code.
    (2) Grants…

    Comment by Nonplussed Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:44 pm

  69. Nonplussed & All- We are finally getting somewhere… any gov’t unit contracting with another gov’t unit that brings along the existing vendor– that contract needs competitive bidding. I’ve read The Code and it needs an amendment- it’s the “loophole” that I’ve referenced repeatedly in this blog. CLOSE IT. Quinn did a HALF BILLION in IGA’s last year. That’s a lot of happy vendors…

    Comment by Adam Andrzejewski Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 3:54 pm

  70. Let me finalize something for you. It is a loophole and the drafters of the procurement code did not include IGAs intentionally. There is legislation on deck to require large IGA’S to be bid. Why? Because vendors are now using state workers to sell their products to other states. If you run a query of those involved in these IGAs you will see they have youtube videos and case studies promoting products of vendors. Look at State CMS staff as they are even on an IBM commercial. What is a shame is the state workers can be poached by the vendor because the revolving door policy does not apply.

    Comment by The Final Word Monday, Mar 17, 14 @ 4:16 pm

  71. Before this is all said and done I bet we will learn that a number of whistle-blowers came forward with credible information that has caused some hard looks at people and decisions made by HFS and the Governor. IGA’s are Illinois version of a ponzie scheme. AA’s issue has legs and has
    a lot of people in government concerned.

    Comment by WhistlerOne Tuesday, Mar 18, 14 @ 8:21 am

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