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22:03 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Chairman of the US House Committee on Homeland Security Bennie Thompson said Wednesday he requested the Defense Department Office of Inspector to investigate the possible interference by President Donald J. Trump in the awarding of a contract to build a build border infrastructure in Arizona.
"I write seeking a review of the USD 400 million contract the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) awarded to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co on December 2, 2019, to design and build border infrastructure in Yuma County, Arizona," he said in a letter to the Office.
"Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. had not been awarded a construction contract prior to December 2, as its proposals reportedly did not meet the operational requirements of US Customs and Border Protection and its prototype project came in late and over budget.
"Nevertheless, President Trump has personally repeatedly urged USACE to award construction contracts to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co.
"These actions raise concerns about the possibility of inappropriate influence on USACE's contracting decision," Thompson affirmed.
"Therefore, I am requesting that you review the award of this contract to ensure that the bid submitted by Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. met the solicitation standards and that USACE made the award in accordance with federal procurement law and regulations," he added. (end)
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