Investigation of Alleged Conflict of Interest at the Udall Foundation

We found that a former senior program manager for the Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, a Federal entity that assists American Indians and Alaskan Natives, was involved in preparing statements of work for contracts subsequently awarded to his wife’s company. We found, however, it did not appear he was involved in awarding or managing the contracts. 

 

We also found that Foundation management and personnel knew of the marital relationship and the potential conflict of interest. An internal investigation by the Foundation General Counsel recommended that the Foundation not contract with the company of the program manager’s wife so long as the program manager worked at the Foundation, that the program manager receive a 14-day suspension without pay, and that he receive additional ethics training. In lieu of disciplinary action, the program manager signed an agreement with the Foundation detailing him to a university and he agreed to resign from the Foundation.

 

This summary is of an investigative report we referred to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona for a final review and prosecutorial decision, and to the Foundation Board of Trustees.