Investigation of Contracting Practices at New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission

OIG investigated an anonymous complaint alleging that the former director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) and his staff improperly awarded sole-source contracts using Federal funds to two contractors, selected because they would provide false and misleading study results to validate ISC’s plans for a water diversion project on the Gila River.

 

We reviewed ISC’s acquisition paperwork and found that the contracts were competitively awarded, not sole-source as alleged. ISC issued requests for proposals and evaluated the subsequent bids before making the awards. While we do not have the technical expertise to assess the accuracy of the science detailed in the contractors’ reports, our investigation found no evidence of procurement manipulation, irregularities, or malfeasance regarding ISC’s selection of the two contractors, and no evidence that any contract was awarded to obtain false or misleading study results. 

 

We provided our report to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, with a copy to the Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary, for information only. We did not require a response.