District of Columbia: D.C. Public Schools Inappropriately Used Gas Utility Contract for Renovations

By the mid 1990s, most of the District of Columbia’s public schools were more than 50 years old and in poor condition. Deferred maintenance had led to a host of safety problems, from fire code violations to leaky roofs. GAO found that the D.C. school system mismanaged a contract with the Washington Gas Light Company. GAO found the use of the gas contract to obtain school renovation services, including painting, carpeting, plumbing, and electrical work, was outside the scope of the contract. In addition, in carrying out the renovation work, the D.C. school system failed to adhere to controls and procedures intended to:

1. Ensure that the District obtained the best price and services, and
2. Maintain a proper relationship between the contractors and the D.C. government.
   These problems raise serious doubts about whether the District obtained fair and reasonable prices on the renovations and whether the school system should continue the gas utility contract.