Chicago Department of Aviation Sidewalk Report

Executive Summary

These lapses, similar to those identified in IG Case No. 07-0893 involving the construction of an employee break area around the same time, likewise resulted in the expenditure of substantially more funds than were reasonably warranted. In CDA’s September 1, 2010 response to IG Case No. 07-0893, CDA acknowledged deficiencies in the contracting process and set forth new protocols that re-enforced contract review and approval authority at the executive-level which, going forward, should have increased the likelihood that contract improprieties would be discovered and addressed. Given CDA’s recent steps to improving the construction contract process, and the fact that many of the primary decision makers associated with the Patton Road project are no longer with the City, the IGO does not make any recommendation for disciplinary action.

Rather, the IGO calls on CDA to assess the effectiveness of these new initiatives, and identify any potential concerns arising after using them for more than 18 months. In doing so, we ask that the CDA provide the following information:

• CDA’s current procurement and contract management policies, procedures, and approval mechanisms in place to ensure that all expenditures and use of CDA contracts are cost effective, legitimate, and appropriate. Note any changes made in response to IG Case No. 07- 0893;
• Any and all instances of variation from those policies, procedures, and approval mechanisms since September 1, 2010;
• Designation of those individuals currently responsible for CDA procurements and contracts and a description of their responsibilities;
• Agendas and minutes from the CDA Capital Improvement Program “roundtable” meetings; and
• Any additional information regarding CDA contracting that CDA believes is relevant to the public report.

This Report does not reveal the identities of any specific individuals involved in this investigation either as subjects or witnesses and provides only that level of detail deemed necessary to inform ongoing concerns. Similarly, this Report is not intended and should not be construed as a finding of misconduct against any individual or contractor.