In a recent school bid, one of the bidders claimed foul play
during the process. A document discovered during a public records request
showed those claims were well founded.
According to an email sent by New Hanover County School General Council Wayne
Bullard on August 27th, NHCS waived a costly part of their
specification for one particular bidder, giving that bidder a significant price
advantage in the bidding process. That bidder was then awarded the contract.
This type of favoritism in the bidding process is generally considered unlawful and is in direct
violation New Hanover County Schools purchasing and ethics policy.
NHCS Policy 4610 states the
Purchasing Director shall “Encourage fair and open competition….provide honest, courteous and impartial
treatment; and equal opportunity to all interested
and qualified suppliers.” NHCS Policy
6082, the Employee Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, states that when dealing with vendors, employees “must
exhibit the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness.” Changing specifications to benefit one particular bidder violates these purchasing and ethics policies.
See a copy of Bullard's email here
See a copy of Bullard's email here
