This arrangement not only excluded other potential bidders but also raised questions about whether the project was completed at a fair price. The OIG concluded that PBS Region 2’s actions violated federal contracting rules and denied fair competition for the construction work.
Drone Use and National Security Concerns
In addition to the contracting violations, the OIG raised concerns about the use of Chinese-made drones for before-and-after photography at sensitive border facilities. While the drones were used before the government officially banned the manufacturer, the Department of Defense had already flagged the company as a security risk, further complicating the issue.
GSA Response and Disagreements
In response to the report, the GSA acknowledged some of the OIG’s recommendations but disagreed with the watchdog’s interpretation of the contract. The agency argued that the underlying maintenance deal included resurfacing work and deemed the project noncomplex, meaning it did not require competitive procurement.
