Contract Procedures Violated at Fish and Game

On November 8, 2006, Idaho Fish and Game administrators became aware of potential contractual irregularities pertaining to software development for several Fish and Game projects. Fish and Game officials immediately contacted the Idaho Attorney General's office to request an investigation. Several Fish and Game employees, former employees, and contract workers were interviewed in the subsequent weeks. The Attorney General's office found "no conduct rising to the level of a criminal investigation." Although it appears work was performed and the department received products, standard purchasing procedures were not followed by some employees. However, the situation has been reported to the Legislative Services Office, which is conducting its regular agency audit. According to the investigator, 15 oral contracts were made over a four year period costing $212,000. Oral contracts are contrary to Fish and Game purchasing policy. Two employees have resigned. A third employee was suspended for ten days without pay. Based on Idaho's Public Records Act, personnel actions are confidential and Fish and Game cannot comment further on either the actions or the personnel involved. "This is a highly regrettable situation for Idaho Fish and Game and we apologize to the hunters and anglers who support the agency," Interim Director Terry Mansfield said. "We took immediate action by requesting an investigation when the problem came to light. While we have purchasing policies and procedures consistent with state requirements in place, we intend to make sure employees understand them, are trained to properly use them, and to make sure safeguards are in place to prevent anything like this from ever happening again."