The Bridgeview Resource Center, where low-income individuals can get connected with services and resources to build self-reliance, is having its grand opening Jan. 8. It takes place 4 to 6 p.m. at the center, 505 Omaha Way.
News of the grand opening came around the same time as findings were released by the Washington State Auditor. The agency found that Bridgeview, the resource center’s parent organization, did not have adequate controls in place during the center’s development to demonstrate compliance with state procurement laws, which are intended to prevent fraud, collusion and favoritism when awarding public contracts.
Bridgeview contracted with an architecture and engineering firm for about $189,000 in design work without going through the required competitive selection process, which meant Bridgeview couldn’t “demonstrate that it awarded the contract to the most qualified firm,” according to the audit findings.
In response to the findings, Bridgeview acknowledged the importance of internal controls. The Bridgeview Resource Center was its first major construction project. “We regret that our efforts to comply with state procurement laws fell short in this area. We have strengthened our internal controls over procurement since the award of the architectural contract,” the response said.
