Ex-UConn President Phil Austin approved $2.5 million in construction work without permission

The Auditors of Public Accounts just released a report on UConn, indicating that former President Phil Austin approved an extra $2.5 million in code improvements without permission.
“9. University administrators should obtain and document the required approvals for changes in the scope of exigent projects that affect the cost of the project.

In August 2007, President Austin approved an exigent project for code remediation work projected to cost $492,869. Subsequent changes in scope increased the projected cost to $2,558,060. We were unable to locate documentary evidence that the changes in scope were approved by an individual with the requisite degree of authority.”

 Criteria:
 

 

At its March 23, 2004 meeting, the Board of Trustees established a category of projects, titled exigent projects, requiring immediate action. The Board of Trustees authorized the University administration to negotiate with any qualified contractor currently under contract and working at the University on other, unrelated projects, to work on exigent projects.Exigent projects were to be approved by the vice president for operations, who also had the authority to approve changes in scope that affect the cost of the project. The vice president for operations reported to the vice president and chief operating officer. Effective November 2004, the position of vice president for operations was eliminated.
 

 

Condition:
 

 

In August 2007, President Austin approved an exigent project for code remediation work projected to cost $492,869. Subsequent changes in scope increased the projected cost to $2,558,060. We were unable to locate documentary evidence that the changes in scope were approved by an individual with the requisite degree of authority..
 

 

Effect:
 

It does not appear that the changes in scope were properly approved.

Auditors of Public Accounts University of Connecticut 2008 and 2009 26 Cause:
 

We were unable to readily determine why the required authorizations were not obtained.

Recommendation:
 

University administrators should obtain and document the required approvals for changes in the scope of exigent projects that affect the cost of the project. (See Recommendation 9.)

Agency Response:
 

“The University agrees with this finding. Going forward, the University will endeavor to make sure that the individual with requisite degree of authority signs off on all exigent requests.”

 
 

 

 

  
The report also finds that three subcontracts were completed without competitive bidding.

 
The report also finds that three subcontracts were completed without competitive bidding.

 

The report also finds that three subcontracts were completed without competitive bidding.