Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Dereck Davis during the Board of Public Works meeting today to approve nearly $1.45 billion for 93 initiatives and projects throughout Maryland.   

In a nearly $100 million contract request from the Maryland Transit Administration, Comptroller Lierman voted against awarding a nearly $100 million contract to Aon Risk Solutions of Maryland, Inc., in connection with the Purple Line Project. Comptroller Lierman cited concerns related to more than $670 million in funding cuts to other transportation projects reflected in the Consolidated Transportation Program, such as the replacement of aging Light Rail cars, after the Board of Public Works awarded additional Purple Line funding in March. Comptroller Lierman emphasized this happened despite assurances by the agency that this wouldn’t happen. 

 

“This is a small contract in the grand scheme of things, but I’m greatly concerned about MDOT's [Maryland Department of Transportation’s] ability to accurately forecast the future funding needs and the resulting impact on transit services throughout the state,” Comptroller Lierman said.“To be clear, this means cuts to rail that serve the entire State of Maryland: to MARC, Light Rail, the subway, so people throughout the state are affected by the project deferrals.”

 

Comptroller Lierman added that officials did not flag earlier this year that the existing contract with the vendor would need to be extended. “Despite ongoing support for all things transit and understanding that this contract will move forward for the Purple Line until MDOT can demonstrate its ability to budget in a way that maintains all of its current assets, I’m really struggling on these additional payments,” Comptroller Lierman added. The agenda item passed with a 2-1 vote. 

 

Comptroller Lierman also spoke about MTA’s pursuit of a P3 solicitation for the MTA-Owned Freight Rail Lines on the Eastern Shore. MTA requested a one-year, $1 million extension to its contract with The Maryland and Delaware Railroad Company of Federalsburg to operate and maintain three active rail lines on the Shore. 

 

“I am not anti-P3, although some people think that. Our port P3 has been a phenomenal success. But I do think it is important that the state approach these types of projects with a healthy skepticism and diligently research all the potential outcomes and develop agreements that place more of the risk on the partners and not on taxpayers and Marylanders.” 

 

MTA Administrator Holly Arnold shared that the freight lines on the Eastern Shore have deteriorated into a state of not good repair, causing MTA to respond when issues arise. The contract allows MTA to bring on a new vendor who is responsible for capital maintenance and plans and is incentivized by funding. The extension was approved. 

 

The Board of Public Works also approved a request from the Department of Human Services to exercise the final six-month renewal option on a contract with Conduent State & Local Solutions. The firm operates, maintains, and supports the State’s Electronic Benefits Transfer System (EBT), which serves 934,000 Marylanders enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and cash benefits. The extension was necessary due to ongoing legal issues related to a protest of the replacement contract award.?Comptroller Lierman stressed that agencies should look to the Board to resolve award protests only in extenuating circumstances. 

 

Additionally, the board also voted to award a $106 million request from the State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency for an extended two-year contract with Scientific Games International to implement, operate, and maintain a Central Monitoring and Control System. Both the Comptroller and Treasurer raised concerns about the length of time involved in the procurement process and the vendor’s low Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation despite exceeding the original sales revenue projections. 

? 

In all, the BPW approved 93 items, representing a total State expenditure of $1,449,868,808.87. A comprehensive list of items approved are as follows: 

 

• Approved 93 items, representing a total State expenditure of $1,449,868,808.87 

• Approved grant agreements for 3 recipients for 3 projects located in 2 counties and Baltimore City with a total value of $1,739,580 

• 9 items awarding $79,440,525.61 to prime certified small business primes 

• 4 items awarding $70,584,226.00 to certified minority business enterprise primes 

• 2 items awarding $1,239,008.55 to Employment Works Program providers 

• 11 items awarded with established participation goals for minority business enterprises 

• 4 items awarded with established participation goals for veteran-owned small business enterprises 

 

The next meeting of the Board of Public Works is January 8, 2025.