MIKE ROGERS, ALABAMA BENNIE G. THOMPSON. MISSISSIPPI RANKING MEMBER CHAIRMAN 09112 3J'Iunhr2h $ix122nth (Hangman aluminium: an Humelanh Securing 13%. 311111152 nf E01 an515 December 4, 2019 Glenn A. Fine Principal Deputy Inspector General Department of Defense 4800 Mark Center Drive Alexandria, VA 22350 Dear Mr. Fine: I write seeking a review of the $400 million contract the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) awarded to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. on December 2, 2019, to design and build border infrastructure in Yuma County, Arizona.l Since President Trump ordered the immediate construction of a ?wall? along the southern border in January 2017, USACE has awarded multiple construction contracts valued at more than an estimated $2.5 billion?mostly for the replacement of existing fencing along the U.S.- Mexico border. Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. had not been awarded a construction contract prior to December 2, as its proposals reportedly did not meet the operational requirements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and its prototype project came in late and over budget.2 Nevertheless, President Trump has personally repeatedly urged USACE to award construction contracts to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co.3 Jared Kushner, whom President Trump recently named as the White House lead for border construction projects, has also reportedly supported the company?s selection.4 Moreover, Department of Homeland Security officials?including acting Secretary Chad Wolf?toured a private border barrier being constructed by Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. just over a week before USACE awarded the $400 million construction contract.5 1 U.S. Department of Defense: Contracts for Dec. 2, 2019 WW . de f?ense. 0,0le wsroomlCon ractleontz'act/A rtic lea-"203 00 7/sourcer'Go Del i ve rvx?). 2 Nick Miroff and Josh Dawsey, ?He always brings them up Trump tries to steer border wall deal to North Dakora?rm, The Washington Post (May 23, 2019) 199- 813117?0t?c79?cl2eL20 3 lbid. 4 [bid and Josh Dawsey and Nick Miroff, Jared Kushner?s new assignment: Overseeing the construction of ?5 border wall, The Washington Post (November 25, 2019) iticsli i 9.51 1525le 2508d4-0d63? lea-224911906615 'l 640% 5 Nick Miroff, Right-wing group continues to build private border wall. It lacks permits. but not o?icial praise, The Washington Post (November 22, 2019) contin 1/22/1042 816376-037?- llea?8397-a955cd542t100 storylitml. These actions raise concerns about the possibility of inappropriate in?uence on contracting decision. Therefore, I am requesting that you review the award of this contract to ensure that the bid submitted by Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. met the solicitation standards and that USACE made the award in accordance with federal procurement law and regulations. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Alison Northrop, Oversight Director, at (202) 226-2616. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson Chairman