News

Audit findings necessitate changes to Port of Bellingham protocol

Audit findings necessitate changes to Port of Bellingham protocol

Photo: Saga Communications/Ellie Coberly


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A recent report has forced the Port of Bellingham to change some of its protocols.

Office of the Washington State Auditor released the report last week, detailing their annual audit of the Port.

They found one instance of non-compliance with federal regulations, saying the Port did not award a federal contract fairly and uniformly.

The contract in question went to the California-based firm Moffat and Nichol to design a project under the $4.2 million grant from the Port Infrastructure Development Program.

Port CFO Tamara Sobjack says she was notified of the noncompliance in around mid-May.

In the time since the findings were given to the Port, the agency has taken steps to change its protocols that fall in line with federal law.

Beginning this past June, a required scorecard to rank contract bids for projects was filed both with the Engineering team and the Contracting and Bids department.

According to Sobjack, the scorecard is a federal requirement that the Port already fills out when awarding contracts and this is the only time it was not filled out.

Recent Headlines

14 hours ago in Business, Heating and AC Expert, Lifestyle, Local, Local Experts, Native Advertising

Protect against costly repairs with a properly heated home this holiday season | Sponsored

The bitter cold can make water lines brittle and at risk of cracking when temperatures shift.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Generations of anglers have made the pilgrimage to Montauk to catch striped bass

On most October nights, fishing guide Bill Wetzel can be found navigating the shores of Montauk, New York, in a modified 4x4 pickup truck, rumbling over boulders and thick sand as he scans the surface of the Atlantic for signs of life.

2 days ago in Sports, Trending

Brewers fans flood Milwaukee streets for a long-awaited World Series victory celebration

It was only fitting that the Milwaukee Brewers celebrated their first World Series title with a beer-soaked celebration worthy of their name. "We've had way too many parade beers," team captain and designated hitter Christian Yelich said Friday at a rally that capped a daylong party with fans.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Prosecutors drop felony charge against rapper Rick Ross in domestic violence case

Prosecutors have dropped a felony charge against rapper Rick Ross a month after he was arrested in Miami Beach when a woman he was living with told police he hit her, court records said.

2 days ago in Crime, Education, Local, Trending

Former Bellingham coach, safety director arrested on child rape charges

He had left the district earlier this year to take a job in another district.

Bellingham Traffic