Veterans program needs oversight
Friday, November 20, 2009 10:38 AM PST
Key words are conjured up when reviewing a General Accounting Office report regarding a federal program designed to help disabled military veterans who own small businesses.
Words like: Disappointing.
Frustrating.
Unacceptable.
At the heart of these issues is the report — released Thursday — that shows some firms deceptively secured about $100 million in government contracts from the $4 billion federal program.
The report shows that the Small Business Administration did not, in an adequate fashion, verify whether some companies qualified for the no-bid pacts for veterans with injuries connected to their service.
In some instances, merchants asserted falsely they had service-connected injuries to hone in on the federal program.
The SBA asserted it was not responsible to institute fraud controls because contracting officials at various federal agencies should do so.
The GAO, though, disagreed and said government mandates stipulate the SBA is to validate a particular firm’s eligibility.
Rep. Glenn Nye, D-Va., has vowed to hold hearings and get to the bottom of the whole mess.
That’s commendable but, to some extent, the damage is already done.
It may seem like an obscure issue, but the subject is crucial now that the federal government is handing out millions as part of its stimulus program.
Corruption is corruption. Whether its part of a little known program or attached to some larger, more visible venture.
Government officials seek acceptance and a buy-in from the public on numerous issues, including the stimulus program.
But when situations like the one swirling around this small business veterans program, relevant questions about sincerity are easy to ask.
The program to help out our veterans who were injured defending our nation is a good one.
Unfortunately, it has not been executed in a very sensible fashion.
Nye may have his work cut out for him on this matter, but we hope he can get to the bottom of this situation and find a solution.
Our view is based on the consensus opinions of the Argus Observer editorial board. Members of the board are Publisher John Dillon, Editor Pat Caldwell, News Editor Jessica Keller and community members Ken Hart, Ontario, and Abby Lee, Fruitland.
