[StBernard] Division of Administration solicits for an accounting firm to provide oversight on federal funds received to deal with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

[Westley Annis]

Division of Administration solicits for an accounting firm to provide
oversight on federal funds received to deal with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Commissioner of Administration Jerry Luke LeBlanc testified today, September
30, 2005, before the Joint Legislative Budget Committee that the state is
looking for a qualified accounting firm to provide oversight over money
received from the federal government in order to rebuild the state of
Louisiana in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco recently announced her commitment to
provide careful monitoring of those funds in order to insure fiscal
propriety and care in applying them to the rebuilding needs of the state.

The solicitation for offers has been sent to firms which must meet rigorous
criteria in order to respond in order to insure the integrity of all
financial processes related to the use of those federal funds.

Firms that submit offers must have experience in presidential declared
natural disasters, experience in dealing with state governments and matters
relating to fraud and misconduct prevention, investigation and detection.
 
Additionally, firms which respond must have a national presence and what the
solicitation terms, a multidisciplinary experience.

The offers from qualified firms will be evaluated by a team consisting of
the State Treasurer, the Commissioner of Administration, and representatives
of several national organizations involved in governmental accounting
services.

A copy of the solicitation can be reviewed at:
http://wwwsrch2.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/AGENCY/PDF/01862900.pdf

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF), Louisiana's fund for
Louisiana's people, has been established by Governor Kathleen Babineaux
Blanco in order to support long-term family restoration and recovery and
help provide assistance to our citizens in need through a network of
Louisiana charities and non-profit agencies.

877.HELPLA1 (877.435-7521)
www.louisianahelp.org