The D.C. Department of Public works has routinely violated city law by buying and leasing sport-utility vehicles, including when it procured two “fully loaded” Lincoln Navigators for Council Chairman Kwame Brown, a report from Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells concluded. A city law passed in 2002 makes it illegal for the District to buy or lease SUVs or vehicles that get less than 22 miles a gallon unless they’re for security or emergency purposes. But since the law went into effect on Oct. 1, 2004, the Department of Public Works has bought or leased at least 28 SUVs, data obtained by Wells’ office shows. Wells asked for the information last week after it was revealed that Brown had ordered a Lincoln Navigator in December, then rejected it because he didn’t like the interior color and ordered a second. Both SUVs stayed on the city’s books at the collective cost of $3,800 a month until last week, when Brown asked for them to be returned.
| D.C. vehicle procurement |
| It is the Department of Public Works’ job to ensure city laws, such as one making it illegal for the District to buy SUVs, are followed during the procurement process. It’s up to the Office of Contracting and Procurement to ensure the city is getting the best market price for vehicles and that bids are put out. |
“The laws weren’t followed by the executive,” Wells told The Washington Examiner. “This goes back to the previous administration and the previous council. My job now is to make sure the laws are followed and that we’re spending our money wisely.”
A DPW spokeswoman did not respond Monday to repeated requests for comment.
Wells said he’s still waiting for more information, including details on the use of staff as chauffeurs and drivers that might also have violated D.C. law.
The data from DPW shows that the city spends at least $92,000 a month on leased vehicles. Wells said it’s too early to draw conclusions on the use of leases vs. buying.
Both of Brown’s Navigators and a Navigator DPW leased for Mayor Vince Gray for $1,941 a month are on one-year leases, which appears to be rare for DPW. Among the 215 leases listed in the data sent to Wells’ office, there are no one-year leases. Brown’s and Gray’s were not included. The most expensive vehicle of the 215 is a $1,600-a-month lease for a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan used by the Department of Disability Services that is equipped for handicapped riders.
“These one-year leases are exorbitant,” Wells said.
Gray’s SUV was acquired at the request of the police department and not the mayor’s office. His Navigator is a security vehicle and therefore permitted by city law.
Wells has called a hearing on the District’s vehicle procurement process for March 17.
Meanwhile, City Administrator Allen Lew said he is conducting his own review.
“The recent inquiries into official use of government vehicles is timely and warranted,” Lew said. “As Mayor Gray indicated during his press conference last week, we will ensure that current laws and regulations are followed.”
