OIG Investigation Found that BPS Wasted Public Funds
In a report issued today, Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro called on Boston Public Schools (BPS) officials to pause payments on vendor contracts for non-essential goods and services in certain departments for 10 business days and perform an internal review after separate Office of…
Read the Press ReleaseBoston Public Schools – Procurements, Contracts, and Payments
Improper Workarounds and Oversight Failures Lead to Wasted Public Funds and Inaccurate Budget Reporting
Read the ReportOIG Investigation Finds Former Norfolk Officials Wasted and Misused Public Funds
The investigation, prompted by a tip to the OIG's fraud hotline, revealed not only that the former DPW Director failed to follow basic public procurement and fiscal management practices, which resulted in the misuse and waste of public funds, but also the former Town Administrator failed to supervise the DPW Director and abused his use of vacation time to his financial advantage.
Read the Press ReleaseTown of Norfolk-Misuse of Public Funds and Abuse of Vacation Time
An OIG investigation found that the former Norfolk town officials misused public funds and abused vacation time. The former Town Administrator failed to properly supervise the former DPW Director who failed to follow Massachusetts public procurement law and did not follow basic fiscal practices. The investigation also found that the former Town Administrator abused vacation time and was not properly supervised by the Select Board.
Read the LetterChapter 30B Energy and Energy-Related Services Reporting Form
Jurisdictions may use this Chapter 30B compliance form to comply with Chapter 30B requirements for exemptions for energy and energy-related services.
View the GuideThe Chapter 30B Manual: Procuring Supplies, Services and Real Property
This manual provides guidance to municipalities on Chapter 30B's procedures to purchase goods and services, dispose of surplus supplies and acquire and dispose of property.
View the ManualTestimony of IG Jeffrey Shapiro Regarding MassDOT Service Plaza Procurement
IG Shapiro detailed the OIG's investigatory findings of MassDOT's flawed service plaza procurement in testimony before the Senate Post Audit Committee.
Read the TestimonyOIG In Your Inbox – Should Your Municipality Appoint a CPO? Yes!
Why should your municipality appoint a Chief Procurement Officer? CPOs have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that procurements comply with the law and follow best practices. They help avoid costly errors and mistakes.
Read the AdvisoryInvestigatory Review of Failed 2025 Service Plaza Procurement
The OIG found that the integrity of the procurement process for a new operator of 18 highway service plazas was undermined by multiple flaws. The OIG firmly posits that no procurement of this size, scope, and significance should rest on a weakened foundation. While no one finding was likely the fatal blow to this procurement,
the OIG’s eight findings in what would have been a 35-year lease should give pause.
OIG: Service Plazas Procurement “Not a Model”
The OIG found too many flaws in this procurement to say with confidence that the procurement, had it been fully executed, was based on a solid foundation.
Read the Press ReleaseOIG Special Education Transportation Study Complete
Study Points to Funding Model and Previous Recommendations Not Acted Upon
Read the Press ReleaseSpecial Education Transportation Study
The OIG reviewed the Commonwealth’s special education transportation services, pursuant to Section 2A of Chapter 7 of the Acts of 2025. Specifically, the OIG was tasked with reviewing how districts procure special education transportation services, which have been increasing in cost, and recommending ways to reduce costs, maximize purchasing power, act transparently and efficiently, and explore opportunities for regionalization.
Read the Report