Testimony 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 TestimonyInvestigatory 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 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 ReportInspector General Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee Testimony on Service Plazas
IG Shapiro provided an overview of what the OIG expects to see in large-scale public procurements in testimony before the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee on MassDOT’s failed service plaza procurement.
Read the TestimonyIG Shapiro Calls Steamship Authority’s Website Project A “Cascade of Failures”
OIG Investigation finds that Steamship Authority’s website project was misguided, mismanaged and wasteful.
Read the Press ReleaseThe Steamship Authority’s Website Development Project
An OIG investigation into a website development project by the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority (SSA) found that the project was ill-conceived, poorly executed, and a waste of public funds. The investigation also found that the project’s breakdown was rooted in the failure of the SSA general manager and the SSA Board of Governors (Board) to fully and properly exercise their respective duties and responsibilities.
Read the ReportIG Shapiro: Fare Evasion is Only Part of the Revenue Problem
IG Shapiro commended MBTA GM Philip Eng in a letter for the newly launched crack down on fare evaders while reminding him to prioritize more effective fare collection on all modes across the entire system.
Read the Press ReleaseMBTA’s Recent Initiatives for Fare Collection
IG Shapiro urged the MBTA to prioritize fare collection in addition to cracking down on fare evaders. The MBTA must fulfill its commitment to the riding public by showing that it takes fare collection seriously.
Read the LetterHighway Service Plazas Lease and Concessions Agreement – Key Aspects for Final Agreement
The OIG provided guidance to MassDOT on key lease provisions as it prepared to negotiate the Highway Service Plazas 35-year lease with the apparent successful bidder.
Read the LetterIG Shapiro Urges MBTA to Prioritize Fare Collection
Robust fare collection is a matter of quality, integrity and efficiency in the operation of the MBTA. While fare evasion is akin to fraud, the commuter rail operator’s failure to collect fares and the MBTA’s failure to enforce the operator’s obligation to collect fares is waste and abuse.
Read the LetterIG Shapiro Urges MBTA to Prioritize Fare Collection
IG Shapiro called on the MBTA to make fare collection a priority now and in the upcoming contract for the commuter rail.
Read the Press Release