PROVIDENCE — With news Thursday that federal authorities are investigating a $5.2 million state-awarded education contract, Rhode Islanders may be wondering exactly what the ILO contract is about.
Here’s what we know.
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What is the ILO Group LLC?
ILO Group LLC is a women-owned consulting firm that according to its website“Works with the nation’s top governors, state commissioners of education and supervisors of education to help them turn their bold intentions into reality.”
The ILO Group offers “Coaching, project and crisis management and brand building for executives. Aligned with the unique experiences, needs and challenges of a leader, ILO Group creates sustainable solutions that are grounded in everyday reality and adaptable to inevitable changes.”
Background:McKee’s controversial education contract comes under fire from the Senate Oversight Committee
How did the government-awarded contract become controversial?
In September, WPRI reported that Gov. Dan McKee’s administration had awarded the ILO a contract to help open schools, despite a competing firm offering to do the work for millions of dollars less.
More:McKee Defends $5.2M Consultant Contract Award
The bidding process for the education contract was initiated by the governor’s office. After rival firm WestEd underbid ILO in two rounds of bids, the procurement process was halted, WPRI reported. ILO got a $5 million contract and WestEd less than $1 million.
WestEd has an established track record of providing education guidance in Rhode Island and nationally.
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What is the connection between the ILO and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee?
Many of the ILO leaders worked for Chiefs for Change, a non-profit educational organization led by Mike Magee, who served on McKee’s transition team and helped found the Governor’s Mayoral Charter Schools in Cumberland.
The ILO group formed three months before the contract was awarded – a day before McKee took office.
What work has the ILO been entrusted with?
ILO has been tasked to help Rhode Island public schools reopen safely in the fall.
It was also commissioned to expand McKee’s community education program, which he initiated as mayor of Cumberland.
The program is independent of the city’s public schools and offers an early childhood program and after school classes.
According to WPRI, ILO Managing Partner Julia Rafal-Baer also helped the state Department of Education develop plans to address learning losses related to COVID, which are part of the state tendering requirements.
During an October oversight committee hearing, senators asked why the bid proposal required applicants to describe how they would set up city learning centers in each Rhode Island school district.
“Nearly $6 million of this contract is for a community learning program that I’m not convinced there’s even a thing in this state,” said Senator James A. Seveney.
What was McKee’s reaction to the controversy?
In a September letter to leaders of the Rhode Island House and Senate, McKee said the scope of the ILO’s work goes well beyond reopening schools. He said the ILO is responsible for expanding community education programs.
To save money, McKee said ILO’s $5.2 million was a ceiling, adding that the consultant would likely receive far less than that sum.
The Rhode Island Department of Administration said Friday that the actual cost of the contract was $1,820,624. ILO completed its work for the state six months into a one-year contract.
McKee also said that Magee “has no past or present financial interests or management roles in the ILO Group.”
Who checks the contract?
McKee’s office confirmed Thursday that the attorney general’s office is working with the US attorney’s office on the ILO review.
“As we have said before, we are fully cooperating with this review,” said McKee spokeswoman Andrea Palagi.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office typically works with federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, to conduct investigations.
The state police have also asked the State Ministry of Administration for documents related to the contract.
Linda Borg covers training for the journal.