Legislative Leaders Pleased with OJA Efforts

Legislative leaders today commended officials with the Office of Juvenile Affairs for considering a review of the contract for a new juvenile facility during the agency’s coming board meeting, scheduled for Friday, February 25, at 10 a.m. at 3817 North Santa Fe in Oklahoma City.

“We want this process to avoid even the appearance of impropriety,” said President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “The OJA Board is doing the right thing by openly discussing this issue. I would encourage them to also conduct a thorough review of the process, which I believe is within the best interest of the public.”

“We have expressed our concerns about the contracting process and are pleased to see board members are addressing this important issue in their next meeting,” said House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee. “We hope they conduct a serious review of the issues that have been raised about the bidding process, and we look forward to the results of that process.”

The board’s agenda includes, “Discussion and/or possible action regarding projected budget cuts and whether OJA is able to go forward with the Request for Proposal for a new juvenile treatment facility…” along discussion and possible action “to establish an internal review to determine whether the Department of Central Services contracting procedures were followed by OJA during the RFP process.” A third item on the board’s agenda would allow for discussion and action “to establish rules and/or procedures” regarding “the possible construction of a juvenile treatment facility.”