The IG at Veterans Affairs has largely confirmed an allegation that a medical center has been unable to use more than $300,000 in televisions and accessories it purchased because they were the wrong type.

A report said that nearly all of the 300 TVs purchased as part of a project to replace the patient TV systems have remained in storage for more than two years because they “did not meet the design specifications identified in the patient TV system architect and engineer (AE) services contract.”

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VA officials did not communicate with the AE contractor in a timely manner to ensure that the TVs purchased were compatible with the project design and specifications, the report said, leading to a contract modification costing another $19,000 to instead adjust the design and specifications to support the TVs that were purchased.

“By purchasing these items well before a construction contract to install them was awarded, the facility exposed itself to unnecessary financial risk in the event it did not proceed with the project” and allowed the warranties on the TVs to expire exposing the department to potential added costs if any of them prove faulty, the report said. As of June the facility had not yet awarded a contract to install them, it added.

VA management concurred with recommendations including to determine whether a bona fide needs violation occurred, and take appropriate corrective action if required.