Audit of Modular Ramps Purchased by the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Gainesville, Florida

In May 2015, Congressman Tim Walberg requested the VA Office of Inspector General review an allegation where the complainant alleged the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), in Gainesville, FL purchased modular ramps that did not comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. We substantiated the allegation. Specifically, for 20 of 33 (61 percent) purchase orders reviewed, staff did not consistently ensure ramps were ADA compliant prior to awarding purchase orders to vendors. Additionally, for all 33 purchase orders reviewed, staff did not perform follow-up to ensure installed ramps complied with ADA. We also measured six vendor-installed modular ramps and determined none of the six complied with ADA standards. As a result, we estimated staff made errors for modular ramp purchase orders totaling approximately $342,000 from August 2014 through March 2015. This occurred because the VAMC lacked effective controls including a quality review process, formal training program, comprehensive written procedures, and formal requirements for vendors to provide ADA-compliant ramps and measurements. We recommended the Director of the Malcom Randall VAMC enhance procedures and controls to help ensure modular ramps are installed in compliance with ADA standard. The VAMC’s Director concurred with our findings and requested closure of the recommendations based upon actions taken as a result of our review. Although the VAMC partially addressed our recommendations, additional actions are necessary.