Interior spent $139K on Zinke office doors

The Interior Department is spending $139,000 for new doors for Secretary Ryan Zinke’s office suite, according to records posted online.

The work was recommended by Interior career facilities and security officials, an agency spokeswoman said, not by Zinke.

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“The secretary was not aware of this contract but agrees that this is a lot of money for demo, install, materials, and labor,” Heather Swift, the spokeswoman, said in a statement.

The award to Maryland-based Conquest Solutions LLC was first reported by the Associated Press. The work involves replacing three sets of double doors, including two that open onto a balcony and leak during rain storms, the AP reported. An existing set of doors to Zinke’s office from a hallway do not have a lock, so the security will be upgraded with the new doors.

Swift said the work is part of a “decade-long modernization of the historic FDR-era building.”

“Between regulations that require historic preservation and outdated government procurement rules, the costs for everything from pencils to printing to doors is astronomical. This is a perfect example of why the Secretary believes we need to reform procurement processes.”

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson drew criticism recently over news that HUD would spend $31,000 on a dining set. That order was subsequently canceled.