NASHVILLE – The Haslam administration today announced plans to seek a third-party review of the numbers included in the cost analysis of their Facilities Outsourcing Management plan.
“It is in the best interest of all stakeholders to engage an independent third party to objectively verify/validate the cost analysis performed as part of the business justification. The state has agreed to release a Request for Qualifications to procure these services following the release of the business justification report at the end of this month” reads part of a joint statement released by leaders of the University of Tennessee system, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and the Haslam administration.
Last August, the Haslam administration announced plans to consider outsourcing the facilities management for every state building not already contracted through Jones Lang LaSalle. This would include National Guard facilities, prisons, hospitals, higher education buildings, and any other building run by the state. This week, differences of opinion surfaced between Higher Education leaders and the administration which prompted the review of the proposal.
“TSEA is encouraged by the Haslam administration’s decision to seek a third-party, independent review of their massive outsourcing proposal,” TSEA President Bryan Merritt said. “This outsourcing effort is a serious decision that should only be made using the best, objective evidence available. We hope the review is objective and comprehensive, with consideration given to the impact on employees, as well as the many unseen costs of the plan such as cuts to services, the plan’s effect on Higher Education facilities, and the overall impact on local communities.”
Due to the enormity of Haslam’s proposal, TSEA in September publically called for an independent, third-party review of the numbers.
“There is considerable evidence which shows state employees are already doing an efficient, cost-effective job for taxpayers,” Merritt said. “A private company simply cannot provide the same level of services, with profit as a motive, and do it at a lesser cost than state employees. And we believe that’s what you’ll see in the review.”
Founded in 1974, TSEA represents the rights and interests of all state employees in Tennessee and has a rich history of improving the lives of its state employee members. For more information, visit TSEA’s website at www.tseaonline.org.
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