Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this month.
A bipartisan House oversight inquiry is underway to determine if the GSA improperly favored Patriot Mobility Solutions—linked to Trump allies—for a $25 million fleet management software contract. Whistleblower emails suggest GSA administrators praised the startup’s bid before the official evaluation ended, hinting at “friends in high places.” Patriot Mobility’s CEO, a known political donor, denies wrongdoing. If proven, such meddling would violate federal acquisition rules designed to ensure fair competition. Lawmakers want to see communications among GSA staff who allegedly revised scoring criteria to help Patriot. The GSA claims the contract isn’t awarded yet and welcomes scrutiny, but critics say the damage is done—other bidders might have been discouraged or disqualified by behind-the-scenes bias.