The DeSantis-Appointed CFTOD Is Under Fire For a No-Bid Contract
Despite their penchant for using buzzwords like “accountability,” “government waste,” and “fiscal responsibility,” the Ron DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has found itself in hot water over a new no-bid deal to overhaul the district’s emergency communication network.
Photo: CFTOD
The story begins last August as CFTOD administrator Glen Gilzean was forced to resign from the Florida Commission on Ethics. As it turns out, Florida state law does not allow public employees to serve on the government watchdog panel.
How The CFTOD-Figgens Deal Came Together
As Gilzean was in the process of resigning, CFTOD employees reached out to his fellow ethics commission member Freddie Figgers for his services in overhauling the district’s communications system. Figgers is the CEO of Figgers Communication.
Ron DeSantis and Glen Gilzean. Photo: Central Florida Urban League
Less than a week later, a contract was sent over. The deal was then concluded without open bids from other companies.
Freddie Figgers. Photo: Figgers Communication
“The district is investing a million dollars for a new communication network. Completely separating from the Walt Disney World system,” Gilzean said.
Why Figgins?
According to the CFTOD, Figgers Communication was chosen as it was able to work within the compressed timeframe for the migration of 911 wireless calls.
When asked if the price was fair, the district told WFTV that when it comes to public safety it looks at qualifications and experience when picking a firm.
Glen Gilzean. Photo: Jim Carchidi/Orlando Business Journal
For their part, Figgers Communication noted, “This new architecture will enable all wireless emergency calls to be directly routed to the district’s 911 system. Significantly reducing response times and potentially saving lives.”
While there may or may not have been a corrupt bargain between Gilzean and Figgers, the optics once again do not look good for the CFTOD.
The CFTOD Photo: Fox News
The CFTOD meeting scheduled for October 25th has been canceled because they have not yet prepared a response to this issue. The next meeting will take place on November 15th, 2023.
