Posted on 03/15/2010 9:52:45 AM PDT by kcvl
Hillary Rodham Clinton's State Department is spending $5.4 million to buy fine crystal stemware for American embassies -- but it won't give the US economy much of a boost.
The contract was given to a tiny Washington, DC, interior designer, which in turn subcontracted the crystal work to a Swedish firm -- snubbing such US companies as the famous manufacturer in Clinton's own back yard, Steuben Crystal of upstate Corning.
The firm didn't even get a chance to bid on the contract, which will outfit embassies and ambassadors' residences with fancy crystal for ritzy functions.
Ironically, under the no-bid contract, some of the crystal is to be custom-crafted to include the seal of the United States, although Swedes will do all of the manufacturing.
Contracting rules require any American firms that subcontract work to use a domestic firm or get a waiver.
The firm that got the contract, Systems Design Inc., is a small interior-design firm in tony Georgetown. The company, which is eligible for minority small-business contracts, does not appear to have done any similar work.
After getting the contract in September, the firm subcontracted to Swedish glassmaker Orrefors/Kosta Boda USA.
Department spokesman Darby Holladay said Systems Design couldn't find a domestic producer who could meet the 100 percent lead-free requirement, although a Steuben spokesman said it does manufacture lead-free crystal.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Corning’s in the 29th Congressional District. The 29th is probably going to be gerrymandered out of existence after the next census. The area really could’ve used the good press.
Photo and more data on DM-G:
http://www.plaxo.com/profile/show/176095025354?pk=ac3a90614e7e6d98c0c77a7a14428a531fb4754b
She is listed as minority and woman owned small business:
SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC.
2141 Wisconsin Ave NW Ste D2
Washington DC 20007-6202
Contact: Darlene Mathis-Gardner 202-333-3499
Fax: 202-333-5661
Industry: NAICS 541410
Interior Design Services
Website URL: http://www.systemsdesignbuild.com
SBA certified this company as of 10/15/2002. The company’s graduation date for the 8(a) program is 10/15/2011. SBA case number: 108687.
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Updated: 10/05/08
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7720 Wisconsin Ave #213 Bethesda MD 20814 All rights reserved.
1-800-845-8420 Tel: 301-229-5561 Fax: 301-229-6133
BTTT.
Meanwhie, from last month...
State Dept Gives $5.4 M No Bid Stemware Contract To Swedish Firm
The firm that got the contract, Systems Design Inc., is a small interior-design firm in tony Georgetown. The company, which is eligible for minority small-business contracts, does not appear to have done any similar work.
Check out top left hand corner of the screen.
President Barack Obama accepting Orrefors Kosta Boda Crystal Inspiration Award....
Note to Nevada: We in NYS-29 know how you feel.
BTTT.
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