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Reflecting Pool repairs proceed with $16.4 million in non-competitive contracts under investigation.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been drained for a second round of repairs following damage to its liner. A sharp knife or razor cut the new coating, necessitating further work on the structure.
Interior Secretary Burgum announced a repair plan for the pool. The Trump administration will not seek competitive bids for the repair work, instead awarding contracts directly to selected vendors.
Green Water Solutions received a $1.7 million contract for a purification system, while Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded $14.7 million for coating work. The pool's bottom was previously painted with an American flag blue color at the direction of the administration.
Democratic lawmakers are investigating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project, examining the procurement decisions and contract awards.
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Major contracts awarded outside standard competitive bidding framework
Two major contractors received $16.4 million in direct awards for Reflecting Pool repairs without competitive bidding. Green Water Solutions got $1.7 million for purification work, while Atlantic Industrial Coatings received $14.7 million for coating services. This departure from standard procurement practice has drawn scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers investigating the project.
Damage prompts second repair cycle following recent modifications
After the pool's bottom was painted blue, damage to the liner required draining and a second repair round. Interior Secretary Burgum announced the repair plan, with contractors now executing restoration work. The damage—caused by a sharp instrument—prompted the administration to move forward with remediation efforts through selected vendors.