(Source : Houston Landing) Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Tuesday that her office is continuing to investigate the awarding of a $30 million contract to IBM after allegations surfaced that the former head of the county’s public health department illegally shared confidential information with the company.
Barbie Robinson, who was fired as director of Harris County Public Health in August, faces a third-degree felony charge for the misuse of information. According to court documents, Robinson is accused of providing IBM employee Kenneth Wolsey with details about the ACCESS Coordinated Care and Empowering Self-Sufficiency program, a county initiative aimed at helping individuals facing health, financial, or substance abuse challenges. IBM ultimately secured the contract.
Robinson could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. The investigation stems from emails found by Texas Rangers, which reportedly show Robinson discussing the program with IBM officials before the company submitted a proposal. The emails suggest that Robinson may have shared sensitive information about the contract, giving IBM an unfair advantage over other bidders.
“This is cheating,” Ogg said at a news conference Tuesday. “IBM became much more informed than any other competitor, giving them a tremendous advantage.”
The $30 million contract, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, was awarded to IBM despite the next highest bid being only $2.2 million. Ogg criticized the deal, suggesting that the funds could have been better used to support public health and safety efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the IBM contract, Ogg’s office is investigating Disaster Emergency Medical Assistance Consulting and Management (DEMA), a company accused earlier this year of invoicing the county for hours worked in both Harris County and California. A recent county audit raised concerns over DEMA’s billing practices, particularly regarding its 911 diversion call program.
Robinson’s termination in August, and the subsequent investigations, have become a flashpoint in local politics. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has accused Ogg of using her office for political gain, particularly against Robinson, a key player in a program Ogg had publicly criticized.
The investigation into the contracts has sparked bipartisan concern. Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia expressed skepticism about the IBM deal and other contracts signed during Robinson’s tenure. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, the only Republican on the county’s commission, also voiced concerns about the value of both the DEMA and ACCESS Harris contracts, noting that the program served only about 1,200 people.
Ogg, who is nearing the end of her tenure as district attorney after losing the Democratic primary earlier this year, emphasized that the investigation was crucial for ensuring public trust in county government. “People hate public corruption, and nothing is more crucial to a democracy than the public’s trust in their government,” she said.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the transparency and oversight of public contracts in Harris County, particularly those awarded during Robinson’s time as director.
