debarment

David Chiu initiated debarment proceedings against Auto Towing to ban them from bidding or receiving contracts for five years after investigators learned employees had illegally placed a towing sign in the parking lot of a local bank and towed cars without permission between February and May 2023.

The debarment process often requires an administrative hearing before contractors accused of misconduct are prohibited from receiving city funds.

He says debarment typically requires “clear evidence of unethical or unlawful behavior done with knowledge and intention,” and he hasn’t seen such evidence.

EcoHealth says it will appeal the proposed debarment, as is its right.

The debarment threat “will mean the demise of EcoHealth, one of the most scientifically productive and internationally respected groups conducting field surveillance for potential pandemic viruses,” says Gerald T. Keusch, a former associate director of international research at the NIH.