📨 An Open Letter to Treasurer Dereck Davis: The ADEPT Contract Deserves a Second Look

Dear Treasurer Davis,

First, thank you for your candor. When I reached out to share concerns about the ADEPT IT contract, you didn’t deflect or dodge. You told me to run the story—and that if you made a mistake, you’d own it. That kind of accountability is rare, and I respect it.

You also clarified that you weren’t present at the August 6th Board of Public Works meeting due to surgery, and that your Chief Deputy cast the vote in your absence. That detail matters. Because what’s unfolding around the ADEPT contract isn’t just a procurement story—it’s a case study in layered politics, procedural opacity, and the quiet erosion of public benefit.

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📄 A Leaked Justification from the Department of Information Technology

What follows is a document shared with me from within the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). It reads like an internal defense of the ADEPT contract. I’m presenting it here as it was received, followed by the questions it raises.

[DoIT Internal Justification – ADEPT Contract]

> “The ADEPT contract is designed to provide flexible, scalable IT services to Maryland agencies. It replaces legacy procurement vehicles with a streamlined, multi-award structure that allows agencies to issue work orders without undergoing full competitive bidding. This model ensures speed, efficiency, and access to specialized vendors.”

> “The removal of the ‘economic benefit’ clause was necessary to comply with updated procurement guidelines and to avoid unintended bias in vendor selection. Maryland agencies will still be able to prioritize local vendors when appropriate.”

> “The round-robin work order system ensures equitable distribution of tasks among pre-approved vendors. This avoids bottlenecks and promotes vendor diversity.”

> “Tax implications related to IT services are being reviewed in coordination with the Comptroller’s office. We are confident that compliance mechanisms will be in place before implementation.”

❓ Questions That Demand Answers

Treasurer Davis, this memo raises more questions than it resolves. I ask you to consider the following:

1. Why was the “economic benefit” clause removed?

This clause helped prioritize Maryland-based vendors and workers. Its removal shifts the advantage to out-of-state firms. Who benefits from this change—and why was it necessary?

2. How does round-robin task assignment promote transparency or value?

Shouldn’t agencies choose vendors based on merit, cost, and performance—not rotation? This system risks rewarding mediocrity and obscuring accountability.

3. Why are most awarded vendors headquartered out of state?

What safeguards exist to ensure Maryland’s economy isn’t subsidizing firms in other jurisdictions? Is there a plan to track local impact?

4. What oversight exists for this $300 million contract?

If competitive bidding is bypassed, how will performance be tracked? Who will be held accountable if vendors underdeliver?

5. Why was this contract approved while a recent audit revealed DoIT couldn’t explain over $1 billion in IT spending?

Shouldn’t we pause and reassess before adding more opacity to a system already under scrutiny?

🛑 A Moment for Reconsideration

Comptroller Brooke Lierman voted against this contract. She cited the removal of the public benefit clause, the lack of transparency, and the unclear tax implications. Her vote wasn’t obstruction—it was oversight. And it may be the most principled stand she’s taken since assuming office.

You’ve said you’ll live with the consequences. I believe you. But I also believe that consequences should be informed by full transparency—not just internal memos and procedural shortcuts.

🗣️ My Ask

Treasurer Davis, I’m asking you to publicly revisit the ADEPT contract. Not to assign blame, but to ensure that Maryland’s procurement process serves Marylanders—not just vendors. If this contract is sound, let it withstand scrutiny. If it’s flawed, let’s fix it before it’s too late.

You’ve earned respect for your openness. Now let’s earn trust by making this process visible, accountable, and worthy of the public it serves.

Sincerely,

Barry O’Connell