LINCOLN- In light of Nebraska's recent failed contract with St. Francis Ministries, a nonprofit child welfare organization, Ikaso Consulting recommended to state lawmakers several changes that could be implemented to reinforce contract-making and procurement processes.

In a report given to state lawmakers, Ikaso Consulting recommended a list of 33 changes to improve the state's contracting practices and to standardize the procurement and bidding process. The evaluation was called for by several lawmakers after years of costly procurement failures plagued the state.

Sen. John Arch, who led the investigation into St. Francis Ministries, was pleased with the evaluation given by Ikaso. He was particularly happy with the thoroughness and specificity of the recommendations, and said the changes, if implemented, will likely help address the problems caused by contract failures.

"We intend to follow those recommendations," said Sen. Arch, "I'll be personally introducing bills to do that." Jason Jackson, director of the Department of Administrative Services, said he was encouraged that the report found Nebraska's contracting process similar to other states. The evaluation compared Nebraska's processes with Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, and Missouri.

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