There are two AP stories out about pumps the Army Corps of Engineers have installed in New Orleans canals to help prevent another Katrina. The Corps installed 34 pumps last year despite reports that they were faulty. The stories might lead one to suspect that the procurement process for the pumps was politically influenced.
According to the articles the pumps were acquired through Moving Water Industries of Deerfield Beach, Florida. The 34 pumps were acquired for $26.6M. "The pumps have been plagued by excessive vibration, overheated engines, broken hoses and blown gaskets."
In my opinion, the Corps usually has a pretty honest procurement process. Reports by the Corps' own people identified the equipment as faulty and measures are now being taken to repair the installed equipment.
A telling part of the article is:
"MWI is owned by J. David Eller and his sons. Eller was once a business partner of former Gov. Jeb Bush in a venture called Bush-El that marketed MWI pumps. And Eller has donated about $128,000 to politicians, the vast majority of it to the Rebublican Party, since 1996, according to the Center for Responsive Politics."
There is no mention in the articles but there sure is a need to investigate the procurement process in this instance.