Maryland Wants Probe Into Multimillion-Dollar Coronavirus Mask Order With Ties To GOP

TOPLINE

Maryland canceled a $12.5 million order of masks and ventilators and asked law enforcement to criminally investigate the company they ordered from, which has ties to a former Republican fundraiser who raised tens of millions for the GOP.

KEY FACTS

KEY BACKGROUND

The market for medical gear has been chaotic during the pandemic, as states and hospitals compete to buy the necessary gear for frontline workers treating coronavirus patients. The Maryland deal isn’t the first time Gula and Blue Flame Medical appear to have had a hard time in the coronavirus gear business. The Wall Street Journal reported a deal with Henrico County, just outside of Richmond, Virginia fell through when the company wanted to charge $300,000 for shipping, roughly the size of the county’s whole order. Alabama state officials told The Wall Street Journal that the firm also had once had a contract with the state, but that it had been cancelled and Alabama’s deposit was refunded. 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The Wall Street Journal reported that Gula’s partner, John Thomas, said the company has been in discussion to provide sports leagues with hand-sanitizing stations, disinfectant wipes and face masks for sports fans to use when they return to stadiums.

FURTHER READING

Maryland Cancels Big Coronavirus-Mask Order (The Wall Street Journal)

Maryland seeks investigation of politically-connected company that failed to deliver masks, ventilators (The Baltimore Sun)

Republican fundraiser looks to cash in on coronavirus (Politico)