Lincoln Police Investigating $2.5M No-Bid State Contract

Auditor questions emergency designation and lack of regular procurement process

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Lincoln Police Department has been assigned to investigate an emergency $2.5 million contract the state of Nebraska awarded to a lobbyist firm last April on the recommendation of the governor. The state auditor's office raised concerns about the lack of a regular procurement process and the designation of the contract as an emergency, despite the timeline not reflecting that.

Why it matters

This investigation could uncover potential conflicts of interest or improper awarding of state contracts, which is a matter of public trust and transparency in government spending. The auditor's findings have already prompted further scrutiny from the state attorney general's office.

The details

In April 2024, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded a $2.5 million one-year contract to Global Sustainability Developers to help grow the state's bioeconomy industry. This came just a month after the Nebraska Legislature passed a related bill, LB1412, put forward by the Speaker on behalf of the governor. The state auditor's office questioned why regular procurement processes were not followed and why the contract was designated as an emergency, despite the timeline not reflecting that. The auditor has forwarded the findings to the state attorney general and state patrol for further investigation.

  • The Nebraska Legislature passed LB1412 in early April 2024.
  • The governor signed LB1412 into law on April 2, 2024.
  • The $2.5 million contract with Global Sustainability Developers was awarded in April 2024, just a month after the related legislation was passed.
  • The state auditor's office issued a report on the contract on January 6, 2026.
  • The Lincoln Police Department was assigned the investigation in February 2026.

The players

Mike Foley

The Nebraska state auditor whose office issued a report questioning the $2.5 million contract.

John Arch

The Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature who put forward the bill, LB1412, on behalf of the governor.

Jim Pillen

The governor of Nebraska who recommended the $2.5 million contract to the state economic development department.

Mike Hilgers

The Nebraska Attorney General who noted the Lincoln Police Department could be assigned to investigate the contract.

Global Sustainability Developers

The lobbyist firm that was awarded the $2.5 million contract by the state.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that state contracts are awarded through a fair and transparent process, without any appearance of impropriety.”

— Mike Foley, Nebraska State Auditor (Nebraska Examiner)

What’s next

The Lincoln Police Department will report the findings of its investigation to the Nebraska Attorney General's office.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability in government contracting, to maintain public trust and ensure taxpayer funds are spent appropriately. The auditor's referral to the attorney general suggests there may be serious concerns about how this emergency contract was awarded.