Federal officials could shut down the program if they follow recommendations
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General released an audit this week finding Ohio misspent $20.9 million over a decade through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a longstanding federally funded program that delivers job training and technology support to companies.
Federal officials could shut down the program for good if they follow the audit’s recommendations, according to the report. The audit covers federal money the Ohio Department of Development passed through to six local affiliates that work directly with Ohio manufacturers.
The report identifies a mix of waste and abuse, including unauthorized spending and self-dealing by board members of the six local affiliates. It specifically faults the Ohio Department of Development’s oversight of the program and actions by two named affiliates — the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network in Cleveland and Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon.
The audit’s findings put Ohio’s participation in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at risk. The program could be shut down for good if federal officials follow the recommendations.