Pressures On, Inc.

The OIG audited $15.4 million in costs billed to TVA by Pressure's On, Inc. (POI), for providing hydro blasting services at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) locations, including $14.82 million in costs paid by TVA to POI as of January 16, 2009. In addition, the OIG reviewed $596,789 in costs for hydro blasting services incorrectly billed under a separate contract that TVA had with POI for vacuuming services only. In summary, it was determined POI had overbilled TVA $4,145,909 including:$2,482,444 in unsupported costs related to (1) missing cost details, (2) unclassified costs, (3) subcontractor costs, (4) labor costs, and (5) equipment and materials.$1,113,702 in costs for hydro blasting services because POI billed (1) excessive hours for equipment operating time and (2) hourly rates for equipment and employees not provided for in the contract.$393,848 of ineligible costs for (1) equipment and materials, (2) labor costs, (3) mobilization / demobilization, (4) travel, meals, and per diem, and (5) fuel surcharges.$135,941 due to the use of incorrect billing rates.$41,837 in duplicate billings.Credit for $21,863 in discounts that had been provided by POI.The OIG also noted numerous instances where POI did not pay its employees in accordance with the Project Maintenance and Modification Agreement (PMMA) labor provisions in the contract. In addition, POI did not submit "Weekly Statement of Payroll Compliance" reports to TVA's Contract Officer as required by the PMMA.We recommended TVA management recover the $4,145,909 in net overbilled costs from POI and ensure POI complies with the PMMA requirements.