DWP bid to hire lactation specialist draws howls

The plan to issue a DWP-funded "lactation services" contract drew howls from taxpayer advocate Walter Moore, who pointed out that the utility's five-member board voted just last week for a package of new rate hikes.

"You couldn't make this up," he said. "This is such a rip off. You've got to wonder if somebody's cousin runs the lactation business."

Lactation proposals are due to the DWP on March 7. The utility posted a 56-page document on its website seeking proposals from specialists who can spend 16 hours a week performing such tasks as workshops on pregnancy and lactation for employees "in the weeks and months prior to and after the birth of the child."

The winning contractor also would be paid to show employees how to use the department's "breast pump program in traditional and nontraditional work environments."

DWP board president Nick Patsaouras blew a gasket, saying he wouldn't vote for the contract regardless of how low the bid is. But because it is expected to cost around $50,000, he will have no opportunity to vote at all.

Any contract below $150,000 is left to the discretion of the DWP's general manager, H. David Nahai. Nahai has not returned a call seeking comment.

Patsaouras, who was appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, said the lactation proposal came up two years ago and was rejected.

"I don't believe in these things," he said. "If you are a private company, you can spend your money as you want. But when it comes to taxpayers' and ratepayers' money you have to be more careful."

Meanwhile, Moore said he has no interest in bidding on the job himself.

"I'm lactose intolerant," he said.

david.zahniser@latimes.com