L.A. city controller finds no fault in the awarding of airport contracts

The Los Angeles city controller's office concluded that airport staff followed correct procedures during the selection of DMJM Aviation Inc. of Florida and Denver-based Fentress Architects.

The findings were similar to those of the City Council, which reviewed the contracts earlier this month.

"I really believe the council hearings and now this should put to rest any question of impropriety," City Controller Laura Chick said of the five-page report.

"The contract awards were very appropriate, and airport officials followed their rules," Chick said.

Chick, however, called for six measures, including more documentation of the selection process, that she believes will strengthen the airport's evaluation and selection process for awarding contracts.

"You want to be able to clearly explain for purposes of transparency, accountability and good government why this company and not that company was selected," Chick said.

The controller also recommended requiring written explanations for scoring and choosing companies, and procedures for requesting second reviews.

The Board of Airport Commissioners hired Fentress and DMJM earlier this year to work on a $5-billion capital improvement program for Los Angeles International Airport, including a midfield concourse and new gates for large aircraft on the west side of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

At issue was whether Lindsey had manipulated the evaluation and selection process to hire two firms with which she preferred to work.

dan.weikel@latimes.com