House Oversight Committee calls for release of $ 6 billion USPS vehicle contract

The House Oversight Committee is demanding that the United States Postal Service (USPS) publish a contract with a private company for a new fleet of delivery vehicles valued at $ 6 billion.

Supervision and chair of the committee Carolyn MaloneyCarolyn MaloneySchumer and Gillibrand call on Cuomo to step down How two controversies collided for Cuomo Nadler, New York Democrats call on Cuomo to step down MORE (DN.Y.) sent a letter to the Postmaster General Louis DeJoyLouis DeJoyWatch Live: Postmaster General DeJoy testifies before House panel Prepaid postcards sent to every household in Canada to strengthen ‘meaningful connection’ USPS announces next phase of organizational change READ MORE Friday, expressing several concerns about potential interference and requesting documents relating to a contract with Oshkosh Defense.

The USPS has signed a contract to purchase up to 165,000 new electric or fuel-efficient postal vehicles.

USPS announced the agreement with the Wisconsin company in late February, under which it made an initial investment of $ 482 million. Postal service said in a press release that the contract was the first part of a multibillion-dollar, 10-year effort to replace its delivery fleet.

According to Maloney, the contract was a “surprise announcement” and marked the end of a “top secret” selection process that spanned six years.

In his letter, Maloney expressed concern that the vehicles would not be fuel efficient. The New York lawmaker noted that part of President BidenJoe BidenPentagon Takes Heat To Extend Guard’s Time At Capitol Booker To Try To Make Child Tax Credit Expansion Permanent Sullivan Says Tariffs Will Not Be Central Talks With China READ MOREThe plan to fight climate change is to switch to a fully electric fleet.

Maloney wrote that Oshkosh presented a prototype with a gasoline engine despite prototypes from competitors incorporating electric powertrains. The initial announcement claimed that Oshkosh’s vehicles would be fuel efficient or contain electric powertrains.

However, Maloney noted that DeJoy told committee in a hearing last month, only 10% of the fleet’s initial order would be electric.

Maloney also raised concerns about the contract, citing a report from Bloomberg News, who alleges that an unknown party bought $ 54.2 million in shares from Oshkosh the day before the deal was announced.

Maloney demanded documents by March 26.

“These reports raise concerns about the postal service selection process and contract award for the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle Program,” Maloney wrote. “A thorough review is necessary to ensure that the award process is free from undue influence and potential interference.”

The news comes amid Maloney’s support for a bill by Rep. Jared huffmanJared William Huffman Democrats debate fast lane for infrastructure package Lawmakers unveil measure to give Postal Service B for electric vehicles Democrats don’t trust GOP on 1/6 of the commission: ‘These people are dangerous ” MORE (D-Calif.) To allocate $ 6 billion to the postal service and demand that at least 75% of its new fleet be electric or zero emissions.

The Hill reached out to DeJoy and Oshkosh for comment.