Washington Post: Federal Ban Doesn't Hurt WorldCom Much

Despite being barred by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) from receiving new U.S. federal government contracts, U.S. agencies have granted MCI WorldCom more than $100 million in government work in the past three months, according to The Washington Post. On 31-Jul-03, the GSA, which serves as the central procurement agency for the federal government, stated that "MCI WorldCom lacks the necessary internal controls and business ethics" to be eligible to compete for new government contracts." Nevertheless, the new work was granted through a waiver-process that extends existing contracts. The article cites officials who believe such special waivers are justified, as well as others who contend that the special treatment is unfair.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A8969-2003Oct23.html