The Superconducting Super Collider's Super Excesses
Summary
There is a scandalous abuse of taxpayer dollars in the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) program. The estimated cost of this program has recently risen to upwards of $11 billion, even though the original estimates had been for less than half as much, or $5.3 billion. As you know, there is a raging debate over the value of the SSC program. Putting this debate aside, however, we believe that if tax dollars are going to be allocated to this project, the taxpayers' interests must be protected, and our money must not be squandered.
Currently, the primary SSC subcontractor, Parsons Brinckerhoff/Morrison Knudsen (PB/MK), employs approximately 418 employees to perform the architect/engineering services and conventional construction work on the project. As you will see from the attached charts and invoices, PB/MK appears to be taking advantage of the nature of their contract with DOE, and has been reimbursed for many costs that appear to be excessive.