Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
We Explain L.A.
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:

KPCC Logo

Live Stream Schedule In Person

Keep up with LAist

Our top stories delivered weeknights
Donate

Share This
News

California's Botched Deal Reveals A Chaotic Marketplace For Medical Supplies

By Laurel Rosenhall | CalMatters
Published May 6, 2020 10:50 AM
5eb2ec027b247700094a14b8-eight.jpg
Ground crew at the Los Angeles International Airport unload pallets of medical protective equipment from a China Southern Cargo plane upon its arrival on April 10, 2020. California has scrambled to cut deals for millions of masks and other gear. (Richard Vogel/AP)
Stories like these are only possible with your help!
You have the power to keep local news strong for the coming months. Your financial support today keeps our reporters ready to meet the needs of our city. Thank you for investing in your community.

As California sought to boost the supply of personal protective equipment for front line workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic, a nearly $500 million deal with novice medical supplier Blue Flame mysteriously fell apart. The company had been in business for just three days.

The broken deal provides a look at the chaotic marketplace of medical supply procurement and the dollars at stake in the crisis that has killed more than 70,000 Americans.

Maryland has meanwhile called for an investigation into Blue Flame's conduct in that state.

So what went wrong?

Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

READ THE FULL STORY:

Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.