Newsom Administration Releases $6.2 Million Diaper Contract as Database Flags It Noncompetitive
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 21
Newsom Administration Releases $6.2 Million Diaper Contract as Database Flags It Noncompetitive
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 21
Summary
$6.2 million in contract records were released July 17, 66 days after a public-records request, covering California's diaper program with nonprofit Baby2Baby.
The agreement promises 400 free diapers to families of newborns at participating hospitals, but the state's contract database labels it 'NON-COMPETITIVELY BID' after Newsom had described the process as competitive.
Newsom's office said 15 groups responded to a Request for Information and were reviewed on cost and distribution capacity, though CBS reported the records lacked scoring sheets, rankings or clear evaluation standards.
Several applicants told CBS they learned they were out only when Newsom announced the partnership, and the 2025 state budget had exempted the program from normal bidding and review rules.
CBS said the deal is at least the third time Baby2Baby has received California funding without a competitive bid, adding scrutiny because co-CEO Norah Weinstein sits on a board founded by Jennifer Siebel Newsom.