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New York State Debarment Risk Update

Client Alert | 1 min read | 04.05.19

Highlighting the renewed focus on debarment in state and local contracting, the state of New York recently reminded purchasing agencies of their obligations to debar non-responsible contractors and to confirm that intended awardees are otherwise eligible before awarding contracts. Executive Order (EO) 192, issued by Governor Cuomo, directs purchasing entities to consider vendor responsibility by evaluating, among other factors, financial and organizational capacity, integrity, and past performance. If buying agencies become concerned about a contractor’s responsibility, the EO instructs agencies to conduct an investigation and make a responsibility determination. Agencies are required to list nonresponsible vendors on the Office of General Services’ website. No state agency may purchase from a vendor on that list, absent a waiver, or agency leadership risks “breaching their duty as a public officer . . . ” suggesting that contract rescissions may follow, among other consequences.

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Client Alert | 3 min read | 09.15.25

Senate Finance Committee Looking to Take White River to the Train Station, Confirms DOJ Investigation into Tribal Tax Credits

On August 19, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance (“Senate Finance Committee”) sent Paul Atkins, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a letter calling on the SEC to investigate White River Energy Corp (“White River”). In the letter, the Senate Finance Committee confirmed a criminal investigation into White River related to the sale of so-called “tribal tax credits” that according to both Congress and the IRS, do not exist. The letter further states that White River allegedly earned millions of dollars selling these credits and has not been forthcoming with investors regarding the existence of the criminal investigation. According to the Senate Finance Committee, White River has failed to file financial disclosure documents with the SEC since March 15, 2024, missing six consecutive reporting periods. The letter instructs White River to disclose the existence of the DOJ criminal tax investigation, and calls on the SEC to take action if White River fails to do so....