Big Sis buys yon bonny bagpipes and get overcharged in the process

By James Smith

2 Sept 2012

Just when you thought the madness at the Department Of Homeland Security could not get any worse, DHS, on behalf of Customs and Border Protection agency, requests the purchase of, and awards the purchase of 12 MacLellan Bagpipes made from African Blackwood.

Surely, these pipes will be used to sing Amazing Grace at the funerals of fallen agents. An appropriate use, no doubt.

But they were overcharged! Ya gotta love the Scots. They know a sucker when they see one, and Big Sis is…. Well, that can’t be confirmed.

As the Scottish proverb goes, “Never marry for money, ye can borrow it for cheaper”

Folks, you’ll love this.

The contract was awarded to MacLellan Bagpipes at a grand total of $27,060.00 for 12 pipes, which comes out to be $2,255 each.

But the Scots are in this for the money, as they should be.

Someone in DHS/CBP did not do their homework. The most expensive pipe sold by McLellan is $1,450. A difference of $805 each, or $9,660 for the dozen. They didn’t follow established policy and procedures and we get to pay TOO MUCH. Again!

Let’s put this in perspective: