A politically connected firm gets an $800 million mask contract with California. Then it falls apart
LOS ANGELES - A nearly $800 million deal California struck with a politically connected vendor of medical masks has collapsed after state officials said the company failed to deliver most of the supply, renewing questions over how the state is vetting vendors during the coronavirus crisis.
The scale of the contract with Bear Mountain Development Co. LLC came to light Friday when state officials, pressed by The Times, confirmed details of the deal, which is one of the largest made by California in its scramble for protective equipment. Former Alabama Attorney General Troy King is listed on Bear Mountain's formation record as president of the Montgomery, Ala., company.
The state has been notifying
