Maryland Seeks Probe Of Company That Failed To Deliver Face Masks & Ventilators


The state signed a deal for 1.5 million N95 masks and 110 ventilators but the equipment never arrived


BALTIMORE, Md. (AP) – Maryland officials are seeking an investigation into a politically-connected company that contracted to provide the state with $12.5 million worth of personal protective equipment that never arrived.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the state signed a deal on April 1 with Blue Flame Medical LLC for 1.5 million N95 masks and 110 ventilators. But the equipment never arrived and Maryland canceled the contract on Friday.

Blue Flame Medical was founded in late March by former Republican Party fundraiser Mike Gula with John Thomas, who is also a GOP consultant. Gula told the newspaper that under the terms of the deal, the company has until June 30 to fulfill the order.