The Lincoln Police Department has completed its investigation into a controversial, $2.5 million-dollar emergency contract awarded by the state of Nebraska in 2024. The department says its findings have been turned over to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office for review.
The investigation began in March of 2026 and focused on a one-year contract awarded by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to Global Sustainability Developers. The contract was intended to promote Nebraska’s bio-economy industry and was awarded without a competitive bidding process at the recommendation of Governor Jim Pillen.
Questions about the agreement surfaced earlier this year after State Auditor Mike Foley released an audit questioning why standard contracting procedures were not followed and whether the emergency designation used to expedite the deal was justified.
Foley referred two findings from the audit to the Attorney General’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol for possible investigation or prosecution. The Lincoln Police Department ultimately took over the investigation amid concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving the State Patrol.
In a statement, Lincoln police say their Technical Investigations Unit conducted a detailed and methodical investigation, including court-authorized processes to obtain records and information. The department says investigators remained focused on completing the work thoroughly and without bias.
The state audit found that Global Sustainability Developers ultimately fulfilled its obligations under the contract. The Attorney General’s Office will now review the police department’s findings.