HTX flagged for serious lapses in S$13 million office renovation project

The Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) has identified significant lapses in the management of a S$13.01 million office renovation project by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX).

These findings were published in the AGO’s financial year 2024/25 report released on 9 September 2025.

HTX, a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of Singapore, was established in 2019 to develop science and technology capabilities for Home Team operations.

It focuses on areas such as surveillance, forensics, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) threats, as well as robotics and unmanned systems.

Despite engaging a consultant to manage the project, HTX was found to have failed in key areas of procurement, oversight, and financial governance.

The AGO emphasised that HTX, as the contracting authority, remained fully responsible for safeguarding public funds.

Unauthorised works and weak cost validation

Among the most serious issues highlighted were works valued at S$0.31 million that commenced without the required approvals.

The AGO reported that in three instances, renovation variations began before the approving authority had reviewed or accepted the proposed changes. Cost estimates were also submitted after the work had started.

In its report, the AGO stated this practice “undermined the role of the approving authority” and represented a breakdown in internal controls. It added that such lapses compromised proper cost validation and accountability.

Further, HTX’s consultant relied on quotations from subcontractors associated with the main contractor to justify costs, instead of sourcing from independent third parties.

This approach, used in ten star rate items valued at S$0.25 million, failed to ensure the cost reasonableness of these items.

The AGO also found that cost assessments were either improperly conducted or entirely undocumented for variations amounting to another S$0.13 million. In total, S$0.28 million in costs lacked proper validation.

Invalid payments and unrecoverable overcharges

HTX was also found to have made payments totalling S$0.15 million for two contract variation claims that had not been officially ordered. These payments were made despite there being no prior instruction or authorisation.

Although corrections were subsequently issued by the project consultant, the payments were not recovered.

The contractor went into liquidation before HTX could recoup the funds. AGO’s checks also uncovered errors amounting to S$0.02 million in four other contract variations, which were certified for payment despite discrepancies.

These findings raise concerns over whether HTX and its consultant conducted adequate checks before certifying payments.

According to the AGO, HTX’s sampling checks did not cover these cases, even though they represented 58% of the total variation value.

Delayed termination despite prolonged failures

HTX faced further criticism for its handling of contractor performance. After the contractor failed to complete outstanding works and rectify defects following the substantial completion of renovations in September 2023, HTX waited until January 2025—more than a year later—before officially terminating the contract.

The AGO noted that such delays prolonged the presence of unresolved defects and incomplete works.

While HTX explained that it had to perform due diligence before termination, the agency could not provide documentation of internal discussions or decisions taken during that period.

HTX has acknowledged these lapses and stated it will improve its oversight and internal processes.

According to the report, HTX intends to enlarge the scope of its sampling checks, improve documentation of decisions, and strengthen monitoring of consultants and contractors.

Despite HTX engaging a consultant to manage the project, the AGO reminded that statutory boards remain “overall responsible” for contract outcomes and the proper use of public funds.