Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West, and two reform groups today formally requested the director of the Department of Corrections and the governor rescind Geo Group’s bid to build a private prison in Ault.

The reasons cited included the company’s performance on a 2003 bid to build a private prison in Pueblo.

McFadyen said GEO Group lost its contract to build the Pueblo facility because it delayed the start of construction, then tried to renegotiate its contract to get a guarantee that it would be paid for 90 percent occupancy, even if beds were not filled.

"Basically, the state of Colorado was held hostage for four years. They didn’t even break ground," McFadyen said.

In her letter to Ari Zavaras, executive director of DOC, she said, "It would appear that the state’s best interests were not served by allowing GEO group to bid any contract with the state because of its lack of performance on tis 2003 award."

Officials with Geo Group could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.

Alison Morgan, spokeswoman for the DOC, said Zavaras was aware of the letter being sent by McFadyen, but had not seen it Monday.

"Since he was not with the department during the RFP (request for proposals) process, it is an issue that he is still studying and is being briefed on," said Morgan.

"Once he has all the information, including McFadyen’s letter, he would welcome an opportunity to sit down and talk to her."