Retired Steelers running back Rocky Bleier's company is back at work on a $2 million project at the Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Oakland, after beating back a rival's challenge.
VA spokesman David E. Cowgill said Tuesday that Bleier's firm, RBVetco of Scott, is preparing the site for the first phase of Fisher House, which will provide temporary housing for relatives of veterans undergoing treatment.
"I was told the protest was resolved, and I can confirm that work did resume several weeks ago," Cowgill said in an e-mail response to questions.
Cowgill said he did not have details about the decision.
JC Cross, a West Virginia firm, challenged RBVetco's eligibility to obtain the contract under a special program for disabled veterans. Company officials did not return messages seeking comment.
The May 25 protest charged that RBVetco set up offices in Pittsburgh and Illinois at the same location as a firm owned by Bleier's two brothers-in-law. RBVetco and JG Contracting list the same address in a Scott office building.
Bleier was severely injured in combat in Vietnam. He was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service. He later won four Super Bowls rings as a Steeler.
In a brief interview in June, Bleier predicted the VA would deny the protest. He described himself as the managing member of RBVetco and insisted the business was separate from his in-laws' company.
Bleier did not respond to a request for comment.
Pennsylvania corporation records show Bleier and his brothers-in-law, James and John Gyurina, are officers or members of RBVetco.
RBVetco won several other federal contracts, most of them with the VA. The largest single contract was awarded last year for $9 million, for Veterans Affairs work in Orlando, Fla.
