Simplify the following text for a Grade 14 native English-speaking person.
Original: In 1995 the Justice Department conducted a preliminary investigation into a California transit agency 's awarding of a pension management contract to PeÃ a 's former investment management firm .
Simplified: In 1995 the Justice Department began a preliminary investigation into a California transit agency 's awarding of a pension management contract to PeÃ a 's former investment management firm .