Defense Contractor Fraud Charges Are Rising: What a Recent Government Contract Fraud Case Reveals About Federal Prosecutions

Federal prosecutors continue to aggressively target defense contractors, suppliers, and small businesses involved in government contracting. From bid-rigging to false certifications, the DOJ’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the FBI, and agency Inspectors General are scrutinizing every stage of the bidding and award process. A recent DOJ case involving the owner… Read more »

SuperValu Case: When Honest Mistakes Aren’t Fraud

 A Turning Point in Federal Fraud Law The 2023 Supreme Court decision in United States ex rel. Schutte & Proctor v. SuperValu Inc. changed how courts assess fraud under the False Claims Act (FCA). This landmark case redefined the scienter element—what it means to act “knowingly”—in cases where businesses are accused… Read more »

Does Indictment Mean Jail Time for Government Contractors?

 Many government contractors ask the question, does indictment mean jail time. The answer is No, a federal indictment by a grand jury only starts the official process of determining whether you are guilty. A defendant may also resolve a case by pleading guilty and admitting to their crimes. But defendants… Read more »

Is Wire Fraud a Felony?

Federal wire fraud is a serious crime for businesses, government contractors and individuals that fall under white-collar offenses. This crime involved the use of electronic communications such as faxes, phone calls or emails, to defraud the government out of money (government contracts) or something of value. The penalties for federal… Read more »

Government Contractors :: Understanding Conspiracy Charges

A conspiracy charge in a government contract fraud case is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of the legal system. When someone is accused of being involved in a conspiracy under federal law, it can have serious consequences. The term ‘conspiracy’ often conjures images of shadowy figures plotting secretly, but… Read more »

What is Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud is a crime that involves the use of electronic communications, such as email or text messages, fax machines and telephone line to commit illicit acts such as payment of government contract invoices, federal contract awards, or traditional crimes such as identity theft or money laundering. Avoiding charges of… Read more »

Challenging Civil Investigative Demand False Claims Act Requests

Challenging or Responding to a False Claims Act (FCA) Civil Investigative Demand (CID) From DOJ or OIG A Civil Investigative Demand (CID) is an administrative subpoena allowing federal government agencies to demand large amounts of information, documents, and even testimony from individuals, corporations and government contractors without formal court procedures…. Read more »

Penalty for False Claims Act Violations

 Government Contractors’ Penalty for False Claims Act Violation: Navigating Government Investigations and Understanding the Impacts of Civil and Criminal Liability Government contractors play a crucial role in the provision of goods and services to federal agencies. However, with the privilege of working with the government comes the responsibility to uphold… Read more »

What is TAA Compliance?

Theodore P. Watson. In the world of government contracting, Trade Agreements Act TAA compliance is of utmost importance. Understanding the requirements, implications, and potential penalties of TAA non-compliance is crucial for businesses seeking to participate in government contracts.  Recent high-value settlements have highlighted the significant liability that medical device manufacturers… Read more »