The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) preference programs can be vital for small businesses trying to compete in the potentially lucrative world of U.S. government contracting, but participation in these programs is not without risk. Indeed, the programs can be fraught with peril and contain many landmines for those who do not understand and diligently comply with applicable small business program requirements.
Continue Reading Small Business Government Contractors Need to Watch Out for Increasing Criminal and False Claims Act Liability in Small Business Government Contracting Programs
Helping individuals, companies, and organizations understand key legal and practical considerations for promoting compliance and making better business decisions in these types of federal, state, and local government contracting matters MORE
investigation
Expeditious Crackdowns on COVID-Relief Fraud
In the span of mere days, the Department of Justice (DOJ) arrested and charged numerous individuals from Virginia, Massachusetts, Texas, and Ohio, alleging that they fraudulently sought Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
At John F. Kennedy Airport, a Virginia couple was arrested on June 20…
DOJ Update to Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Program Guidance is a Must Read for Government Contractors of All Sizes and Shapes
Companies doing business in the United States are required to act honestly in their business dealings. Companies that have affirmative compliance and reporting requirements may suffer significant penalties if they are determined to violate applicable laws, rules and regulations. The U.S Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) provide for reduced sentencing for companies that have an effective compliance…
PPP Forgiveness Application Certification May Lead to Enforcement Headaches
I. Introduction
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was enacted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020. Unfortunately, the path to providing PPP loan relief has not been smooth. Instead, it has been paved with uncertainty. While the CARES Act laid out specific requirements for PPP…
Biopharmaceutical Company Agrees to Pay $6.5 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations of False Commercial Pricing Disclosures in Government Contracts
On Monday, April 6, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that MiMedx Group Inc. (MiMedx or the company), an advanced wound care and biologics company, agreed to pay $6.5 million to resolve allegations that it overcharged the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by knowingly submitting false statements and disclosures regarding inflated prices for…