Government Contract Fraud Attorneys & Qui Tam Defense
IMMEDIATE DEFENSE NATIONWIDE FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS
Facing a Federal Investigation or Indictment? Your Business and Liberty Are At Risk.
Emergency 24/7 Hotline. Call Our Former DOJ Attorneys. Set Up a Free, Confidential Consultation:
URGENT: Federal Government Contract Fraud Investigation or Indictment? Your Business Is On The Line. Speak to a Former DOJ Attorneys / Former Contracting Officials NOW.
A federal investigation for government contract fraud is not a minor issue—it is a direct threat to your company’s existence, your financial security, and your personal freedom. When federal agents from the DOJ, OIG, or another agency contact you, they are not seeking to understand your side of the story; they are building a case against you. Every moment you wait to secure a proper defense is a moment the government uses to strengthen its position. You need a defense contractor fraud lawyer or Qui Tam defense attorney who has been on the other side, who understands the government’s playbook, and who can intervene immediately to protect your rights.
At Watson & Associates, LLC, our team includes former DOJ prosecutors and federal contracting officials. We don’t just practice law; we provide a strategic defense built on insider knowledge of how federal investigations are constructed and dismantled.
We represent defense contractors nationwide against allegations of procurement fraud, False Claims Act violations, and other related federal charges.
Key areas that we have unique experience with government contractor fraud includes misrepresentations in bids/size status, inflated billing for services/labor, subcontractor compliance (including labor status), cybersecurity non-compliance in defense contracts, unauthorized services/hours and much more.
When federal agents come knocking on your door or try to speak to you on ‘friendly terms, ‘ do not speak or divulge any information without contacting a government contractor fraud defense attorney. You have constitutional rights. So protect them. Once you waive them, it’s almost impossible to undo.
Speak Directly With a Government Contractor Fraud Defense Insider
“When you are facing the power of the federal government, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a strategist who knows FAR and SBA regulations and has seen these cases from the inside. I am a former federal agency procurement executive, and my team includes former DOJ attorneys, contracting officers, and federal prosecutors. We know how to protect contractors from the government’s aggressive tactics. Call me directly to discuss your situation and how we can build your defense.”
– Theodore P. Watson, Lead Counsel
The Types of Federal Government Contract Fraud Charges We Defend
Federal investigators pursue government contract fraud through both criminal prosecution and civil litigation. Understanding the distinction is critical, as the consequences range from massive financial penalties to prison sentences. Our defense contractor fraud law firm provides aggressive defense contractor fraud representation in all forums.
Criminal Government Contract Fraud Defense
Criminal charges represent the most serious threat. A conviction can lead to imprisonment, permanent debarment from federal contracting, and life-altering reputational damage. We defend contractors against a wide range of criminal allegations, including:
- Bribery and Kickbacks: Offering or accepting anything of value to influence a contract award or administration.
- Bid-Rigging and Price-Fixing: Colluding with competitors to manipulate the bidding process. This also includes submitting inflated bids.
- False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001): Knowingly and willfully making false statements to federal agents or on federal documents.
- Mail and Wire Fraud: Using mail or electronic communications to carry out a fraudulent scheme.
- Major Fraud Against the United States (18 U.S.C. § 1031): Defrauding the government on any contract valued at $1 million or more.
- Qui Tam Defense / Whistleblower defense cases
Civil Government Contract Fraud (The False Claims Act)
The government’s primary tool for civil enforcement is the False Claims Act (FCA). An FCA violation does not require proof of specific intent to defraud—acting in “reckless disregard” of the truth is enough. Penalties are severe, including treble damages (three times the government’s losses) plus per-claim penalties exceeding $27,000. Common FCA allegations include:
- Billing for Undelivered Goods or Services: Invoicing the government for work not performed or products not supplied.
- Product Substitution: Delivering goods that do not meet contract specifications (e.g., Buy American Act or TAA violations).
- Cross-Charging, Over-billing, Inflated Invoices or Mischarging: Improperly shifting costs from one contract to another.
- False Certifications: Falsely certifying compliance with small business size standards (SBA fraud), cybersecurity requirements, misrepresenting identities of employees, using fraudulent credentials, misrepresenting small business size status to obtain federal contracts, including a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) set-aside contracts, and violating limitation on subcontracting rules or other regulatory mandates.
- GSA / MAS contracts fraud: False Acr charges for submitting claims for services outside scope of MAS contract; charging unapproved fees; failing to provide discounts; included unallowable incentive compensation in cost submissions.
- GSA False Claims Act charges for Trade Agreement Act fraud: Watson & Associates defend manufactures, subcontractors and suppliers when investigated, chsrged or indicted for Non TAA compliance for selling products to the government from non TAA countries.
- Government contractor fraud for using unauthorized alien/ foreign workers.
UNDERSTANDING GOVERNMENT CONTRACT FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS
Government contract fraud investigations in the District of Columbia represent some of the most complex legal proceedings in federal law. These investigations typically begin quietly, often triggered by whistleblower complaints under the False Claims Act, routine audits, or suspicious patterns identified through data analysis.
► The Investigation Process
Most civil and criminal investigations begin with a preliminary inquiry phase where federal investigators gather information without alerting the target company. They review public records, analyze contracts, interview former employees, and examine financial records already in government possession.
This phase can last months to over a year. Many defense contractors first learn of an investigation when receiving a Civil Investigative Demand (CID), essentially a civil subpoena requiring document production and information relevant to the investigation.
A CID is significant and should never be handled without experienced legal counsel. Document requests can be extraordinarily broad, requiring thousands of pages of contracts, correspondence, financial records, and internal communications. How you respond can significantly impact the investigation’s trajectory.
Our federal grant fraud lawyer team has extensive experience helping contractors navigate CID responses. We work to narrow request scope where appropriate, assert applicable privileges, and ensure responses are complete and accurate while protecting client interests.
► Escalation and Criminal Exposure
If preliminary inquiry reveals potential violations, investigations typically escalate to formal phases. Federal agents may interview employees, execute search warrants, and issue additional subpoenas. Contractors may receive target letters informing them they’re subjects of criminal investigations.
The distinction between being a “target,” “subject,” or “witness” is crucial. Targets are entities prosecutors believe committed crimes and will likely be charged. Understanding your status and working with experienced government contract fraud criminal defense attorneys is essential for protecting your rights.
Meet Your Government Contractor Fraud White Collar Criminal Defense Team Leads
Theodore P. Watson, Esquire. National Practice Group Lead.
At Watson & Associates, with law offices in Colorado and Washington, DC, our top-rated white collar defense attorneys have experience working for federal government contracting agencies.
Cheryl Adams (Associate Attorney and Former Contracting Officer)
Cheryl Adams is an Associate Attorney with Watson and Associates, LLC. She is a former federal Contracting Officer with years of hands-on experience with all phases of federal procurement. She brings to clients an intimate understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and an insider perspective on the procurement processes of a federal government headquarters.
She understands the government’s relationships with small businesses and subcontractors, as well as relationships with Fortune 500 corporations. She has worked side by side with government auditors, and personally conducted government property audits. She has handled all sizes of contract awards from micropurchases through major systems.
She has cradle-to-grave hands-on operational experience with all phases and all types of government contracting processes, from acquisition planning through contract closeout.Read more…
Carolyn L. Oliver – Of Counsel. (Former DOJ Prosecutor)
Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC: Carolyn L. Oliver brings over 40 years of distinguished legal experience to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. As a former DOJ Assistant United States Attorney in the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Oliver provides clients with representation from a federal white collar criminal defense attorney who has prosecuted the very types of cases she now defends. Her extensive federal prosecution background, combined with her proven track record in complex criminal defense, positions her as a formidable advocate for corporations, CEOs, and individuals facing high-stakes federal investigations.
As Of Counsel to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice, Oliver focuses her practice on representing companies and individuals in federal criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions by government enforcement agencies, as well as complex federal litigation. She also advises companies on high-profile, complex, and sensitive internal investigations. Read more…
Chris Mancini – Of Counsel (Former DOJ Prosecutor)
Chris Mancini, Counsel, brings 45 years of legal experience to Watson & Associates, to support the firm’s federal white collar defense attorney services, including eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida (DOJ), where he served as Deputy Chief of both the Criminal Division and Civil Division.
Chris Mancini specializes in navigating the complexities of the federal court system, providing legal advice, investigating cases, and building strong defense strategies to protect the firm’s clients’ rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you have been indicted for a federal white collar crime, you should hire experienced white collar crime lawyers to protect your rights and fight back. Read more.
► Immediate Response Capability
When government investigators contact your company, time is essential. Actions taken in the first 48-72 hours can significantly impact your case trajectory. Our firm provides immediate response to urgent situations, with attorneys available around the clock.
Upon engagement, we immediately work to understand investigation scope, preserve relevant documents, and develop preliminary exposure assessments. We conduct rapid internal investigations to identify potential issues and begin developing defense strategies before the government’s investigation gains momentum.
COMMON GOVERNMENT CONTRACT FRAUD CASES WE HANDLE
► Federal False Claims Act and Over-Billing Fraud
The False Claims Act is the government’s primary civil fraud tool, allowing recovery of treble damages plus civil penalties for each false claim. Billing fraud represents the most common violation type, including submitting invoices for unperformed work, charging for undelivered materials, or billing at rates higher than contract specifications.
Our defense contractor fraud attorney team has defended against billing fraud allegations from simple clerical errors to complex cost accounting disputes. We understand many billing irregularities result from regulatory misunderstandings rather than intentional fraud.
► Product Substitution and Specification Issues
Product substitution cases involve allegations that contractors delivered products not meeting contract specifications. These range from minor specification deviations to serious safety violations involving defective products.
Our firm works with leading technical experts to analyze product specifications, testing procedures, and quality control processes. We focus on demonstrating good faith compliance efforts and showing any deviations were authorized or resulted from reasonable interpretations of ambiguous specifications.
► Certification and Compliance Fraud
Government contracts often require certifying compliance with various regulations and standards. Certification fraud involves allegations of false certifications about compliance status, small business misrepresentation, qualifications, or contract eligibility.
Common allegations include false certifications about small business status, disadvantaged business enterprise status, Buy American Act compliance, or labor standard compliance. Our government contractor fraud lawyer team has extensive experience with certification requirements and can identify potential defenses.
Our federal contract fraud attorney and criminal defense lawyers and Washington DC government contract fraud law firm offer the following legal services:
With strategically situated offices in Washington, D.C., and Denver, CO, the team at the defense contractor fraud law firm at Watson & Associates, LLC is excellently positioned to offer guidance to small businesses and large DOD contractors, helping them navigate the intricate landscape of federal contracting.
THE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR FRAUD FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE PROCESS
The federal False Claims Act imposes liability on anyone who knowingly submits false or fraudulent claims for government payment. The statute’s “knowingly” definition is broader than many realize, encompassing actual knowledge, deliberate ignorance, or reckless disregard for truth.
Financial consequences are severe: treble damages plus civil penalties ranging from $13,508 to $27,018 per false claim. For contractors submitting multiple claims, penalties can reach millions of dollars.
Buy American Act Fraud & TAA Compliance Lawyers
Understanding the intricacies of the Buy American Act can be daunting. Our government contracting attorneys specialize in ensuring federal contractors nationwide remain compliant with these regulations, safeguarding their businesses from potential civil and criminal pitfalls.
Our government contractor criminal defense attorneys help with TAA compliance investigations, criminal subpoenas and civil investigative demands CID. Read more….
► Qui Tam defense Investigations
The Act allows private individuals to file lawsuits on the government’s behalf. These qui tam lawsuits are filed under seal and investigated by the government before defendants are notified. Contractors can be under investigation for years without knowing.
When whistleblowers file qui tam cases, they’re served only on the government. The government has at least 60 days, often extended multiple times, to investigate and decide whether to intervene.
Our government contractor fraud defense team understands unique qui tam defense case challenges. Because cases begin secretly, contractors often can’t present their side during crucial early investigation periods. Quick, strategic response when first learning of investigations is essential.
► Defense Strategies
Defending False Claims Act allegations requires a comprehensive understanding of legal standards and factual circumstances. Our approach begins with thorough analysis of government claims and supporting evidence.
Key defense elements include demonstrating good faith compliance efforts, showing claims weren’t false, and proving any false statements weren’t material to government payment decisions. Our law firm works with technical experts and industry specialists to support our defense strategies.
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NATIONWIDE CONTRACTOR DEFENSE TEAM WITH EXPERIENCE
Our government contract contract fraud attorneys bring unique combinations of government experience, specialized expertise, and proven results to every case.
What sets our results apart isn’t just favorable outcomes, but our comprehensive approach protecting client interests. We don’t just focus on avoiding criminal charges or minimizing penalties. We work to preserve clients’ government contracting abilities, protect reputations, and minimize operational disruption.
► National Reach with Local Expertise
Our federal government contract fraud attorneys and defense contract fraud criminal defense attorneys are available 24/7 for federal contractors in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama government contract fraud attorneys; California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine criminal defense, Maryland federal government contract fraud lawyers,, Massachusetts, 18 USC 1347 Michigan government contract fraud attorneys Minnesota defense contractor fraud attorneys, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire healthcare fraud attorneys, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia defense contractor fraud law firm, Washington, Washington DC contractor fraud criminal defense lawyer, West Virginia, Wisconsin government procurement fraud defense lawyer, and Wyoming.
Our law firm Can represent clients and assist federal government contractors,, subcontractors, and CEOs including Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA; Baltimore,, MD; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs government contract fraud attorneys, CO; Dallas, TX; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles defense contractor fraud law firm, CA; Miami government contract fraud defense attorney, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Dallas government contract fraud lawyers and Houston, San Antonio, TX; Fort Lauderdale defense contractor fraud law firm, FL; Sacramento, San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose procurement fraud criminal defense lawyer, CA; Santa Clara, CA; and Tampa, FL.
Need to speak with a former federal prosecutor now? Call (866) 601‑5518 for a confidential strategy session, available 24/7.
Government Procurement Fraud FAQs
What to do if accused of government procurement fraud?
Answer:
If you are accused of procurement fraud against the federal government, do not wait. Call federal wire fraud attorneys who have vast experience in government contract law. Not just any criminal defense attorney can handle these types of cases.
How Can I Defend Myself Against Federal Wire Fraud Charges as a High-Level Executive?
Answer:
Defending against federal wire fraud charges requires a thorough understanding of both the technical aspects of the case and the specific intent to defraud. Common defenses include lack of intent, entrapment, or proving that the communications in question were not part of a fraudulent scheme. Experienced criminal defense lawyers can scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses, and build a robust criminal defense to protect your reputation and freedom.
What Should I Do if I’m Under Federal Investigation?
Answer:
If you are under federal investigation for federal wire fraud, it’s essential to act swiftly. Do not speak to investigators without legal representation. Contact a government contract criminal defense lawyer immediately to guide you through the process. They can advise on how to respond to subpoenas, preserve your rights, and potentially negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure immunity in exchange for cooperation.
What Should I Do If You Are Approached by the Feds?
Answer:
Even though you must cooperate in a federal investigation, you have a right to be represented by legal counsel. Do not speak to federal investigative agents without counsel. If you speak to an investigator before hiring a defense contractor fraud law firm, your constitutional rights may have already been waived.
How Likely Is It for DOJ to Settle Your Case Without Litigation at Trial?
Answer:
Very slim but possible. If you have defense contractor criminal attorneys who can get to the bottom of the charges quickly before the indictment, it is possible to get your case dismissed. Otherwise, federal prosecutors charge ahead. Generally, the closer your case gets to trial the less inclined the government is to resolve the case. In such instances, expert assistance may be necessary to negotiate significant government contract claims effectively.
CONTACT OUR WASHINGTON DC GOVERNMENT CONTRACT FRAUD DEFENSE LAWYERS
► Contact Information:
Phone: (866) 601-5518 – Available 24/7 Email: Contact through secure website form Washington DC Office: