Defense Contractor Fraud

When military defense contractors cheat the government, they endanger the men and women who serve our country and steal billions from American taxpayers. Attorneys at Siri & Glimstad represent whistleblowers who have the courage to report defense contractor fraud and hold wrongdoers accountable under the False Claims Act.

The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal law that enables ordinary people to help the government combat fraud. Under the FCA’s qui tam provisions, you can file a lawsuit—known as a qui tam action—against individuals or companies that submit fraudulent claims to the United States. In the military contracting context, fraud occurs when defense contractors make false statements, overcharge the government, deliver substandard products or services, or otherwise deceive the Department of Defense (DoD) or other federal agencies in connection with procurement contracts.

These schemes can be concealed within complex procurement systems, classified programs, multi-tier subcontracting relationships, and opaque cost-accounting structures.

• Billing for work not performed or materials not delivered (“ghost” invoicing)
• Substituting substandard or counterfeit parts, components, or materials while billing for specification-grade products
• Inflating costs or hours on cost-plus contracts to maximize reimbursement
• Falsifying testing and quality-control certifications for weapons systems, equipment, or protective gear
• Bid rigging, collusion, or conflicts of interest in the procurement process
• Illegal kickbacks between prime contractors and subcontractors in violation of the Anti-Kickback Act
• Mischarging labor categories or billing unqualified personnel at higher contract rates
• Failing to disclose defects, safety issues, or noncompliance with contract specifications
• Cross-charging costs from commercial projects to government contracts
• False certifications of compliance with cybersecurity, testing, or regulatory requirements

If you’re not sure whether what you saw “counts” as fraud, that’s normal. Many strong cases begin with a straightforward question: Is the government paying money it should not be paying because of this contractor’s conduct?

Defense contractor fraud is extremely difficult to detect from the outside. Military procurement involves highly technical specifications, classified programs, and sprawling supply chains that make independent oversight nearly impossible. Whistleblowers, including engineers, quality inspectors, program managers, accountants, subcontractor employees, and procurement officials, are often the only people who can connect the dots between what a contractor represents to the government and what is actually happening on the ground.

The FCA empowers a private individual (called a relator) to bring a case in the name of the United States. If a case succeeds, the relator may be eligible for a share of the recovery, often between 15% to 30% of the funds recovered by the government.

Timing and strategy matter. Missteps such as tipping off the wrong people, mishandling sensitive or classified materials, or waiting too long can weaken a case or create avoidable risk. Experienced counsel can help you evaluate the facts, preserve information appropriately, and present the strongest possible case to the government. Because multiple whistleblowers may be aware of the same fraud, the FCA generally rewards the first person to file—making prompt legal consultation critical.

We focus on representing whistleblowers. Our job is to protect you while building the strongest possible presentation of the fraud for the government. Our support typically includes:

• Confidential case evaluation (what happened, how it ties to government contracts and payments, and where the strongest proof may exist)
• Evidence strategy and case development (organizing key documents, contract records, timelines, witnesses, and program impact)
• Preparing the required disclosure package for the government and drafting the sealed complaint
• Filing and managing the case under seal and communicating with DOJ attorneys and investigators
• Guiding you through the investigation phase (including interviews and follow-up requests)
• Litigation and resolution strategy (intervention, settlement, or continued prosecution)
• Protection from retaliation and advice on employment-related risk

The goal is simple: assist the government with investigating and understanding the scheme while helping you navigate the process safely and strategically.

Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against whistleblowers for engaging in protected activities while investigating or reporting FCA violations. Depending on the circumstances, remedies can include reinstatement, back pay, and other relief.

If you are worried about your job, your security clearance, or your reputation, we will talk through risk and options—confidentially.

Timecards and Labor Logs: Records showing “ghost hours” or employees billing time to a government contract when they were actually working on commercial projects (or not working at all).

• Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing Failures: Test logs, inspection reports, or engineering emails showing that equipment failed safety/spec standards but was fraudulently certified as compliant anyway.
• Supply Chain Records: Invoices and purchase orders proving the contractor substituted cheap, substandard, or counterfeit parts while charging the government for premium components.

1. Confidential Intake — Speak privately with our FCA team at Siri & Glimstad about what you observed.
2. Case Assessment — Evaluate FCA theories, contract impact, evidence, and practical risks.
3. Investigation & Development — Build a clear narrative, timeline, and proof structure.
4. Sealed Filing — File the complaint under seal and serve the government (not the defendant).
5. Government Investigation — DOJ investigates and decides whether to intervene.
6. Resolution — If the case succeeds, you may be eligible for a relator’s share.

We walk you through every step of the process, working to protect your rights and fighting for any share of the proceeds you may be entitled to. Speak Confidentially with a Defense Contractor Fraud Whistleblower Attorney at Siri & Glimstad Today.

If you have information about fraud involving a military defense contractor—whether involving overbilling, substandard products, false testing certifications, kickbacks, or mischarging—you may be in a position to help protect service members, recover taxpayer funds, and receive a significant financial reward. Contact Siri & Glimstad for a confidential case review.