Over the last few years the world of federal contracting has seen an increased focus on the False Claims Act, the prevention of fraud, and the strengthening of fraud-related penalties. 2015 will certainly be no different. However, the new year brings with it a slightly different take on fraud prevention, one aimed not at the contractor, but on the government. 
On January 22, 2015, the United States’ Office of Special Counsel (“OSC”) issued a proposed rule that would give federal contractors and subcontractors a new way to report agency wrongdoing. The rule implements a “pilot program” identified in the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) of 2013, the purpose of which is to “enhance contractor protection from reprisal for a disclosure of information that the contractor reasonably believes is evidence of gross mismanagement of a Federal contract or grant; a gross waste of Federal funds; an abuse of authority relating to a Federal contract or grant; a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or a violation of law, rule or regulation related to a Federal contract or grant.” (Public Law 113-1421, 41 U.S.C. 4712). Consistent with the NDAA, the proposed rule would allow employees of federal contractors and subcontractors to disclose wrongdoing of government employees if they work at, or on behalf of, a U.S. government component for which OSC has jurisdiction to accept disclosures. (See OSC’s Website for more detail.)
So what does this mean for federal contractors and subcontractors? Well, it means that federal contractors and subcontractors who observe mismanagement or misconduct by a federal agency can bring their complaints directly to the OSC. Contractors can also go to OSC if they believe they have suffered retaliation for prior disclosures or statements made about agency misconduct. The hope is that this new program can provide contractors a more effective way to report wrongdoing within the government.
Comments to the rule are due March 24, 2015. We will keep you posted on any new developments.
Edward T. DeLisle is a Partner in the firm and a member of the Federal Contracting Practice Group. Ed frequently advises contractors on federal contracting matters including bid protests, claims and appeals, procurement issues, small business issues and dispute resolution.
Maria L. Panichelli is an Associate in the firm’s Federal Contracting Practice Group. Her practice includes a wide variety of federal contracting and construction matters, as well as all aspects of small business procurement.