False Claims Act Whistleblower Protection for Defense Contractor Whistleblowers
The anti-retaliation provision of the False Claims Act provides robust protection to any employee, contractor, or agent who is “discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or in any other manner discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment because of lawful acts done by the employee, contractor, agent or associated others in furtherance of an action under this section or other efforts to stop 1 or more violations of this subchapter.” 31 U.S.C. § 3730(h).
The False Claims Act whistleblower protection provision protects not only individuals who bring qui tam actions, but also individuals who take steps to expose fraud, including investigating a potential qui tam action or supplying information that could prompt an investigation. See Neal v. Honeywell Inc., 33 F.3d 860, 864-65 (7th Cir. 1994).
A whistleblower who prevails in an FCA retaliation action can recover:
- reinstatement;
- double back pay, plus interest;
- special damages, which include litigation costs, reasonable attorney’s fees, emotional distress, and other noneconomic harm from the retaliation. 31 U.S.C. § 3730(h)(2). Attorney fees can be substantial. In Cejka v. Vectrus Systems Corp., 2019 WL 8198090 (D. Colo. Feb. 21, 2019), the court awarded $2,719,225.50 in lodestar fees on a recovery of $620,105.00 from the jury, as adjusted by prejudgment interest.
For more information about False Claims Act whistleblower protection in the defense industry, see our FAQs about the False Claims Act whistleblower protection law.
Call our experienced whistleblower lawyers today at 202-262-8959.
Defense Contractor Whistleblower Protection Act/NDAA Whistleblower Law
The Defense Contractor Whistleblower Protection Act provides robust protection for whistleblowers in the defense industry. Our article in Practical Law summarizes the elements of a DCWPA claim.
Whistleblower Protections Under the National Defense Authorization Act (w-008-5821)As illustrated in a DOD OIG investigation in Valiant Integrated Services, Limited Liability Company U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq DODIG-2020-004, the scope of DCWPA whistleblowing is broad:
FAR clause 52.203.13, establishing a code of business ethics and conduct, requires contractors to exercise due diligence to “prevent and detect criminal conduct,” and to promote a culture emphasizing ethical conduct and commitment to compliance with the law. The clause further requires that contractors disclose to an agency OIG whenever a principal, employee, agent, or subcontractor of the contractor has committed a violation of Federal criminal law involving fraud, conflict of interest, bribery, or gratuity violations found in Title 18 U.S.C. or a violation of the civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729- 3733). These requirements are distinct. Additionally, FAR clause 52.203-13 (c)(2)(ii)(D) also requires that a contractor’s internal control system provide for an internal reporting mechanism, such as a hotline, by which employees may report suspected instances of “improper conduct”, and to prevent such conduct. Finally, paragraph 52.203-13(c)(2)(ii)(F) establishes the internal control system requirements to ensure timely reporting to the OIG of specific criminal violations under Title 18 U.S.C., or violation of the False Claims Act.
Accordingly, reporting a contractor’s failure to disclose criminal conduct is protected. And reporting the hiring of the underage armed security guard is protected whistleblowing under the DCWPA. See Whistleblower Reprisal Investigation: Willowheart, Limited Liability Company Fort Bragg, North Carolina DODIG-2019-104.
Differences Between False Claims ActWhistleblower Protection and NDAA/Defense Contractor Whistleblower Protection
The following table summarizes key distinctions between Section 3730(h) of the False Claims Act and Sections 827 and 828 of the NDAA:
| False Claims Act Whistleblower Protection | NDAA/Defense Contractor Whistleblower Protection Act | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Employee, contractor, or agent of federal contractor | Employee of a contractor, subcontractor grantee, or subgrantee, or a personal services contractor |
| Scope of Protected Conduct (protected whistleblowing) | Protects lawful acts done by the employee, contractor, agent, or associated others (1) in furtherance of an action under the FCA or (2) other efforts to stop 1 or more violations | Protects disclosures to employer or the government concerning: -Violation of law, rule, or regulation related to a federal contract -Gross mismanagement of a federal contract or grant -Gross waste of federal funds -Abuse of authority relating to a federal contract or grant -Substantial and specific danger to public health or safety |
| Administrative Exhaustion | No exhaustion requirement; file directly in federal court | Must file initially at OIG and after 210 days, can remove claim to federal court |
| Causation Standard | "But for" causation | Contributing factor causation |
| Damages | Double back pay, reinstatement, uncapped special damages (emotional distress and harm to reputation), attorney’s fees | Back pay, reinstatement, uncapped special damages, attorney’s fees |
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years | 3 years |
Prohibited Retaliation Against Defense Contractor Whistleblowers
False Claims Act Whistleblower Incentives or Bounties for Disclosing Defense Contractor Fraud
False Claims Act qui tam whistleblowers, also known as relators, have enabled the federal government to recover nearly $30 billion. In fiscal year 2017 alone, qui tam actions brought by whistleblowers resulted in $3.4 billion in settlements and judgments, and the government paid $392 million in whistleblower awards to whistleblowers. This FAQ summarizes the key aspects of a False Claims Act lawsuit:
- What is a qui tam whistleblower lawsuit?
- What types of false claims are prohibited by the False Claims Act?
- What is the first-to-file bar in False Claims Act qui tam cases?
- What is the requirement to file a False Claims Act qui tam action under seal?
- What is a reverse false claim?
- What is the statute of limitations for a False Claims Act qui tam action?
- What is the public disclosure bar in the False Claims Act?
- What is the original source exception to the public disclosure bar?
- What is materiality under the False Claims Act?
- What is “Scienter” Under the False Claims Act?
- Is a Violation of the Anti-Kickback Law Also a Violation of the False Claims Act?
- Does the False Claims Act Prohibit Bid-Rigging?
- Does the False Claims Act Prohibit Fraudulent Inducement of a Contract?
- Can a violation of Good Manufacturing Practices give rise to False Claims Act Liability?
- Is there a heightened pleading requirement for False Claims Act qui tam cases?
- Does the False Claims Act authorize treble damages?
- Must a False Claims Act qui tam relator have firsthand knowledge of all aspects of the fraud?
Should a defense contractor whistleblower report fraud internally or instead directly to the government?
There are many factors to consider in deciding whether to blow the whistle directly to the government in the form of a qui tam whistleblower lawsuit and which laws offer the best remedy to combat retaliation. It is important to assess your options at an early stage to avoid waiving claims or rights. For example, entering into a global release or global waiver with your employer to resolve a retaliation claim could waive your right to recover a qui tam whistleblower award.
Defense Contractor Whistleblower Retaliation Attorneys
Our experience includes:
- Representing whistleblowers in NDAA retaliation claims before the Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice Offices of Inspectors General.
- Litigating False Claims Act retaliation cases.
- Representing qui tam relators in False Claims Act cases.
- Representing whistleblowers disclosing fraud on the government in Congressional investigations.
- Training judges, senior Office of Inspector General officials, and federal law enforcement about whistleblower protections.
In addition, we have substantial experience representing whistleblowers under the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) and enforcing the WPA, the law that the NDAA whistleblower provisions are based upon. Both Bachman and Zuckerman served in senior positions at the Office of Special Counsel, where they oversaw investigations of whistleblower retaliation claims and whistleblower disclosures, and enforced the Whistleblower Protection Act.
- Recently Washingtonian magazine named Jason Zuckerman and Eric Bachman top whistleblower lawyers.
- U.S. News and Best Lawyers® have named Zuckerman Law a Tier 1 firm in Litigation – Labor and Employment in the Washington DC metropolitan area
- Bachman and Zuckerman served on the Department of Labor’s Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Secretary of Labor to improve OSHA’s administration of federal whistleblower protections.
- Matt Stock is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner and former KPMG external auditor. As an auditor, Mr. Stock developed an expertise in financial statement analysis, internal controls testing and fraud recognition, and he uses his auditing experience to help whistleblowers investigate and disclose complex financial frauds to the government and obtain damages for retaliation. He is lead author of SEC Whistleblower Program: Tips from SEC Whistleblower Attorneys to Maximize an SEC Whistleblower Award.
- Eric Bachman has substantial experience litigating precedent-setting employment cases. His wins include a $100 million settlement in a disparate impact Title VII class action and a $16 million class action settlement against a major grocery chain. Having served as Special Litigation Counsel in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and as lead or co-counsel in numerous jury trials, Bachman is ready to go the distance to obtain the relief that you deserve.
- Jason Zuckerman was recognized by Washingtonian magazine as a “Top Whistleblower Lawyer” in 2018, 2017, 2015, 2009, and 2007 selected by his peers to be included in The Best Lawyers in America® in the category of employment law (2011-2020), and selected by his peers to be listed in SuperLawyers (2012 and 2015-2020) in the category of labor and employment law. He is rated 10 out of 10 by Avvo, based largely on client reviews, and rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell based on peer reviews.
False Claims Act Retaliation Lawyer Client Reviews
The following client reviews are from whistleblowers at federal contractors:
- “I was in a very difficult work situation dealing with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and whistleblower claims, and I needed legal representation. I was referred to Mr. Zuckerman by an attorney for a major corporation, who indicated that if they were in a similar situation, they would want Mr. Zuckerman on their side. From the get-go, Mr. Zuckerman listened to the details of my situation and believed in the merits of my case. He quickly dug into the details of my case and asked me thought-provoking questions, providing his legal expertise to help to build and shape my case. In doing so, he led me to see clearly how the employer wronged me. With his probing questions and knowledge of the relevant and applicable laws/statues, we filed a very strong NDAA and whistleblower claim, and combined with his tenacity, I was eventually able to settle with my employer and avoid a lengthy lawsuit. Mr. Zuckerman was very knowledgeable, professional, and always in my corner. He was always accessible, and always very responsive to my questions and needs. He accompanied me and represented me in official meetings, and he was always available to provide guidance, even emailing and responding to me very late in the evening. Mr. Zuckerman is competent, fair, ethical, and honest, and it was a pleasure working with him. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone who has experienced whistleblower retaliation.”
- “I hired Mr Zuckerman to pursue an action against a former employer that was attempting to use deceit in its pursuit of federal contracts, and which fired me for not participating in its schemes. Jason was not just very responsive, he was also engaging, spending a good deal of time and effort with me on the phone and by email learning the ins and outs of the case, discussing strategy, laying out alternatives, anticipating counter-arguments, etc, all with the highest integrity. In the end, Jason was able to negotiate a substantial settlement for me, and I believe the company learned not to fire employees for failing to participate in lying to the government. All in all, a very good outcome. I have had the opportunity in my career to interact with numerous attorneys. Jason truly stands out. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking a lawyer for wrongful termination and related employment issues.”
Resources About False Claims Act and NDAA Whistleblower Protection
We have also written extensively about whistleblower protections for employees of government contractors and grantees, including the following articles and blog posts:
- Boosting Contractor Employee Whistleblower Protections, Law 360 (December 2016)
- New Tools to Combat Whistleblower Retaliation, Taxpayers Against Fraud Education Fund Quarterly Review, Vol. 57 (October 2010)
- GAO Report Calls for Improvements in Government Contractor Whistleblower Protections
- False Claims Act Retaliation Decision Underscores Broad Scope of FCA Whistleblower Protection
- NDAA Provides Robust Whistleblower Protection
- FAR Amendment Bars Agencies from Subsidizing Whistleblower Retaliation
- NDAA Contractor Whistleblower Protection Law Highly Effective in Rooting Out Fraud
- Congress Enacts Anti-Gag Provision in Cromnibus Spending Bill
- Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Zuckerman Will Speak About False Claims Act Litigation at Taxpayers Against Fraud Conference
- Whistleblower Protections Under the Whistleblower Protection Act, Practical Law (October 2016)
- Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Zuckerman Quoted in National Law Journal
- Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Zuckerman Quoted About Federal Employee Whistleblower Rights
- Washington Post Quotes Whistleblower Attorney Jason Zuckerman About Chilling Effect of Insider Threat Program
- How to foster a more ethical culture
- Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Zuckerman Quoted About MacLean Whistleblower Protection Act Case
- Trump Questionnaire Raises Concerns About Retaliation Against Energy Department Staff
