Computer Sciences Corporation, a government contractor based in Falls Church, Virginia, has agreed to pay $389,355 to resolve allegations that its predecessor corporation violated the False Claims Act in connection with its implementation of an electronic medical records system at the Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in Washington state.
The allegations were initially brought in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two former Computer Sciences Corporation employees, Kirtley Clem and Matthew Spencer, in United States ex rel. Clem et al. v. Computer Sciences Corporation, 16-cv-5160-LRS (E.D. Wash.).
Between 2005 and 2012, Computer Sciences Corporation held a prime contract with the Department of Energy to provide occupational health services for Hanford Site workers. As part of that contract, the company was required to implement an electronic medical records system for the medical records of Hanford Site workers.
According to the allegations, Computer Sciences Corporation submitted false claims and statements to the Department of Energy representing that the electronic medical records system was functional and would operate as intended and in accordance with contractual and Department of Energy requirements.
United States Attorney Joseph H. Harrington said, “Hanford Site workers perform a vitally important mission through which they risk exposure to radioactive and hazardous materials. It is critical that accurate health records be maintained concerning these workers. This settlement underscores our determination to utilize all tools at our disposal to ensure that public funds are efficiently spent in a manner that best serves workers, the public, and the environment.
“The health and well-being of Hanford Site workers is paramount to the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission,” said Acting Inspector General April G. Stephenson. “The Office of Inspector General is committed to investigating allegations of misconduct that, if true, could place those workers at risk. Because of the hazardous environment in which these workers conduct Department operations, it is vital that proper health records are maintained. We will continue to work aggressively with our investigative partners to pursue those who do not fulfill their contractual obligations and attempt to provide false information to the government.”
As a result of the settlement, Kirtley Clem and Matthew Spencer will receive $81,764. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter negotiated the settlement, which was the result of a joint investigation conducted with the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no admission of liability.
Defendant: Computer Sciences Corporation
Criminal Charges: Violation of the False Claims Act
City and State: Spokane, Washington
Exact Date: 2015 (merger of CSC and SRA International to form CSRA, Inc.)
Sentence or Outcome: Computer Sciences Corporation agreed to pay $389,355 to resolve the allegations
Dollar Amounts: $389,355 (payment to resolve allegations), $81,764 (payment to Kirtley Clem and Matthew Spencer)
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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