On April 17, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council issued guidance implementing Executive Order (EO or Order) 14398, Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors, less than 30 days after the Order was signed and well ahead of the 60-day deadline the Order gave the Council to act. Because the Order required agencies to begin implementation within 30 days, the FAR Council likely took quick action to ensure a uniform government-wide approach to implementation of this requirement.
Continue Reading FAR Council Moves Quickly on DEI Executive Order, Which Has Already Been Challenged in District CourtFinCEN Advisory Warns Financial Institutions of Healthcare Fraud Targeting Medicare and Medicaid
At the end of March, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a new Advisory urging financial institutions to heighten scrutiny of transactions potentially tied to healthcare fraud schemes targeting Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal and state healthcare benefit programs. The Advisory is accompanied by this press release.
Continue Reading FinCEN Advisory Warns Financial Institutions of Healthcare Fraud Targeting Medicare and MedicaidPresident Trump Issues Executive Order Targeting “DEI” Practices by Federal Contractors
On March 26, President Trump issued a new Executive Order (EO), Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors, that seeks to prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from engaging in what the EO defines as “racially discriminatory DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] activities.”
Continue Reading President Trump Issues Executive Order Targeting “DEI” Practices by Federal ContractorsUnderstanding the False Claims Act Implications of Trump’s Latest DEI Order for Federal Contractors
I recently shared my perspective on President Trump’s newest executive order, which is designed to restrict federal contractors from participating in what the administration characterizes as “racially discriminatory” DEI efforts. Under this order, certain DEI‑related activities could put a contractor’s eligibility for future federal work at risk.
Continue Reading Understanding the False Claims Act Implications of Trump’s Latest DEI Order for Federal ContractorsManufacturing & Industrial: Outlook & Trends
Manufacturers are operating in a period of both opportunity and uncertainty. Buyer demand remains strong in a competitive M&A market, but shifting tariff policies, heightened immigration enforcement, and an evolving regulatory agenda are reshaping how companies plan for growth.
Continue Reading Manufacturing & Industrial: Outlook & Trends
DOJ’s New Civil Rights Fraud Initiative – Expect Increased Enforcement
On May 19, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the launch of the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which will use the federal False Claims Act (FCA) to pursue claims against recipients of federal funds that knowingly violate federal civil rights law.
Continue Reading DOJ’s New Civil Rights Fraud Initiative – Expect Increased EnforcementFalse Claims Act Gives Broad Dismissal Authority to Government, District Judge Says
On April 2, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia dismissed a whistleblower’s False Claims Act (FCA) action after the relator attempted to dismiss the government as a plaintiff-intervenor in the lawsuit.
Continue Reading False Claims Act Gives Broad Dismissal Authority to Government, District Judge SaysNew False Claims Act Settlement Highlights Importance of Voluntary Self-Disclosures and Due Diligence
According to an April 1 Department of Justice (DOJ) press release, DRI Relays Inc. (DRI), a subsidiary of TE Connectivity Corporation (TEC) and manufacturer of electrical relays and sockets used on military platforms, agreed to pay $15.7 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA). The company supplied military parts that failed to meet the required military testing specifications, while falsely certifying that they did. The settlement highlights the benefits of self-disclosures, the importance of robust diligence during the acquisition process, and the lengthy nature of some FCA investigations.
Continue Reading New False Claims Act Settlement Highlights Importance of Voluntary Self-Disclosures and Due DiligenceDOJ Settlement Highlights Customs, FCA Risks for Importers
On March 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an $8.1 million settlement in a civil case under the False Claims Act (FCA) related to alleged customs evasion by a California importer of wood flooring. The private whistleblower who reported the conduct received over $1.2 million in the matter. As we suggested in a blog post in February, these sorts of enforcement actions will proliferate under the Trump DOJ.
Continue Reading DOJ Settlement Highlights Customs, FCA Risks for ImportersExecutive Order on Federal Contracting Transparency: Potential Challenges and Implications
A new executive order is set to reshape federal contracting by implementing more stringent transparency measures, but it may also create significant challenges for both government agencies and contractors.
Continue Reading Executive Order on Federal Contracting Transparency: Potential Challenges and Implications