In a significant enforcement action announced by the U.S. Department of Justice, Lockheed Martin Corporation has agreed to pay $70 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting defectively priced contracts for missile sales to the Department of Defense.
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The case centers on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, a key component of U.S. missile defense architecture. DOJ officials alleged that Lockheed Martin’s subcontractor, L3Harris Technologies, intentionally provided inaccurate cost data during negotiations, which Lockheed Martin then passed on to the government without adequate disclosure or correction. As a result, the U.S. Army Missile Command allegedly awarded contracts based on inflated cost and pricing data, causing the government to overpay for missile components.
This case was brought to light by a private whistleblower, known legally as a relator, who filed a lawsuit under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions empower private citizens to sue on behalf of the federal government when they possess non-public evidence of fraud involving taxpayer dollars.
In return, whistleblowers may be eligible to receive a portion of the recovery. In this case, the relator will receive $13.7 million from the settlement—a recognition of the role that private citizens can play in holding large corporations accountable.
At Find Corporate Waste, we believe that the integrity of public spending starts with accountability. This case against Lockheed Martin highlights how whistleblowers can protect taxpayer dollars and expose fraudulent schemes that would otherwise go unchecked. We are committed to supporting those who step forward, guiding them through the complex landscape of False Claims Act litigation, and ensuring their efforts lead to meaningful recovery for the American people. If you have information about fraud, waste, or abuse of government funds, Find Corporate Waste is here to help you take the first step.
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