Radioactive Waste Contractor Pays $6.5M to Settle False Claims Act Suit Filed by Qui Tam Whistleblower

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The False Claims Act is the most powerful tool that the American people have to demand accountability from massive service providers that do business with the federal government.

Today, the Department of Justice announced that Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC (WRPS) has agreed to pay $6.5 million to settle allegations of fraud made against the company, which is hired to manage radioactive waste at the Hanford Site in Washington State.

At the center of the case is Devin Harmon, a former radiological control technician at WRPS. He realized that the company, which is set to receive $11 billion for Department of Energy contract DEAC2708RV14800, was charging the American people for non-existent labor.

In December 2022, Harmon filed a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act, which allows private citizens to sue on behalf of the U.S. government and share in any financial recovery. The government intervened and confirmed that WRPS charged DOE for labor hours in which employees performed no work, knowingly inflating costs in violation of contract terms.

Since WRPS admitted key facts about its conduct and agreed to pay $3 million in restitution, Harmon will receive nearly $1.5 million plus another $800,000 in attorney fees and costs. Becoming a relator is a very serious decision, Find Corporate Waste is here to help guide you through the process. If you have firsthand knowledge about contracts that may be subject to FCA enforcement, you are urged to reach out by leaving a confidential message below.

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