Hanford contractor accused of fraudulent labor overcharging
By Terry Murry on Friday, January 26th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
RICHLAND, Washington – Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref has announced that the United States filed a complaint in federal district court against Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, alleging millions of dollars in fraudulent labor overcharging.
The complaint alleges that between January 2021 and October 2023, HMIS fire protection personnel took naps, watched movies and television, and engaged in other personal activities not related to performing the work they were contracted to do.
Furthermore, the complaint alleges that HMIS supervisors and management were fully aware of the extensive idle time for its personnel, but rather than take steps to address it, they encouraged and directed HMIS fire protection personnel to fraudulently and falsely represent that their work had been performed.
The case was originally brought by Bradley Keever, a sprinkler fitter in the fire protection group at HMIS. Waldref said under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers may file an action under seal in federal court. The United States investigates the allegations and determines whether to intervene in the action.
