The False Claims Act

The False Claims Act (the “FCA” or the “Act”), 31 U.S.C. § 3729 – 3733, was passed in 1863 and is sometimes referred to as the “Lincoln Law.” The Act is one of the most potent and imposing tools available to the U.S.
Government (the “Government”) to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in federal contracting. Under the FCA, liability is incurred by anyone who “knowingly” presents, or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval; or makes, uses, or causes to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim. 31 U.S.C. § 3729(a).