Converging Events Signal a Changing Landscape in False Claims Act and Whistle-blower Litigation and Investigations

In the last year, several developments have converged to create a more aggressive fraud enforcement environment for government contractors and other recipients of federal and state funds. Against the backdrop of dramatically in- creased government spending designed to address the country's financial crisis, Congress has made amendments to the federal False Claims Act that lower the barriers to successful FCA claims by whistle-blowers and the government. Moreover, Congress and the executive branch have heightened their focus on government oversight and enforcement relating to fraud and abuse in government funded contracts and programs.