LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – The Department of Justice announced that En Pointe Gov. Inc., En Pointe Technologies Inc., En Pointe Technologies Sales Inc., Dominguez East Holdings LLC and Din Global Corp., all of Gardena, California, will pay $5.8 million after allegations of violating the False Claims Act.
These companies allegedly falsely certified En Pointe Gov. as a small business, doing so to reap benefits associated with being one. Specifically, En Pointe Gov. was able to get contracts set aside for small businesses and underreport sales under a General Services Administration (GSA) contract to avoid paying fees.
“Contractors who misrepresent their eligibility for government contracts, or fail to pay amounts owed under those contracts, undermine the integrity of the procurement process,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, said. “The Justice Department will take action to fully protect taxpayer funds.”
The case was brought forth under the whistle-blower provisions of the False Claims Act. Minburn Technology Group LLC and its managing member, Anthony Colangelo, will receive roughly $1.4 million for whistle-blowing.
“GSA contractors must be forthright in their dealings with the United States,” GSA Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa said.