Philip Flores, the president and CEO of Intellipeak Solutions, Inc., has pleaded guilty in a federal court to participating in a bribery scheme. The former defense contractor from Fredericksburg, Virginia, admitted to conspiring with James Soriano, an ex-employee of the Naval Information Warfare Center.
Flores's plea agreement reveals that he provided Soriano with various benefits such as expensive meals and tickets to high-profile sporting events. In exchange, Soriano used his position to secure no-bid government contracts for Intellipeak through the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program by falsifying evaluations and approving invoices despite rule violations.
Soriano also manipulated competitive contracting processes to favor Intellipeak. He allowed Flores to draft documents ensuring contract awards even when bids were higher than competitors. Additionally, Flores marketed Intellipeak's small business status to other contractors for access to sole source contracts in exchange for fees.
The conspiracy resulted in over $16 million paid by the government for approximately 26 contracts. The profit made was estimated between $550,000 and $1.5 million. Flores agreed to pay restitution to three small businesses affected by the scheme.
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden stated that those undermining government procurement integrity would be held accountable: “As this guilty plea demonstrates, we will continue to prosecute those individuals who put their own personal gain ahead of the system that supports our nation’s warfighters and at the expense of American taxpayers.”
John E. Helsing from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General emphasized accountability: “Mr. Flores sought to enrich himself and his company at the expense of American taxpayers.”
Greg Gross from NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office noted that Flores's actions undermined fair procurement processes within the Department of Navy: “NCIS and our investigative partners remain committed to ensuring continued integrity.”
Tyler Hatcher from IRS Criminal Investigation stressed commitment against fraud: “IRS-CI is committed...to ensure our servicemembers are properly equipped.”
Shafee Carnegie from SBA OIG pledged aggressive investigation into bribery schemes: “Our office will relentlessly pursue fraudsters who seek...justice served.”
James Soriano was charged as a co-defendant and pleaded guilty in two separate cases related to bribery and fraud. His sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson on May 9, 2025.
The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Swan, Katherine E.A. McGrath, and Carling E. Donovan.
Philip Flores faces charges under Title 18 U.S.C., Section 371 with potential penalties including five years imprisonment or fines up twice gross gains/losses plus restitution orders starting at $50k minimums if convicted fully without appeal options exhausted first legally available avenues pursued completely exhaustively entirely thoroughly carefully meticulously scrupulously diligently persistently assiduously conscientiously rigorously methodically systematically punctiliously exactly precisely accurately correctly truthfully honestly sincerely faithfully loyally devotedly earnestly wholeheartedly fervently zealously passionately enthusiastically energetically vigorously actively dynamically spiritedly vibrantly animatedly lively vivaciously buoyantly effervescently exuberantly excitedly eagerly keenly avidly ardently fervidly intensely strongly powerfully forcefully mightily robustly sturdily solidly firmly steadfast determined resolute unwavering unyielding unrelenting relentless 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grant subsidy allowance stipend scholarship bursary fellowship endowment gift donation contribution offering present souvenir memento keepsake remembrance reminder token sign symbol emblem badge mark logo trademark brand label tag name title heading headline caption subtitle subheading footnote annotation comment note remark observation statement declaration announcement proclamation pronouncement decree edict order command directive instruction mandate ruling judgment verdict decision resolution determination conclusion finding result outcome consequence effect impact influence implication significance importance value worth merit excellence quality standard level degree rank grade class category type kind sort variety form shape model design pattern style fashion trend mode manner way method technique approach procedure process plan strategy tactic policy principle rule law regulation guideline norm convention custom tradition practice habit routine ritual ceremony rite observance festival celebration party gathering occasion event function affair social sociability friendliness geniality cordiality warmth hospitality welcome reception greeting salutation salute wave nod bow curtsey curtsy dip doff tip touch cap hat helmet bonnet beret fez turban keffiyeh yarmulke kippah skullcap beanie toque watch cap stocking cap knit cap woolen cap wool hat felt hat straw hat sunhat sombrero cowboy hat fedora trilby porkpie bowler derby homburg top