Richland, Washington – Federal contractor Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC (WRPS) has agreed to pay $6.5 million to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in a settlement resolving allegations of fraudulent overcharging for labor hours to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced the settlement.
Court documents revealed that WRPS management was accused of inflating labor hours charged to DOE under a cost-plus-award-fee contract for managing Hanford Site’s “Tank Farms.” The allegations included recording false labor hours where employees were not assigned sufficient work but reported as if they had worked full shifts.
The settlement covers claims from October 1, 2017, to December 31, 2024, with WRPS admitting to seeking reimbursement for unallowable idle time. The $6.5 million payment includes $3 million in restitution.
“This is unfortunately not the first time that WRPS has settled allegations of committing fraud on the Tank Farms Contract,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Barker, referencing a prior 2017 settlement involving false claims related to overtime and premium pay.
In December 2022, a whistleblower filed a qui tam complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court (EDWA), leading to an investigation under the False Claims Act. As part of this settlement, the whistleblower will receive $1.4 million and attorney fees from WRPS.
“The relator-whistleblower in this case is to be commended,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. “This individual came forward with serious and credible allegations of fraud.”
Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions remarked on ensuring contract integrity: “This settlement is a result of our staff’s dedicated work.”
The investigation was conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General, led by Assistant United States Attorney Tyler H.L. Tornabene.
