Sanborn to Settle False Contract Claims for $2.1M

Sanborn Map Company Inc. (Sanborn) has agreed to pay $2.1 million to the U.S. government to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that it submitted false claims in connection with U. S. Army Corps of Engineers contracts, the Justice Department announced earlier this week.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers contracted Sanborn to produce maps for U.S. convoy routes in Iraq, Marine Corps bases in the U. S., and other military and civilian projects. Allegedly, Sanborn used unapproved foreign subcontractors on three projects, which violated contractual obligations and caused delays for these projects. Sanborn also allegedly used unapproved domestic subcontractors when Sanborn was required to complete all map work in-house and charged unrelated work to the government contracts. 

The lawsuit was originally filed by James Peterson, a former Sanborn employee, under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act allows private parties with knowledge of fraud against the government to sue on behalf of the government and share in the recovery. Peterson’s portion of the settlement has not yet been determined.

The Chanler Group, in association with the Hirst Law Group, represents whistleblowers who take action under the False Claims Act to report fraud committed against the federal and state governments.  We have years of experience representing whistleblower clients who expose every kind of fraud against the government, including health care fraud, contract fraud, and tax fraud.  Read more about our expertise in False Claims Act cases and how you can take action.