Richland, Washington – The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC (WRPS) has paid $6.5 million to settle allegations of fraudulently overcharging the Department of Energy (DOE) for labor hours. This settlement resolves claims under the False Claims Act that WRPS management knowingly allowed inflated labor hours to be billed.
Court documents revealed that WRPS was accused of failing to provide sufficient work assignments, yet directing employees to record full shifts. As a result, false claims for payment were submitted to the DOE under a cost-plus-award-fee contract for managing Hanford Site’s Tank Farms.
WRPS admitted in the settlement that from October 1, 2017, to December 31, 2024, it sought reimbursement for excessive idle time and did not adequately schedule work for its personnel. The settlement includes $3 million in restitution, which doubles the damage caused to DOE and taxpayers.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker noted this is not WRPS's first settlement over similar allegations. In 2017, WRPS settled for $5.275 million related to overtime and audit compliance issues.
A whistleblower complaint filed in December 2022 initiated this case. Known as a "Relator," the whistleblower will receive $1.4 million from the settlement and attorney fees.
Barker commended the relator-whistleblower for bringing forward credible allegations of fraud that led to years-long investigations and holding accountable those involved.
Assistant Inspector General Lewe Sessions emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in department contracts and appreciated DOJ's efforts in addressing such fraudulent activities.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler H.L. Tornabene handling prosecution matters.
