Podcaster Robert Knauer CPCM CPPO gives detailed insight into a contracting case brought against a young married couple under the "Federal False Claims Act" or FCA as it is known in federal circles. The case was improperly brought against the couple by Army Criminal Investigators (ARMY CID), but there wasn't sufficient evidence proceed with the case (after three years in court) and the case was dismissed by federal judge Terrance Boyle. Although the case was finally dismissed, the story points out significant time, legal expense and emotional heartache caused simply because one person did the RIGHT THING while the other spouse did the WRONG THING bringing the case to light. In every federal contracting action, all parties must always DO THE RIGHT THING and be above board and ethical in their transactions when dealing with the federal government. This case which can be read in its entirely at https://casetext.com/case/united-states-v-odyssey-mktg-grp-inc-1 dealing with case United States v. Odyssey Mktg. Grp., Inc., No. 5:15-CV-510-BO (E.D.N.C. Jun. 7, 2017) paints a clear and convincing picture that even though the married couple and all parties involved were NOT even remotely correct in their personal actions which caused the case to gain the attention of Army CID.....the case hinged on one main factor: that the husband, Rod M. immediately returned to the federal government (DFAS) all monies (improperly obtained and received) $700,000.00, because the husband (COO of Odyssey Marketing) knew the funds received were improperly obtained, not correct and he could not legally retain the money as there was no supporting federal contract or modification to justify retention of the $700K. This one simple act at the advice of this podcaster kept the husband and wife from being found guilty of wrongdoing under the Federal False Claims Act (FCA) and kept them from going to jail and spending millions in defense. Others involved in the case (Army Personnel) were not so lucky.
