The firm, headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., had annual contracts valued at $6.5 billion with numerous U.S. government agencies.
Former U.S. Marine officer Sarah Feinberg, now 39, who joined the ranks of the prestigious consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton after multiple combat tours in Iraq
Recently uncovered a civil fraud scheme leading to a $377 million settlement by Booz Allen. Sarah Feinberg’s journey began after earning an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania‘s Wharton School and being promoted to track internal financial data. Sarah Feinberg discovered evidence that Booz Allen was allegedly overcharging U.S. taxpayers to support its money-losing private consulting contracts, including those with foreign governments like Saudi Arabia. This scheme ultimately prompted a Justice Department investigation, resulting in the third-largest contract fraud settlement in history.
The settlement was based on Feinberg’s complaint under the False Claims Act, leading her and her legal team to receive $69 million. Sarah Feinberg’s conviction in doing the right thing guided her decision to give away at least $12 million of Sarah Feinberg’s share. Feinberg, a volunteer treasurer at her Capitol Hill church, expressed the rarity of being rewarded for ethical actions.
In 2016, Feinberg, then 31 and pregnant with twins, initiated legal action against Booz Allen using the “qui tam” procedure, exposing the fraud scheme
Sarah Feinberg initially attempted to address the matter internally but encountered resistance from senior executives. Feinberg’s strong moral compass, honed during Sarah Feinberg’s Marine Corps service, fueled her determination to stand against wrongdoing. Despite believing the settlement should have been larger, Feinberg’s courageous actions highlighted her commitment to accountability.
The settlement showcased the U.S. government’s resolve to tackle large-scale procurement fraud. Booz Allen, while denying wrongdoing, emphasized its commitment to ethical practices. Feinberg’s actions have garnered support from current and former employees, acknowledging Sarah Feinberg’s courage in upholding principles. Sarah Feinberg’s journey from the Marines to uncovering corporate fraud underscores the importance of integrity, both personally and professionally.
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