Pentagon Needs Better System to Track Fraudulent Spending
By Ross Marchand
Mandy Smithberger
December 17, 2018
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The incoming Congress should tie defense budgets to accounting improvements.
While the public is generally familiar with weapons manufacturers delivering fighter jets and other costly products behind schedule and over budget, similar overruns have now crept into service contracting as well. Fortunately, the Justice Department is starting to strike back against rampant misuse of taxpayer funds, seeking criminal indictments and civil penalties against some of the worst abusers of the system. Now Congress must do its part.
Recently, DOJ wrapped up a criminal investigation of Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and its employees’ alleged bilking of the Pentagon for millions of dollars in dubious compensation claims. The criminal complaints, which describe how NGSC workers charged the government for time spent golfing, skiing, and hanging out in clubs, point to a disturbing culture of contractor corruption.
https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2018/12/pentagon-needs-better-system-track-fraudulent-spending/153592/
