Thaindian News

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) – Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. agreed to pay the United States an additional $3 million to resolve civil claims arising from the company’s cost charging practices, the U.S. Justice Department said Wednesday.

An additional $3,718,770 will be paid, bringing the total amount to $16,570,018, after Bell, in August 2004, notified the Defense Department’s Inspector General that its billing of the costs of certain subcontracts, work transfers, and other transactions with its subsidiaries, divisions, and affiliated companies had resulted in overcharges to the government.

The Army and other government agencies contract with the Ft. Worth, Texas-based company to purchase helicopters and parts, modifications, customization, and related goods and services. The company submitted a report in 2006 describing its conduct and the financial impact on the government and paid the government $12,851,248.

As part of the settlement announced Wednesday, Bell agreed to pay an additional $3.7 million to resolve any claims the United States may have arising out of the newly disclosed conduct. While the government was investigating and analyzing the conduct the company disclosed, Bell submitted additional reports detailing similar intra-company transactions with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited that resulted in overcharges.

“We are committed to working with government contractors who self-disclose serious misconduct to reach a just resolution that protects federal procurement programs and the taxpayers,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. “Those who fully cooperate with the government will be dealt with fairly.”

The successful resolution of this matter is the result of a lengthy investigation and analysis by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Contract Management Agency and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.