DCAA auditors recognized for work on $450,000 case

DCAA auditors recognized for work on $450,000 case

By DCAA Staff Writer

DCAA Operations Investigative Support Division (OIS) auditors recently received praise for their thorough work assisting in the investigation of Mercer (US), LLC, (Mercer). Mercer is a consulting firm that recently agreed to pay over $450,000 to resolve allegations that it overbilled the Defense Health Agency (DHA). The settlement addresses claims that Mercer billed DHA for employees and subcontractors at rates higher than their educational backgrounds or experience levels allowed under the contract. From May 2020 to August 2023, Mercer invoiced DHA for work performed under a Blanket Purchase Agreement for Health Plan Innovative Support services. The government alleged 11 employees were billed at labor rates that did not meet the qualification requirements. Mercer self-disclosed the billing discrepancies and cooperated with the investigation. The settlement resolves claims under the Contract Disputes Act and common law theories of breach of contract, payment by mistake and unjust enrichment.

DCAA OIS auditors Jennifer Clayman, Clark Rumsey and Supervisory Auditor Myron Antoniw received DHA recognition for their exceptional work on the investigation. The Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office thanked the DCAA OIS auditors for their invaluable work. The team's work reviewing documents and calculating damages helped the case run smoothly. Ms. Rhonda Bershok; Chief, Acquisition Fraud Remedies, Office of General Counsel, Defense Health Agency; echoed the statement and presented challenge coins to the team, celebrating their work.

Read the press release for more information about the settlement.