Whistleblower's Share in Qui Tam Lawsuit More than Two Million

A Qui tam whistleblower filed a lawsuit on behalf of the federal government, alleging that Northrop Grumman Systems Corp failed to test electronic components used in military equipment as well as in outer space. The suit resulted in a settlement agreement worth $12.5 million, of which the whistleblower will receive more then two million dollars, under the terms of the Whistleblower Act.

The US Department of Justice announced the settlement on June 23. According to that day's edition of the Salt Lake Tribune, Northrop's navigation division, located in Woodland Hills, California, allegedly failed to comply with stringent testing requirements for components destined for use in military vehicles and for outer space. At issue are the extreme temperatures and other environmental factors inherent with use in such extreme conditions.

Whistleblower's Share in Qui Tam Lawsuit More than Two Million

It was alleged that Northrop failed to comply from November 1998 through February 2007.

The qui tam whistleblower lawsuit was brought by Allen Davis, who was employed by Northrop's Navigation Systems Division in Salt Lake City as a quality assurance manager. Davis filed the suit in a Los Angeles federal court in May 2006.

Four years later, he is richer by $2,375,000.

A spokesperson with the Justice Department said in a written statement that corporations in business relationships with the federal government are required to comply with "all the rules" and will be held accountable.

"The Justice Department will hold responsible those who fail to properly test the parts supplied to our men and women in uniform and others in public service," said Tony West, assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice civil division.

A spokesperson for Northrop indicated that his company cooperated fully with the government investigation "and is pleased that the matter is now behind it."

Additional terms of the settlement were not disclosed. The whistleblower who brought the qui tam lawsuit and pocketed more than two million dollars could not be reached for comment.

Whistleblower's Share in Qui Tam Lawsuit More than Two Million

Qui Tam Whistleblower Legal Help

ADD YOUR COMMENT ON THIS STORY