Bell Nunnally Partner Ross Angus Williams authored the American Manufacturing Association (AMFGA) article “Protect Your Shop: What You Need to Know About the False Claims Act.” The piece details how routine shop floor errors, ranging from material substitutions to incomplete certifications and supplier missteps, can trigger significant liability under the False Claims Act for manufacturers working with the federal government or prime defense contractors.

Williams notes, “If your shop does work for the Department of War or a prime defense contractor, you need to understand the False Claims Act.” He emphasizes that exposure is not limited to intentional fraud, explaining that “when you send an invoice to the government, you are officially stating that you followed every single rule, regulation, and contract detail.”

Williams adds, “If you provide the right parts but use the wrong material or skip a paperwork step, your invoice becomes a legally false claim,” underscoring how easily compliance gaps can escalate into enforcement risk. He concludes by cautioning, “If you discover a compliance issue or face a claim, get help immediately before the problem grows.”

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