In order to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, Preci Manufacturing Inc. will have to pay $150,000. According to the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, Preci Manufacturing did not test parts that it sold to the U.S. military, thereby violating its contract with the military and being unable to guarantee the strength and durability of the parts. The company, which produces nuts, bolts, and fasteners, supplied parts to the federal government between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019 that were used in military equipment. Preci Manufacturing allegedly told workers to skip mandatory testing, which included stress durability testing, fatigue testing, double shear testing, and tensile testing.
In a recent quote, United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest said, “Preci’s sales to the United States of parts that it chose not to test are reprehensible, with Preci appearing to have prioritized its own profits over the safety of the products it provided to the military. Our office takes seriously allegations related to cutting corners and evading regulations and will continue to pursue companies that betray the trust of the government and the public.”