Maryland IT firm to pay 14.75 million $ for bogus services to government agencies

Hill ASC Inc. has agreed to pay at least 14.75 million $ in a False Claims Act lawsuit. The company is accused of providing unqualified personnel, selling uncertified cyber services, charging inconsistent fees and inflating costs in U.S. government IT contracts.

Hill Associates, based in Rockville, Maryland, provided IT services to federal agencies through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program from 2018 to 2023. The investigation found that the company billed IT professionals who lacked the necessary training or experience, provided cybersecurity services without authorization or a required GSA technical review, included unauthorized payments, including incentives, concealed early payment discounts, and offered services that exceeded the terms of the authorized contract. The settlement amount will depend on the company’s financial capacity—$14.75 million has already been agreed upon, but the amount could increase.

• MAS is a system under which GSA enters into framework contracts for the purchase of goods and services, while other agencies order directly from suppliers. Transparency and compliance with qualification requirements are critical, as billions of dollars flow through thousands of contractors through MAS.

• The investigation involved the US Department of Justice, the Office of Inspector General of the GSA, the US Department of the Treasury and TIGTA (Tax Inspectorate). The statement was published by the DOJ on July 14, 2025.

This case is an example of tighter control over cyber fraud in the field of government procurement. Despite the lack of legally proven wrongdoing (no-fault settlement), Hill ASC Inc. agreed to compensation. The US authorities emphasize: no company has the right to provide services to the government that do not meet the terms of the contract.