Federal Register #RIN 1990AA55

DOE Final Rule: Administrative False Claims Act Regulatory Update

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a final rule updating its regulations under the Administrative False Claims Act of 2023 (AFCA): - Government Buyer: - Department of Energy (DOE) - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned in this notice - No products or services are being requested or procured - Key regulatory updates include: - Maximum claim amount increased from $150,000 to $1 million - Inclusion of reverse false claims provisions - New definitions and extended statute of limitations - Requirement for DOE to notify the Attorney General before settling allegations - Establishment of a process for crediting recovered costs - The rule is designed to strengthen the government's ability to address fraud involving federal funds - No unique procurement requirements, products, or services are included in this notice

Description

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a final rule to revise its regulations under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986, now amended and renamed as the Administrative False Claims Act of 2023 (AFCA). This rule updates DOE regulations to reflect recent statutory amendments, including increasing the maximum claim amount from $150,000 to $1 million, allowing for reverse false claims, defining new terms, extending the statute of limitations, requiring DOE to notify the Attorney General before settling allegations, and establishing a process for crediting recovered costs. The rule aims to strengthen the government's ability to combat fraud involving federal funds by imposing civil penalties and assessments against persons who submit false claims or statements to the government. The rule is effective July 13, 2026.

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