FOIA Release Is FCA 'Public Disclosure'
Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 11.30.09
In U.S. ex rel. Ondis v. City of Woonsocket (1st Cir. Nov.18, 2009), the First Circuit concluded that, under the False Claims Act's public disclosure bar, courts lack subject-matter jurisdiction over qui tam actions when the relator's allegations are based upon information released through Freedom of Information Act requests, finding that FOIA releases of "substantially similar" information which include the essential elements of the alleged fraud qualify as public disclosures. The court noted that it was joining the majority view, adopted by every circuit to consider the issue except the Fourth, taking into account the recent shift by the Seventh Circuit to the majority.
Insights
Client Alert | 5 min read | 06.05.26
The Office of Management and Budget issued on May 29, 2026 a Proposed Rule that would significantly revise the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, potentially impacting the full lifecycle of federal grants, cooperative agreements and other forms of financial assistance, from pre-award merit review through post-award administration and termination. These proposed changes are designed to implement the President’s policy priorities, executive actions related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities, and Executive Order No. 14332, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking (EO 14332).
Client Alert | 5 min read | 06.04.26
EU Pay Transparency Directive: The Transposition Deadline is Looming — What Now?
Client Alert | 4 min read | 06.04.26
Surveillance Pricing Update: California’s Sweeping AB 2564 Passes Assembly and Heads to Senate
Client Alert | 4 min read | 06.04.26
USTR Proposes Sweeping Tariffs as Part of Section 301 Forced Labor Import Enforcement Investigation
