Investigations

On May 20, 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania entered into a civil settlement with Wescott Electric Company (Wescott). The company agreed to pay $54,983 to resolve civil False Claims allegations for failing to adhere to the Buy American preference on the federally funded Amtrak 30th Street Station Fire Alarm Project. According to the settlement agreement, Wescott installed a fire alarm system at Amtrak 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania containing China-made components without notifying Amtrak. While purchasing, Wescott did not inform Amtrak about concerns that it could not meet the Buy American provision in its $8.5 million contract. Wescott also agreed to participate in a program ensuring compliance with all domestic-buying laws, regulations, terms, and conditions applicable to purchasing parts or components used in service of Federal Government awards. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

 

DOT-OIG conducted this investigation with Amtrak-OIG.