Investigations

On May 24, 2022, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) debarred John Lynch from doing business with the Federal Government for a 5-year period, retroactive from the date of suspension, February 9, 2018. Lynch was a superintendent on a J.A. McDonald (JAM) bridge construction project on the New Haven River in Bristol, Vermont.

 

In August 2017, JAM and its owner reached an agreement with the United States to pay $270,000 to settle allegations that JAM knowingly caused the State of Vermont to present false claims for payment to the Federal Government. In November 2021, JAM entered into a second settlement agreement with the United States in which the corporation agreed to pay $637,500 to resolve civil False Claims Act allegations that its employees materially altered certain components on several federally-funded bridge construction projects. The settlement agreements were neither an admission of liability by JAM or its owner, nor a concession by the United States or the State of Vermont that their claims were not well founded. JAM also entered into a compliance agreement with FHWA for a 3-year period.

 

DOT-OIG conducted this investigation with FHWA, Vermont Agency of Transportation, and the Vermont Attorney General's Office.

 

Note: A suspension or debarment frequently covers a specific period of time. Please consult the System for Award Management to determine whether a company or individual is currently suspended or debarred.