06/24/2026 at 10:00AM
This hearing, entitled “Safeguarding Federal Research Funds: The False Claims Act’s Role in Combating Grant Fraud,” will examine federal law enforcement agencies’ use of the False Claims Act (FCA) to combat fraud and misconduct involving federally funded research. The hearing will explore grant fraud involving false certifications and material misrepresentations in applications for federal research funding; failures by institutions to disclose foreign gifts, contracts, and sources of support as required by federal law; and cybersecurity noncompliance by universities, contractors, and other research performers receiving federal funds. The hearing will also review recent FCA enforcement actions involving research institutions, assess the effectiveness of current oversight and enforcement mechanisms, and consider potential legislative and administrative reforms to strengthen accountability, improve transparency, protect research integrity and national security, and safeguard taxpayer-funded research programs.
Witnesses:
- Robert Steinau, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Inspector General, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of the Inspector General • Jennifer Springmann, Special Agent in Charge, National Science Foundation Office of the Inspector General • Brenna Jenny, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Commercial Litigation Branch, Department of Justice