One of the primary Hanford site contractors has paid millions of dollars to the departments of Justice and Energy as part of a settlement resolving allegations of fraudulently overcharging DOE for labor costs. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern Washington announced the settlement with Hanford Mission Integration Solutions on March 2.  

Under the settlement agreement, HMIS leaders admitted that between Aug. 17, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2025, they sought and received reimbursement from DOE for labor made up of unallowable excessive idle time. The contractor also admitted that it did not schedule or assign sufficient work for its personnel. Of the $3.45 million paid, $1.7 million was restitution. 

“Corporate fraud perpetrated upon the taxpayer at Hanford distracts from DOE’s vital cleanup mission,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano in a release. “This resolution shows our continuing commitment to fighting fraud at Hanford and to ensuring that those tasked with the responsibility of essential environmental cleanup do not abuse our trust in them. I am grateful that HMIS ultimately did the right thing by admitting its conduct and paying back twice what it took from the taxpayers.” 

The allegations were first made by HMIS employee Bradley Keever in December 2021 who filed a sealed complaint in U.S. District Court under the False Claims Act. He made additional allegations in 2024.  

Federal officials were obligated to investigate the claims and determine whether federal prosecutors would intervene or the whistleblower could continue their lawsuit alone. Keever will receive $793,500 as part of the settlement agreement and may also require HMIS to cover his attorney’s costs.