Agilent Technologies, Inc. To Pay $849,678 To Resolve Fraud Allegations Of Bid Rigging

SAN FRANCISCO – Agilent Technologies, Inc. has agreed to pay the government $849,678 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims to the United States in connection with the sale of electronic measurement instruments, United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Defense Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent in Charge Chris Hendrickson announced today.

In March 2013, Agilent made a voluntary disclosure to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense that certain sales of electronic measurement instruments and systems to the government were the result of improper coordination of pricing and bid strategy between Agilent and its distributors and resellers. During the government’s subsequent investigation, Agilent provided information and materials showing that it entered into agreements with its partners on whether to bid, and what prices to bid, often for the purpose of meeting the requirement under procurement rules that the government consider a minimum of three bids. The settlement agreement resolves the government’s investigation, in which Agilent fully cooperated.

“This settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensure the integrity of the government procurement system. We commend Agilent for its prompt disclosure of improper price coordination, and subsequent cooperation in the government’s investigation.”

The settlement with Agilent was the result of a coordinated effort among the United States Attorney’s Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Contract Audit Agency, and the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven J. Saltiel and Ann Marie Reding handled the matter on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.