Opa-Locka Aviation Company to Pay $109,618 to Resolve Allegations of Improper Maintenance of Coast Guard Aircraft

MIAMI – Sherwood Avionics and Accessories, Inc. (Sherwood), headquartered in Opa-Locka, has agreed to pay $109,618 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to use contractually required and updated technical manuals when performing repairs on U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) C-130 aircraft landing gear.

“The False Claims Act protects more than taxpayer dollars—it safeguards the integrity of federal missions that depend on safe, reliable equipment,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Our Office will continue working with our partners to enforce procurement standards and ensure accountability in defense and homeland security contracting.”

“The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service is committed to ensuring the integrity of procurements by the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Assistant Director Josh Packer of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). “We will continue to work diligently with our partners to protect taxpayer resources and uphold the highest standards in government contracting.”

According to the settlement, in September 2016, Sherwood entered into a contract with the USCG to perform repair and overhaul work on various components of C-130H and C-130J aircraft landing gear in accordance with specific technical and contractual requirements. The USCG relies on C-130 aircraft for a variety of critical missions, including law enforcement operations and search-and-rescue efforts.

From September 2017 through September 2021, Sherwood performed overhaul and maintenance work on USCG C-130 landing gear but failed to obtain and use the most current U.S. Air Force Technical Orders required under the contract. These Technical Orders provide mandatory instructions for conducting repairs safely and properly.

Enacted during the Civil War, the False Claims Act is the government’s primary civil tool to combat fraud and abuse in federal programs and procurement.

U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Assistant Director Josh Packer, CGIS, Southeast Region, made the announcement.

CGIS, Southeast Region investigated the matter, with assistance from the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ghannam handled the matter.

Note: See the settlement agreement here.

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