Federal penalties for fraud and waste just got more expensive

The US General Services Administration has increased the fines it can levy for civil violations. This means companies and individuals who commit fraud or waste against the government will pay higher penalties.

Every year, federal agencies adjust their civil monetary penalties for inflation. This is a routine update, but it means the cost of non-compliance for government contractors and others dealing with the GSA just went up. These adjustments ensure that penalties retain their deterrent effect over time, rather than being eroded by inflation.