Allegheny County has agreed to pay $629,043 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by not properly supporting AmeriCorps program expenditures. The county was required to meet a specific cost-sharing threshold in order to receive federal funding for its AmeriCorps program during the 2018 to 2020 grant years. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County claimed it provided “in-kind” resources such as classroom and office space, as well as salaries of teachers and administrative staff involved with the AmeriCorps program. However, officials said the county could not provide documentation for $314,521 of these claimed contributions.
The settlement addresses claims that Allegheny County misrepresented its in-kind contribution. Of the total amount paid, $314,521 represents restitution.
“When receiving federal funds, grantees must meet the terms of the agreements tied to those funds,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “This settlement is a reminder that organizations receiving federal grant funds must adhere to grant compliance requirements.”
“AmeriCorps programs often require grantees to contribute some of their own resources to ensure the programs are successful,“ said Acting AmeriCorps Inspector General Stephen Ravas. “The AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General will continue our work with our law enforcement partners to pursue organizations that do not hold up their end of the bargain.”
The investigation and settlement were handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony St. Joseph from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in collaboration with the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General.
Authorities noted that these claims are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
