Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Our performance under our contracts and our compliance with the terms of those contracts and applicable laws and regulations are subject to continuous audit, review and investigation by our customers, including the U.S. federal government. In addition, we are from time to time involved in legal proceedings and investigations arising in the ordinary course of business, including those relating to employment matters, relationships with clients and contractors, intellectual property disputes, environmental matters and other business matters. Although the outcome of any such matter is inherently uncertain and may be materially adverse, based on current information, except as noted below, we believe there are no pending lawsuits or claims that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2015, a former Parsons employee filed an action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama against us as a qui tam relator on behalf of the United States (the “Relator”) alleging violation of the False Claims Act. The plaintiff alleges that, as a result of these actions, the United States paid in excess of $1 million per month between February and September 2006 that it should have paid to another contractor, plus $2.9 million to acquire vehicles for the contractor defendant to perform its security services. The lawsuit sought (i) that we cease and desist from violating the False
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Claims Act, (ii) monetary damages equal to three times the amount of damages that the United States has sustained because of our alleged violations, plus a civil penalty of not less than $5,500 and not more than $11,000 for each alleged violation of the False Claims Act, (iii) monetary damages equal to the maximum amount allowed pursuant to §3730(d) of the False Claims Act, and (iv) Relator’s costs for this action, including recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in the lawsuit. The United States government did not intervene in this matter as it is allowed to do so under the statute. The court heard dispositive motions in 2023, including Parsons’ motion for summary judgment. We are awaiting the court’s rulings upon such motions, which will determine whether a trial will be necessary for this matter in 2025.
On July 1, 2024, a final judgment was filed with the clerk of the Superior Court of the State of California In and For the County of San Mateo with an award of damages in the total amount of approximately $102.5 million in favor of Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. and against Alstom Signaling Operations LLC (Alstom"). This proposed award relates back to a lawsuit Parsons initially filed against the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for breach of contract and wrongful termination in February 2017 (which was settled between Parsons and the Joint Powers Board in 2021) and a cross-complaint filed against Alstom Signaling Operations LLC in November 2017, as subsequently amended, for breach of contract, negligence and intentional misrepresentation. On September 23, 2024, the Court awarded pre-judgment interest in the amount of $34.0 million and amended the judgment accordingly to include such interest. Alstom filed a Notice of Appeal and has posted a bond as required under California law.
At this time, the Company is unable to determine the probability of the outcome of the litigation.
Item 4. Mine Safe ty Disclosures.
Not Applicable.
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PAR T II
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