# Contract and Procurement Fraud Course Canonical URL: ## Overview The possibility of fraud in government procurement presents a constant risk. Learn to recognize the indicators of procurement fraud in different government contracts and grants. Develop audit strategies to identify and quantify the extent of fraud in specific government contracts, grants management, and operations. Using actual examples from past procurement fraud cases, learn about traditional fraud schemes involving false statements, false claims, product substitution, accounting fraud, and minority/woman-owned/small business front operations. Focus on identifying the indicators of fraud, as well as criminal, civil, administrative, and contractual actions in response to fraud. Explore fraud issues related to growing government involvement in e-commerce. ## What you'll learn - Identify the auditor's responsibilities for the detection and investigation of contract fraud. - Explain primary federal criminal and civil laws that address contract fraud. - Identify federal laws, rules, and regulations that govern the contracting process. - Describe the role that auditors perform in the contracting process. - Identify major contract fraud schemes that take place in contracting, including false claims, corruption, and small and minority fronts. - Examine the auditor interface with investigators, prosecutors, contracting officials, and whistleblowers. - Describe criminal, civil, administrative, and contractual remedies for contract fraud. - Describe challenges to auditor independence that arise in conducting audits related to contracts and procurement. - Identify methods to obtain information from agencies, contractors, and third parties needed to audit and investigate contract fraud. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Introduction - Understand the scope of contract and procurement fraud in government. - Discuss the objectives and importance of detecting fraud early in the process. - Introduce key terms and audit responsibilities related to fraud risk. #### Module 2: What is Fraud? - Define fraud and differentiate it from abuse, waste, and errors. - Explore the elements of fraud: misrepresentation, intent, reliance, and damages. - Review common red flags and behavioral indicators of fraud. - Understand the Fraud Triangle: pressure, opportunity, and rationalization. #### Module 3: The Government Contracting Process - Examine the lifecycle of government contracts from planning to closeout. - Identify fraud vulnerabilities at each contracting stage. - Explore roles and responsibilities of acquisition and program officials. #### Module 4: The Importance of Contractor Integrity to the Contracting Process - Analyze how contractor ethics and past performance impact fraud risk. - Understand due diligence and pre-award screening procedures. - Learn how integrity failures can undermine contract performance. #### Module 5: Major Contract Fraud Schemes - Identify and define common fraud schemes such as cost mischarging and defective pricing. - Explore collusion, false claims, and product substitution schemes. - Discuss fraud involving subcontractors and joint ventures. #### Module 6: Fraud Schemes Related to Special Contracts - Understand fraud risks in construction, R&D, and service contracts. - Analyze vulnerabilities in sole source and time-and-material contracts. - Review government-wide acquisition contracts and cooperative purchasing. #### Module 7: Remedies for Contract Fraud - Explore administrative, civil, and criminal remedies available for fraud. - Understand the use of suspension, debarment, and termination for default. - Learn about the role of the False Claims Act and whistleblower provisions. #### Module 8: Issues Related to Auditors, Fraud, and Audit Independence - Discuss the auditor’s role in identifying fraud while maintaining independence. - Review audit standards related to fraud detection and prevention. - Explore ethical dilemmas and reporting obligations. #### Module 9: Obtaining Information about Government Contractors Involved in Fraud - Learn how to access contractor databases and public records. - Utilize systems such as SAM.gov, FAPIIS, and contractor performance data. - Conduct background checks and open-source investigations ethically and legally. ## Schedule - Aug 17, 2026 – Aug 18, 2026 — Live Online - Sep 28, 2026 – Sep 29, 2026 — Live Online - Oct 29, 2026 – Oct 30, 2026 — Live Online - Dec 7, 2026 – Dec 8, 2026 — Live Online ## Instructors ### Mark Gebicke — Instructor Mark E. Gebicke is an accomplished consultant and instructor with over 50 years of experience in auditing, leadership, and federal program evaluation. A retired Senior Executive from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Mark spent two decades in GAO's Senior Executive Service, where he led performance reviews and provided congressional testimony on critical issues for agencies such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice. His expertise spans personnel, readiness, logistics, budget, operations, anti-terrorism, and weapon systems, as well as performance reviews for agencies like the Federal Reserve, U.S. Postal Service, and Department of Energy. In addition to his auditing and consulting work, Mark has been a dedicated instructor at Graduate School USA since 2008. He draws on his extensive experience to teach courses on auditing techniques, leadership, and project management. During his tenure at GAO, he also developed and implemented the agency's Professional Development Program, managing over 200 new staff annually and mentoring Senior Executive Service candidates. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from High Point University and a Master of Science in Governmental Administration from George Washington University, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to both GAO and Graduate School USA. ### Penny Popps — Instructor Penny N. Popps is an exceptional leader with 20+ years of private and public sector experience and expertise in the field of accounting, audit, compliance, risk management, fraud, and internal controls. She is the recipient of multiple public service, appreciation, recognition, and performance awards. And she’s currently devoted to teaching Financial Management courses at Graduate School USA as an Instructor. During her almost 15 years as a Federal Government Public Servant, she had many pivotal transformational leadership roles including being the 1st Fraud Risk Manager at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) where she successfully helped to mature its Fraud Risk Management Program. She has a B.B.A in Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington, Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Texas Woman’s University, Advanced Technical Certificate in Professional Accountancy from Dallas College, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA), and the Department of Defense (DOD) Financial Management Certifications along with an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Certification. Prior to SBA, she had a career at HUD that spans over six years managing projects that ensured the successful and efficient delivery of affordable, safe, and decent housing to U.S. citizens along with safeguarding HUD's programs from fraud, waste, and abuse. While at HUD she led multiple audit teams in the execution of complex quality control reviews of independent public accounting firms (Single Audits), CIGIE reviews, financial assessments, staffing studies, annual OMB A-123 risk assessment reviews for the Accountability, Integrity, & Risk (AIR) Program, etc. During her Federal Government career, she also was the Branch Chief of Financial Reporting at the DHS ICE OCFO, Office of FM-Financial Service Center. She oversaw the operations of both the Payroll and Fund Balance with Treasury Units for all DHS ICE components which processed approximately $5.2B in payroll transactions and reconciled $10.1B in cash transactions, achieving improved optimization of FM. For many years, she also successfully led and supervised audit teams at the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) in which she recovered millions in questioned costs owed from contractors. And within state government, she recovered millions of sales and use tax dollars owed to the Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts as she led various audits. All of her efforts ensured that taxpayer dollars were being utilized reasonably and efficiently. Popps’ many years of experience in the private sector included helping to build successful internal audit divisions at major corporations such as Essilor Group and Fossil Group. During her career, she continues to gain expertise and knowledge while paying it forward by mentoring, coaching, and training those new to the accounting, audit, compliance, risk management, fraud, and internal controls industries. Popps is very passionate about all her philanthropy and volunteer efforts, especially with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Junior League of Washington. It’s her mission to continue to provide service to all mankind during her career, in retirement, and throughout her life. She currently resides in Alexandria, VA and spends her leisure time reading. ### Lyndon S. Remias — Instructor Lyndon Remias is a trailblazer in the field of government auditing, known for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to public accountability. With over 28 years of experience spanning public, private, and governmental sectors, Lyndon has built a reputation as a trusted expert in financial oversight and risk management. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), and Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)—credentials that reflect both his technical mastery and dedication to excellence. Lyndon’s career includes impactful roles at organizations such as the City of Virginia Beach, Amerigroup Corporation, Eastern Virginia Medical School, NEXCOM, Auditor of Public Accounts, and KPMG, where he honed his skills in operational auditing, compliance, and performance evaluation. His leadership extended into public service when he was elected to the Virginia Beach School Board, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and education. A passionate educator and thought leader, Lyndon has served as a seminar instructor for the Graduate School and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), earning recognition as a Distinguished Instructor for his engaging delivery and deep subject matter expertise. He has presented at numerous professional conferences and has held key leadership positions within the IIA and the Virginia Local Government Auditors Association (VLGAA), including serving as President of both organizations. Currently, Lyndon contributes to the profession as a peer review team leader for the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA), helping ensure audit quality and ethical standards across the country. A proud graduate of Old Dominion University, Lyndon earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting. In 2013, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from ODU’s Accounting Department for his outstanding contributions to the profession and the university. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $1049