# 2026-01710: False Claims Act Gets Faster Track in Contract Disputes

2026-01710, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; Rules of Procedure of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; Implementation of the Administrative False Claims Act, is a Federal Register rule from General Services Administration published 2026-01-28, effective 2026-02-27 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01710
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-01710
- Title: Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; Rules of Procedure of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; Implementation of the Administrative False Claims Act
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: General Services Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 3797
- Published: 2026-01-28
- Effective: 2026-02-27
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: 3090-AL16
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

False Claims Act Gets Faster Track in Contract Disputes

## Summary

Starting February 27, 2026, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals will use new rules to handle cases about false claims made to the U.S. government. This change affects anyone who deals with government contracts and could face penalties for false statements. The update makes it easier and faster for the government to catch and punish fraud without going to court.

## Abstract

The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (Board) is issuing new rules of procedure to effectuate the new administrative scheme set forth in the Administrative False Claims Act of 2023, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The Board is issuing this final rule governing its administrative process for deciding claims brought by authorities, as defined by the Administrative False Claims Act (AFCA), seeking to impose civil penalties against persons who make, submit, or present false claims and statements to executive agencies of the United States of America.

## Effects PRIA read

- Up to $1,000,000 Administrative Penalties: cost, high. If you make or submit false claims or statements to an executive agency, authorities can seek administrative recovery for claims up to $1,000,000 under the Administrative False Claims Act (AFCA). These administrative recoveries happen when the Department of Justice elects not to prosecute.
- Administrative (Non‑Judicial) Enforcement Pathway: cost, medium. AFCA provides for administrative resolution instead of court proceedings and does not include a qui tam (private relator) enforcement mechanism. AFCA also covers false written statements even if no formal claim is submitted.
- 30‑Day Election Deadline for a Hearing: cost, medium. After receiving notice of alleged civil fraud and the amount, you have 30 days to elect a hearing under AFCA. If you elect a hearing and the matter is referred, a Board member may serve as the presiding officer for the administrative proceeding.
- You Can Be Represented Without an Attorney: benefit, low. In AFCA cases before the Board, a respondent may appear through an attorney or, if an individual, may represent themself. Corporations may appear by an officer and limited liability companies, partnerships, or joint ventures may appear by a member. A party representative need not be an attorney.
- Evidence File Rules and Public Decisions: mixed, low. When a case is referred, the parties must submit an electronic evidence file that includes exculpatory information. The presiding Board member will apply the Federal Rules of Evidence to objections, may dismiss cases for lack of jurisdiction or at a complainant's request with Board Chair approval,…

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## Sources
- [2026-01710 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/28/2026-01710/civilian-board-of-contract-appeals-rules-of-procedure-of-the-civilian-board-of-contract-appeals)
- [2026-01710 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-28/pdf/2026-01710.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-01709, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; Rules of Procedure of the Civilian Board of…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01709)
- [Next: 2026-01712, Revisions to Business Conduct and Swap Documentation Requirements for Swap Deal…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01712)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01710 (as of 2026-06-11).