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Peter B. Hutt II

Partner

Washington +1 202 662 5710

  • About
  • Representative Matters
  • Credentials
  • About

    Peter Hutt represents government contractors in a range of complex investigation, litigation, and compliance matters, including False Claims Act and fraud investigations and litigation, compliance with accounting, cost, and pricing requirements, and contract claims and disputes.

    Peter has litigated more than 25 qui tam matters brought under the False Claims Act, including matters alleging cost mischarging, CAS violations, quality assurance deficiencies, substandard products, defective pricing, Iraqi procurement fraud, health care fraud, and inadequate subcontractor oversight. He has testified before Congress concerning proposed amendments to the False Claims Act.

    Peter has also conducted numerous internal investigations and frequently advises clients on whether to make disclosures of potential wrongdoing.

    Peter also represents clients in a wide range of accounting, cost, and pricing matters, as well as other contract and grant matters. He is experienced in addressing issues concerning pensions and post-retirement benefits, contract formation, TINA and defective pricing, claims and terminations, contract financing, price reduction clauses, subcontracting and supply chain compliance, specialty metals compliance, and small business and DBE compliance. He has litigated significant cost, accounting, and contract breach matters in the Court of Federal Claims and the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals.

    Peter is recognized for his work both in government contracts and in False Claims Act disputes by Chambers USA, which notes that "He is absolutely outstanding. He is thoughtful and client-focused." Chambers also notes that "Peter's judgment and problem solving ability is unique. He is a very good False Claims Act lawyer."

    Areas of Expertise

  • Practices and Industries
  • Representative Matters

    False Claims Act Matters

    • Obtained dismissal of qui tam matter alleging $3 billion in fraud in connection with FCC auction, U.S. ex rel. Vermont National, et al. v. Northstar Spectrum LLC, et al., No. 1:15-cv-00728-CKK (D.D.C. 2021).
    • Obtained dismissal of qui tam action alleging fraud in connection with Iraqi procurement contracts as sanction for discovery abuse, United States ex rel. Mayberry et al. v. Custer Battles LLC et al., No. 1:06-cv-364 (E.D. Va. 2008).
    • Won summary judgment on False Claims Act case alleging TINA violations, United States ex rel. Sanders v. Allison Engine Company, 364 F. Supp. 2d 699 (S.D. Ohio 2003).
    • Represented international construction company in False Claims Act investigation concerning nuclear quality assurance, supply chain management, defective pricing, and cost mischarging allegations, and achieved global settlement.
    • Represented major U.S. Postal Service contractor in responding to a civil investigative demand (CID) focused on performance deficiencies, and convinced the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to drastically limit its investigation, leading to settlement.

    • Convinced DOJ to decline intervention in qui tam action alleging false statements concerning eligibility for small business credits.
    • Submitted disclosure to the U.S. Department of Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General (OIG) concerning potential misrepresentations about size status and convinced OIG and DOJ to decline further investigation.
    • Represented major services provider in False Claims Act matter concerning alleged labor category violations and achieved de minimis settlement.
    • Counseled multiple contractors concerning whether actions fell within scope of the Mandatory Disclosure Rule.
    • Taught aspects of False Claims Act and whistleblower law at Cornell Law School, George Mason Law School, George Washington University Law School, and Northeastern Law School.

    Other Matters

    • Tried $80 million claim concerning surplus pension assets under CAS 413, Appeal of ICI Americas, Inc., ASBCA No. 54877 et al. (2007).
    • Won $100 million claim against NASA for breach of contract for satellite services, Hughes Communications Galaxy, Inc. v. United States, 47 Fed. Cl. 236 (2000).
    • Litigated a significant claim concerning accounting treatment of refunds of state taxes.
    • Advised a non-profit entity on negotiating novel cooperative agreement with NASA and on intellectual property matters.
    • Successfully converted several default terminations into convenience terminations.
    • Represented a contractor proposed for debarment based on qui tam action, and obtained removal from excluded parties list within two weeks.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Credentials
    Education
    • Stanford Law School, J.D., 1989
        • Stanford Law Review, Senior Articles Editor
    • Yale University, B.A., 1984
    Bar Admissions
    • District of Columbia
    • Maryland
    Judicial Clerkship
    • Hon. Willam W Schwarzer, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
    • Hon. Vaughn R. Walker, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
    Accolades
    • Chambers USA, Government Contracts (2019-2024) 
    • Chambers USA, False Claims Act (2022-2024)
    • Recognized by the Washingtonian as a "Top Lawyer" in the Whistleblower - Defense category (2015).
    Memberships and Affiliations
    • Procurement Fraud Committee of the ABA Section of Public Contract Law, former Chair
    • Boy Scout Troop 8 in Bethesda, Maryland

    Areas of Expertise

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