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For a suspected problem with a U.S. federal contract, start with the Inspector General (OIG) of the agency responsible for that contract. If you are unsure which agency is involved, or the concern spans federal funds, submit it to GAO FraudNet, which can refer allegations to another authority. Suspected criminal conduct can also be reported to the FBI. A False Claims Act lawsuit is a separate court process—not a hotline submission.
How do I report suspected fraud or waste in a government contract?
Choose the route that fits the contract and the conduct. The agency that administers the contract is usually the most direct starting point because its OIG investigates concerns involving that agency. If the agency is not clear, or the issue involves federal funds more broadly, GAO FraudNet is a useful routing option.
| Route | Best fit | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Agency Inspector General | A specific contract or program administered by a known federal agency | The agency OIG is the direct channel for concerns involving that agency. Use its current hotline or complaint instructions. |
| GAO FraudNet | Suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement involving federal funds when the right authority is unclear or cross-agency | GAO may refer a complaint to a federal, state, or local agency; it does not independently investigate complaints at an individual’s request. |
| FBI | Suspected criminal fraud or other criminal conduct | Use the FBI’s tips and leads page or a local FBI office. DOJ identifies the Internet Crime Complaint Center for cyber-enabled crime. |
| False Claims Act qui tam case | A person with knowledge of alleged fraud against the federal government considering a court action | This is a formal lawsuit with procedural requirements, including filing under seal; it is not a hotline form. |
Who do I contact to report a federal contractor?
Start with the agency Inspector General
Identify the department or agency responsible for the contract, then follow its OIG complaint instructions. The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) directory and reporting tool can help locate the relevant OIG. The Department of Justice OIG handles matters concerning DOJ employees, programs, contracts, and grants; it is not the correct office for a contract administered by another department. DOJ’s reporting guidance explains the distinction.
Use GAO FraudNet when the right agency is unclear
GAO FraudNet accepts reports involving suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement of federal funds and may refer them to the appropriate authority. GAO says it does not independently investigate complaints at the request of individual reporters. The site encourages online submissions for a timelier response, permits anonymous reports, and assigns a unique control number for follow-up. It also lists 1-800-424-5454 as a hotline.
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If you submit anonymously through FraudNet, GAO says it will not contact you about the allegation or any action taken. Do not submit classified information through the FraudNet website; GAO says it cannot accept classified material online.
Contact the FBI for suspected criminal conduct
For suspected criminal fraud, DOJ points to the FBI tips and leads page and local FBI offices. For cyber-enabled crime, DOJ identifies the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Consider both the suspected conduct and the federal entity involved when deciding where to report.
Understand the separate qui tam process
The False Claims Act allows a person with knowledge of fraud against the federal government to bring a qui tam case in federal court, subject to legal requirements. DOJ notes that such cases are filed under seal and that many individuals obtain legal counsel. Whether particular facts qualify is a legal question; a hotline report is not the same as filing a case. See DOJ’s explanation of reporting and qui tam actions.
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What should I include in a report?
There is no single evidence checklist that applies to every agency, but a clear, factual account helps the receiving office understand what you observed and where it belongs. Include, where known:
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- The contract, agency, program, or project involved.
- What you observed, and when and where it happened.
- Who may have been involved, distinguishing what you personally know from what you suspect.
- Why the facts raise a concern about fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement.
- Relevant records or other supporting details that you are lawfully permitted to share.
Preserve relevant records carefully. Do not obtain, access, or transmit information unlawfully. For online GAO FraudNet submissions, never include classified material.
What if I work for the contractor or a subcontractor?
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 3.903 prohibits reprisal against a contractor or subcontractor employee for a qualifying disclosure the employee reasonably believes shows gross mismanagement of a federal contract, gross waste of federal funds, abuse of authority relating to a federal contract, a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or a related violation of law, rule, or regulation. The rule lists several protected recipients:
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- A Member of Congress or a representative of a congressional committee.
- An Inspector General or the Government Accountability Office.
- A federal employee responsible for contract oversight or management.
- An authorized Department of Justice or other law-enforcement official.
- A court or grand jury.
- A contractor or subcontractor management official responsible for addressing misconduct.
See the current FAR 3.903 for the rule and its scope.
Reporting alleged reprisal
An employee who believes they experienced prohibited reprisal may submit a complaint to the OIG of the agency concerned. The FAR states that a complaint under 41 U.S.C. 4712 may not be brought more than three years after the alleged reprisal. Check the relevant OIG’s current procedure and consider getting legal advice about how the deadline applies to your circumstances. The current FAR source displays FAC 2026-01, effective March 13, 2026; procedures can change.
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How common is GAO FraudNet referral?
GAO reported that it processed more than 10,000 complaints and referred 1,239 to other agencies in fiscal year 2022. Those are historical FY2022 figures from a report published September 12, 2023—not a current annual-volume estimate or a prediction of what will happen to an individual submission. GAO’s report provides the figures and context.
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