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Fraud training focuses on prevention and remediation

  • Published
  • By Benjamin Newell
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Fraud counsel here and at Air Force Materiel Command invite all government employees to attend two different fraud training events in Massachusetts the first week of April. 

The first training is at Hanscom, April 3 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in building 1604, room 242. This foundational course will focus on fraud awareness and feature real-life case examples. The second event is the Northeast U.S. Fraud Working Group at the U.S Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick, Mass., April 4 from 10 a.m. to noon in building 3, room 301.

The basic educational class at Hanscom and the biannual fraud working group at Natick are for government employees and active duty Airmen involved in any aspect of procurement. 

Presenters at the April 4 fraud working group include a Navy technical expert on counterfeit parts as well as criminal and civil assistant United States attorneys from the district of Massachusetts. This two-hour meeting will focus on identifying and remedying counterfeit parts and the elements of successful prosecutions in fraud cases. 

 “It doesn’t matter what acquisition strategy or contracting vehicle you’re using or if you’re involved in the research, development or procurement of an item,” said Jennifer Strong, 66th Air Base Group fraud counsel. “We want to share our expertise with the workforce and ensure they feel empowered to make a report of suspected fraud whenever it may arise.”

Attendees of both events can register for and earn Continuous Learning Points through the ACQ NOW portal. To receive CLPs for the April 3 foundational course, search events for “Procurement Fraud Awareness – Fraud 101.” To receive CLPs for the April 4 event, search events for “Northeast US Fraud Working Group – April 2019.” Certified Fraud Examiner credit is also available at the April 4 fraud working group event.

“Fraud working groups are a valuable tool for all government employees – contracting, program management, logistics, engineering, criminal investigation,” said Air Force Materiel Command fraud counsel Drew Ayers. “Fraud can infiltrate any part of any program, and these meetings get people thinking about the issues. By knowing the signs, you can help protect the warfighter.”

“Counterfeit parts can have a higher rate of failure and put people in danger,” said Ayers. “We’re trying to spread awareness that, first, fraud exists, and second, there are avenues of redress if you suspect fraud.”

Anyone with questions should contact Strong or Ayers at jennifer.strong.2@us.af.mil or keith.ayers@us.af.mil.