The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently detailed Honeywell International Inc.’s agreement to pay $3.35 million to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act by selling defective material.
The DOJ alleged between 2000 and 2005, Honeywell sold its patented Z Shield material to Armor Holdings, a bulletproof vest manufacturer, despite Honeywell knowing that Z Shield degraded quickly over time in heat and humidity and was not suitable for ballistic use.
The DOJ further alleged Armor Holdings’ vests containing Honeywell’s Z Shield were purchased by federal agencies under a General Services Administration (GSA) contract, as well as various state, local and Tribal law enforcement authorities partially funded by the Justice Department’s Bulletproof Vest Partnership program.
“This settlement and the Justice Department’s industry-wide investigation demonstrate the department’s resolve to hold accountable those businesses and individuals who supplied Zylon-containing bulletproof vests, even after learning that the material degraded in a way that could compromise its ability to stop a bullet,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, said. “The safety of law enforcement officers is of paramount importance, and we are committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars go only to the high-quality ballistic protection our first responders deserve.”
Per the DOJ, the United States previously recovered more than $133 million in settlements with 17 entities and individuals involved in all stages of the body armor supply chain.
“It is completely unacceptable for a company to produce and sell faulty products that law enforcement officers rely on for their safety,” General Services Administration Inspector General Carol F. Ochoa said. “I appreciate the relentless efforts GSA OIG employees and our law enforcement partners dedicated to this case.”