Architecture and construction firm Novum Structures, based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., has agreed to pay $3 million to settle civil and criminal charges that it defrauded the federal government's "Buy American" rules for contractors.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged that Novum repackaged steel and other construction materials from foreign countries and made them appear as if it were sourced in the U.S. The firm used the materials on government projects around the country.
Federal laws require the use of American-made materials in construction projects funded with federal funds. Novum specializes in glass enclosures, atriums, canopies, and skylights.
A Novum spokesman said there was never any concern about the quality of materials used, and that the non-compliant materials represented less than 3% of the value of the work Novum did on projects subject to the “Buy American” requirements. The case began with a whistle blower lawsuit that was unsealed this month.
Related Stories
Warehouses | Feb 5, 2015
Self storage facility designed to blend in with Miami Beach's party scene
The plans by architect Gutierrez & Lozano are of a sleek, boutique-looking, 22,500-sf facility at the gateway to the city.
Sponsored | Designers | Feb 5, 2015
3D printing has people in the building and construction industry talking
How can 3D printing affect the building design and construction industry?
Cultural Facilities | Feb 5, 2015
5 developments selected as 'best in urban placemaking'
Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, S.C., and the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Downtown Market are among the finalists for the 2015 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence.
Transit Facilities | Feb 4, 2015
London mayor approves plan for a bicycle highway
The plan will guarantee bike riders a designated stretch of street to ride from east to west through the city.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 4, 2015
Arup unveils plans for the new A.C. Milan stadium
The venue will include a modern stage for the home matches together with a hotel, sports college, restaurants, children’s playground, green areas, and spaces open to the city and dedicated to public use.
Higher Education | Feb 3, 2015
Integrated Learning Neighborhoods: A solution for linking student housing with the typical student experience
Just as urban housing fits into the city as a whole, student housing can be integrated into the campus network as a series of living/learning neighborhoods, write Gensler's Brian Watson and Mark McMinn.
Office Buildings | Feb 3, 2015
5 trends transforming workplace design
RTKL's workplace design expert Jodi Williams foresees healthier and more technologically enabled offices that allow productive worker interaction, wherever they happen to be.
Contractors | Feb 3, 2015
Nonresidential construction spending expands in December 2014
Seven of 16 nonresidential construction subsectors posted increases in spending in December on a monthly basis.
Office Buildings | Feb 3, 2015
Bjarke Ingels' BIG proposes canopied, vertical village for Middle East media company
The tensile canopy shades a relaxation plaza from the desert sun.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2015
AGC working with EPA on website to help with environmental rule compliance
The goal is for the site to be improved to make it easier for construction contractors to learn how to comply with federal and state environmental guidelines.
