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
University Buildings | Apr 29, 2021
The Weekly Show, April 29, 2021: COVID-19's impact on campus planning, and bird management strategies
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C Senior Editor John Caulfield interviews a duo of industry experts on 1) how campus planning has changed during the pandemic and 2) managing bird infestations on construction sites and completed buildings.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 22, 2021: COVID-19's impact on multifamily amenities
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C's Robert Cassidy speaks with three multifamily design experts about the impact of COVID-19 on apartment and condo amenities, based on the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Survey.
Market Data | Apr 20, 2021
The pandemic moves subs and vendors closer to technology
Consigli’s latest market outlook identifies building products that are high risk for future price increases.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 15, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 15, 2021: The ins and outs of adaptive reuse, and sensors for real-time construction monitoring
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders from PBDW Architects and Wohlsen Construction about what makes adaptive reuse projects successful, and sensors for real-time monitoring of concrete construction.
Contractors | Apr 9, 2021
Construction bidding activity ticks up in February
The Blue Book Network's Velocity Index measures month-to-month changes in bidding activity among construction firms across five building sectors and in all 50 states.
Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021
BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms
BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 30, 2021
Bipartisan ‘YIMBY’ bill would provide $1.5B in grants to spur new housing
Resources for local leaders to overcome obstacles such as density-unfriendly or discriminatory zoning.
Office Buildings | Mar 26, 2021
Finding success for downtown office space after COVID-19
Using the right planning tools can spur new uses for Class B and C commercial real estate.
Architects | Mar 25, 2021
The Weekly Show, March 25, 2021: The Just Label for AEC firms, and Perkins Eastman's Well-Platinum design studio
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders about the Just Label from the International Living Future Institute, and the features and amenities at Perkins Eastman's Well Platinum-certified design studio.
