What is Qui Tam (the False Claims Act)?

Qui Tam is part of the Federal Civil False Claims Act, allowing a private citizen to file a suit in the name of the U.S. Government charging fraud by government contractors and other entities that receive or use government funds, and share in any money recovered. Like similar whistleblower laws, the Qui Tam provision prohibits an employer from harassing or retaliating against an employee for attempting to uncover or report fraud on the federal government.