The Department of Justice has fined several consulting companies on federal contracts to the tune of $11.3m. The charges were incurred because the consulting companies failed to provide a secure environment for New Yorkers seeking rental aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was part of the Congress-approved 2021 established emergency rental assistance program (ERAP). Guidehouse Inc. and Nan McKay failed to comply with federal cybersecurity standards and the general terms set out in what is known as the False Claims Act (FACA). The False Claims Act, a law dating back to 1863, was enacted to p…