41 U.S.C. § 53

It is prohibited for any person—

(1) to provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide any kickback;

(2) to solicit, accept, or attempt to accept any kickback; or

(3) to include, directly or indirectly, the amount of any kickback prohibited by clause (1) or (2) in the contract price charged by a subcontractor to a prime contractor or a higher tier subcontractor or in the contract price charged by a prime contractor to the United States.

(Mar. 8, 1946, ch. 80, §3, 60 Stat. 38; Pub. L. 86–695, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 741; Pub. L. 99–634, §2(a), Nov. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 3524.)

1986—Pub. L. 99–634 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “For the purpose of ascertaining whether such fees, commissions, compensation, gifts, or gratuities have been paid or granted by a subcontractor, the General Accounting Office shall have the power to inspect the plants and to audit the books and records of any prime contractor or subcontractor engaged in the performance of a negotiated contract.”

1960—Pub. L. 86–695 substituted “negotiated contract” for “cost-plus-a-fixed-fee or cost reimbursable contract”.

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–634 effective with respect to conduct described in this section which occurs on or after Nov. 7, 1986, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 99–634, set out as a note under section 51 of this title.