Local Defense Company Barred From Federal Contracts Again

A Washington, D.C., political publication reported Wednesday that Windber-based Kuchera Defense Systems has been barred from receiving government contract for the second time in less than a year.

Last winter, federal agents raided the company as part of an investigation into PMA Group, a now-defunct Washington lobbying firm.

Kuchera was suspended from government contracts last April but came off the Navy's suspended list in August. Now, the newspaper Politico is reporting that that Navy suspended Kuchera again two weeks ago related to a fraudulent earmark scheme.

Stay with WJACTV.com and WJAC-TV News for continuing coverage as details become available.

Previous Stories: August 13, 2009: Defense Contractor Taken Off Suspended List July 10, 2009: Court Documents In Criminal Investigation Point To Earmarks Provided To Windber Defense Contractor July 9, 2009: Ex-Contractor With Murtha Ties Pleads Guilty To Kickback Charges May 28, 2009: Showcase Exhibitor Excluded From Gov't Contracts January 26, 2009: WJAC Investigates Kuchera's Dealings In Washington January 25, 2009: WJAC Uncovers Financial Relationship Between Kucheras, Congressman January 23, 2009: Investigators Tight-Lipped About Kuchera Raid January 22, 2009: Local Defense Contractor Raided By FBI, IRS