A major Chicago construction firm has agreed to pay $12 million to settle federal and state charges that it used disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) as "pass-throughs" to get contracts for seven projects, totaling more than $156 million.
James McHugh Construction Co. Inc., in a separate administrative settlement, also agreed to establish a corporate compliance program. The firm further agreed to hire a compliance officer and an independent monitor who will report to the government agencies.