EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., March 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force told a Minnesota supplier of test systems and sensors it has been suspended from federal government contracting.
MTS Systems said its suspension from federal contracting and from directly or indirectly receiving the benefits of federal assistance programs is temporary pending ensuring legal proceedings.
MTS has 30 days to respond to the suspension.
The suspension relates to MTS' alleged failure, since 2008, to disclose in its Online Representations and Certifications Application that it had pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors in regard to making false statements related to export matters.
As reported in the company's Form 10-Q filed Feb. 3, in January the company was informed that the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota were investigating whether MTS had accurately certified to a certain Federal Acquisition Regulation since March 2008.
"This is an important matter that MTS takes very seriously," said MTS Chief Executive Officer Laura B. Hamilton. "We are in full cooperation with the government and intend to expeditiously take appropriate action to address the agencies' concern and seek a prompt resolution."
MTS said it is cooperating fully and may continue to perform its existing government contracts.
