The person that overheard the conversation informed law enforcement and an investigation was opened. Search warrants were issued and offices were raided. Ultimately, investigators determined that the two had conspired to defraud the Government. Powell gave Darnell inside information on what the Government was estimating the price of certain work should cost via the IGE (Independent Government Estimate) and also provided information concerning what other bidders were offering. Powell, of course was relieved of her duties. It is not known what immediate action was taken against the contractor.
Then things got very quiet and most people forgot about the incident. Not so the FBI and the DCIS (Defense Criminal Investigative Service). They continued to work behind the scenes building and firming up their case against Powell.

Powell's crimes may never have been exposed had not someone took the initiative to report suspicious happenings to the appropriate authorities. It should also compel Government agencies (and contractors) to assess whether there are vulnerabilities in their own procurement practices that might allow similar occurrences.
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