I’m a program integrity and fraud review subject matter expert. For nearly five years at the U.S. Small Business Administration, I reviewed PPP files after the money had already gone out and determined whether the borrower was ever eligible. That meant working through ownership, affiliation, corporate groups, and forgiveness, and supporting matters referred to SBA’s Office of General Counsel, the Department of Justice, and the Office of Inspector General.

The problem I saw isn’t unique to PPP. It shows up anywhere public money moves before eligibility is proven. I write about why verification belongs in program design, and I’m open to work in government, contracting, or consulting where that experience is useful. My work has appeared in The Hill, Government Executive, and Federal News Network.