In most kickback schemes, a portion of the kickback is paid 'up front' as the contract or purchase order is awarded. The remainder is paid when the contract performance has been completed. These schemes have the effect of falsely increasing the costs to the Federal Government for goods and services. Some methods used in kickback schemes include 'bid rigging,' 'courtesy bidding,' 'sole source contracts,' and 'bid-bumping/overage.' By combining the unique abilities and expertise of special agents from the FBI, DCIS, and IRS, the task force is uniquely able to investigate kickback schemes. The inclusion of the IRS in the investigations has allowed charges to cover tax evasion in addition to kickback charges. The task force is located in a centralized office, allowing for daily contact between investigators. A special hotline has been established to accept information from the public regarding defense procurement fraud. The task force continues to identify, investigate, and prosecute persons involved in defense fraud. 8 footnotes.