FCA violations are often brought by “whistleblowers.” Whistleblowers can be any non-governmental entity or individual, including employees and competitors. Whistleblowers must be an “independent source,” meaning they must “have direct and independent knowledge of the information on which the allegations are based and voluntarily provide that information to the [g]overnment before bringing suit.” Whistleblowers may then bring a civil “qui tam” suit on behalf of the government where they may be entitled to 15% to 30% of the proceeds recovered from the lawsuit.