Most people do not know that the federal government can simply stop doing business with a company, and that this happens by letter, and that it does not require a court.

It is called suspension and debarment.

Every agency has an official who does it.

The standard is not criminal — it is whether the firm is presently responsible, which is a term of art and which means, roughly, can we trust you to hold a contract.

A suspension can be imposed immediately on adequate evidence.

There is no hearing first.