((a)) ** .—** The Federal Government in a civil action may recover from a person—

((1)) that knowingly engages in conduct prohibited by a civil penalty equal to—

((A)) twice the amount of each kickback involved in the violation; and

((B)) not more than $10,000 for each occurrence of prohibited conduct; and

((2)) whose employee, subcontractor, or subcontractor employee violates by providing, accepting, or charging a kickback a civil penalty equal to the amount of that kickback.

((b)) ** .—** A civil action under this section must be brought within 6 years after the later of the date on which—

((1)) the prohibited conduct establishing the cause of action occurred; or

((2)) the Federal Government first knew or should reasonably have known that the prohibited conduct had occurred.