Of course, $579 million isn't much of a punishment for a crime that earned them $6 billion. In fact, it's kind of a sweet deal -- almost an investment, really.

GovExec tells us:

CEO William Utt said the agreement closes "both a regrettable and unfortunate chapter in KBR's rich and storied history." He added that the settlement was "very difficult but necessary."

Yeah, I'm sure your $5.4 billion overall profit here is a real hardship in this tough economy, Bill. Don't spend it all in one place.

Wonder where that money goes?