The Federal government didn't pocket those folks money. Someone(s) at Consultis did.
The GSA should pay these people out & Consultis should be shut down until the GSA is paid back. If they can't pay, they should be forced into bankruptcy, just like a normal "citizen".
The problem is that puts some of these people and many many others, who are completely innocent, out of a job. It's contracting, typically if you don't work you don't get paid unless you take leave.