Are there laws that protect whistleblowers who are retaliated against because they have reported wrongdoing?

Yes. Federal and State laws exist that protect whistleblowers.

Where can I find the whistleblower protection section in the Federal False Claims Act?

That section can be found at 30 U.S.C. § 3730(h) and states:

Any employee who is discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or in any other manner discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment by his or her employer because of lawful acts done by the employee on behalf of the employee or others in furtherance of an action under this section, including investigation for, initiation of, testimony for, or assistance in an action filed or to be filed under this section, shall be entitled to all relief necessary to make the employee whole. Such relief shall include reinstatement with the same seniority status such employee would have had but for the discrimination, 2 times the amount of back pay, interest on the back pay, and compensation for any special damages sustained as a result of the discrimination, including litigation costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. An employee may bring an action in the appropriate district court of the United States for the relief provided in this subsection.

If I report Government contract fraud, am I entitled to a reward or bounty?

The Federal, New York State and New York City False Claims Acts provide for a bounty of up to 30 percent of the Government's recovery.

Do I need to file a law suit to get a bounty?

Yes. Under the federal False Claims Act, an individual may only recover a bounty if he or she initiates a lawsuit. A person who initiates such a lawsuit is called a "Relator." The same is true with regard to the New York State and New York City False Claims Acts.