Whistleblower Retaliation
The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (WPA) provides protection rights for Federal employees against retaliation for whistleblowing activities. Moreover, Title 41, United States Code, Section 4712, protects employees of contractors, subcontractors, grantees and subgrantees from retaliation for making a protected disclosure.
Whistleblowers perform an important service for the public and NARA when they report evidence of wrongdoing. All NARA employees, contractors, subcontractors, awardees, and subawardees are protected from retaliation for making a protected disclosure.
If you believe you have been subject to retaliation for protected whistleblowing you may contact various offices, including:
- National Archives and Records Administration Office of Inspector General:
NARA Online Complaint Form
Phone: (800) 786-2551 or 301-837-3500
Mail: 8601 Adelphi Road, Room 2800, College Park, MD 20740-6001 - U.S. Office of Special Counsel
OSC Online Complaint Form
Phone: (800) 572-2249
Mail: 1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-4505
Employees also may seek whistleblower protection from the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) , an independent executive agency whose responsibilities include investigating whistleblower complaints and litigating cases before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Information on filing a complaint with OSC may be found on their website .
Whistleblower Protection Coordinator
The WPA also directed some Inspectors General to designate a Whistleblower Ombudsman to educate agency employees prohibitions against, and rights and remedies relating to, retaliation for making protected disclosures. The Whistleblower Ombudsman title was changed to the Whistleblower Protection Coordinator (WPC) in 2017. The WPC is prohibited from acting as an employee's or former employee's legal representative, agent, or advocate. The WPC provides information to allow individual employees to make their own choices about the particular situation they are in. While not required, the NARA OIG has instituted a WPC as a best practice. NARA employees may contact the NARA OIG WPC at 301-837-1966 or whistleblower.coordinator@nara.gov
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)
MSPB has the authority to enforce OSC decisions and to order corrective and disciplinary actions, which can include restoring one's job; reversing suspensions; disciplinary action against a supervisor; reimbursement of attorney, medical, or other costs; and damages. More information on whistleblower MSPB appeals is available online.