8. Whistleblower Information.pdf

This document is whistleblower protection information for employees of Department of Justice (DOJ) contractors, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees, and personal services contractors.

The document defines a whistleblower as an employee of a federal contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee who discloses information reasonably believed to be evidence of gross mismanagement of federal contracts or grants, gross waste of federal funds, abuse of authority, substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or violations of law, rule, or regulation related to federal contracts or grants. Federal law under Title 41, United States Code, Section 4712 prohibits contractors and subcontractors from discharging, demoting, or discriminating against employees for making protected whistleblower disclosures. Protected disclosures must be made to a Member of Congress, Congressional committee representative, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a federal employee responsible for contract or grant oversight, an authorized DOJ or law enforcement official, a court or grand jury, or a management official with responsibility to investigate or address misconduct. The DOJ OIG has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of reprisal for whistleblowing and will submit findings to the complainant, contractor or grantee, and the agency head. Employees suspecting retaliation may file complaints with the OIG, which are investigated unless determined frivolous or already addressed. Non-disclosure agreements cannot limit the ability to provide information to the OIG. Additional information is available at https://oig.justice.gov/hotline/ via hotline (800) 869-4499, fax (202) 616-9881, or mailing address to the OIG Inspections Division in Washington, D.C.