Whistleblower Retaliation
The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (WPA) and the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 Enhanced by the Act of 2012 provide 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 NSF when they report evidence of wrongdoing. All NSF 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 either of the following offices:
- National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General:
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NSF Whistleblower Retaliation Form
Phone: (800) 428-2189 Mail: 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 - The U.S. Office of Special Counsel
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OSC Online compliant form
Phone: (800) 572-2249 Mail: 1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-4505
Whistleblower Protection Coordinator
The WPA also directed 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 Ombudsman is prohibited from acting as an employee's or former employee's legal representative, agent, or advocate. The Whistleblower Ombudsman title was changed to the Whistleblower Protection Coordinator in 2017. NSF employees may contact the NSF OIG Whistleblower Protection Coordinator at ombudsman@nsf.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 at https://www.mspb.gov/appeals/whistleblower.htm..Additional Resources
- Whistleblower Retaliation
- Prohibited Personnel Practices
- Know Your Rights when Reporting Wrongs
- PPD.19 Protecting Whistleblowers with Access to Classified Information
- Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017
- Section 1097 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018
- OSC Memo on Updated Legal Requirements Regarding Agency Training and Discipline