How are Complaints Processed?
The OIG will evaluate your complaint and determine an appropriate course of action. Options include opening an OIG review (audit, evaluation or investigation); referring the matter to DOC management for review and corrective action, if warranted; referring the matter to another Federal agency; or taking no action (allegations that do not involve a potential violation of law, rule, regulation, or policy as well as allegations with limited specificity or merit may be closed with no further action). In addition, Section 7(b) of the IG Act requires the OIG to protect the identity of a federal employee who files a complaint or provides information unless (a) the employee consents to disclosure or (b) the Inspector General determines that disclosure of the employee’s identity is unavoidable during the course of an investigation.
What to Report to the DOC Hotline?
- Contract and Grant Fraud
- Environmental, Health, and Safety Violations
- Computer Crimes (including internet pornography)
- Product Substitution and Suspect/Counterfeit Parts
- Bribery, Kickbacks, and Gratuities
- False Statements and False Claims
- Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Violations
- Travel Fraud
- Theft or Abuse of Government Property
- Gross Mismanagement of Funds
- Other Violations of Federal Laws and Regulations
What NOT to Report to the DOC Hotline?
Certain matters may be better resolved through other channels, instead of the DOC Hotline. The following matters are NOT generally investigated by the Department of Commerce OIG:
- 911 Emergencies regarding DOC facility or operation (Report to local or state law enforcement authorities and Department of Commerce, Office of Security)
- Complaints of EEO discrimination (Report to Department of Commerce, Office of Civil Rights)
- Personal theft (Report to Department of Commerce, Office of Security)
- Personnel matters involving requests for individual relief (Report to servicing Office of Human Resources Management)
- Employment related grievances or complaints against management officials unless part of a whistleblower claim. (Report to servicing Office of Human Resources Management)
