Mission
The Office of Whistleblower Integrity and Special Projects (WISP) leverages the unique skills of investigative counsel and analysts to fulfill OIG’s statutory responsibilities to fully investigate and report on allegations of whistleblower reprisal. WISP also reviews allegations of senior official non-criminal misconduct, as well as examines matters brought to OIG’s attention by its congressional committees of jurisdiction in order to improve the execution of programs and operations within the foreign affairs community. In addition to leading WISP, the Assistant Inspector General serves as OIG’s Whistleblower Protection Coordinator and educates OIG, Department, USIBWC, and USAGM employees, as well as contractor and grantee employees, on the rights and protections available to whistleblowers.
Processes
WISP’s primary functions include the following:
Whistleblower Education
The Inspector General Act requires the Inspector General to name a Whistleblower Protection Coordinator – the WISP Assistant Inspector General – to educate employees about prohibitions against retaliation for protected disclosures and about the rights and remedies against retaliation for protected disclosures, including the means by which employees may seek review of any allegation of reprisal and general information about the timeliness of such cases, the availability of any alternative dispute mechanisms, and avenues for potential relief. The Whistleblower Protection Coordinator may not act as a legal representative, agent, or advocate of an employee.
Whistleblower Investigations
Federal law (41 U.S.C. § 4712) allows an employee of a contractor, subcontractor, grantee, or subgrantee, or a personal services contractor to file a complaint with OIG if they believe that they have been discharged, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against as a reprisal for disclosing information about wrongdoing to certain entities (OIG, law enforcement, Congress, agency officials, etc.). WISP investigates these complaints and submits a report of its findings to the agency involved for potential remedial action.
Senior Official Misconduct Reviews
WISP reviews non-criminal allegations of violations of the law, regulations, or agency policy by senior officials (generally employees at a GS-15 or FS-1 level; members of the Senior Executive Service or Senior Foreign Service; or Presidential appointees). WISP refers substantiated misconduct to the relevant agency for appropriate action.
Special Reviews
WISP conducts special reviews of alleged systemic misconduct or similar administrative investigations involving senior Agency officials in which there is a public interest in reporting on OIG’s findings. Special reviews may also be initiated upon congressional or Agency requests to examine and report on issues of significant concern. Unlike an investigation, a special review allows OIG to publish its findings and issue recommendations.