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Classified Information

You are currently on a an Unclassified Internet Site. The pages you are viewing only explain how to file classified complaints. DO NOT submit a classified complaint on this unclassified site. You must contact the USSC IG for further instructions by calling DSN 559-1349 or commercial 719-552-1349.  You will be provided with guidance in order to submit a classified complaint.

The violations listed below should be reported to the USSC IG via secure means:

Breach of classified systems involving Special Access Programs (SAPs) – USSC recognizes three types of SAPs: Acquisition (AQ–SAP), Intelligence, (IN–SAP) and Operations and Support (OS–SAP).

Nuclear Surety

Unauthorized Disclosures of classified information

Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act (ICWPA) - see below for more information

Security violations/compromise

Intelligence Oversight

How to File a SECRET Complaint

To submit complaints involving SECRET information, use the DoD Hotline pages on the Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET). The links below are not live links.  You cannot reach the SIPRNET from this unclassified site.

You may submit your complaint directly to the USSC/IG via the following methods:

SIPR Email:  david.m.franklin2.mil@mail.smil.mil

If you send SECRET information to the DoD Hotline by any means other than our SIPR Website or SIPR E-mail, FIRST read DoD Manual 5200.01, Volume 3, "DoD Information Security Program: Protection of Classified Information," February 24, 2012, Enclosure 4, paragraph 4, "Transmission of Secret Information."

Contact the USSC IG Hotline at 719-552-1363 (unsecured line) with questions or concerns involving this process. Speaking on a classified, secured line can be arranged.

How to File a TOP SECRET Complaint

To submit complaints involving TOP SECRET information, use JWICS: david.m.franklin2@coe.ic.gov This link is not live and will not work from unclassified systems.

You may also coordinate with your respective security office on courier options. TOP SECRET complaints cannot be sent via postal systems. You may contact the USSC IG Hotline at 719-552-1363 (unsecured line) to coordinate delivery. Speaking on a classified, secured line can be arranged.

How to File an Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act Complaint

Before filing a complaint under the ICWPA, we recommend you contact the DoD Hotline at (800) 424-9098, for advice on filing procedures and timelines.  This unclassified web site cannot receive classified information.  You must use the applicable classified Hotline web pages (see above) in order to submit your complaint.

The ICWPA provides a secure means for employees to report to Congress allegations regarding classified information.

The ICWPA provides a process for employees, or contractor employees, of the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and the National Security Agency to report matters of "urgent concern" to the intelligence committees of Congress. Despite the title of the ICWPA, this statute does not grant protection for intelligence community employees. Federal employees are afforded protections against reprisal for engaging in certain protected activities, via other applicable Federal antidiscrimination or whistleblower protection laws.

In order to submit an ICWPA complaint, both of the following elements must be met:

Eligible Originator: Only applies to employees (civilian, military or contractor) assigned to one of four intelligence agencies (DIA, NSA, NRO, and NGA).

Urgent Concern: Complaint must be of an "urgent concern" which is defined as follows:

A serious or flagrant problem, abuse, violation of law or Executive Order, or deficiency relating to the funding, administration, or operations of an intelligence activity involving classified information, which does not include differences of opinion concerning public policy matters;

A false statement to Congress, or a willful withholding from Congress, on an issue of material fact relating to the funding, administration, or operation of an intelligence activity; or

An action, including a personnel action described in section 2302(a)(2)(A) of Title 5, constituting reprisal or threat of reprisal prohibited under section 7(c) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, in response to an employee reporting an urgent concern.