Classified Information

You are currently on 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 559-1363 or commercial 719-552-1363.  You will be provided with guidance in order to submit a classified complaint.

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.