U.S. Office of Special Counsel  1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 201  Washington, D.C. 20036-4505

U.S. OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF E-FILING SYSTEM 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12/8/03
CONTACT: MARY K. MONAHAN
(202) 653-8950               

    In support of the President’s e-Government initiatives and goals, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) today announced the launch of its e-filing system. The e-filing system makes it faster for employees to file prohibited personnel practice complaints and whistleblower disclosures with OSC over the Internet. By providing employees with a simple method to file online, OSC expects to make it easier for them to interact with OSC, increase the use of its online services, and better understand and respond to their needs.

     OSC’s e-filing system provides online security to users. All account and complaint information is stored on servers with limited access in a controlled facility, and sensitive information is always encrypted. To get started, users will establish an account to protect their identity. The account will allow users to repeatedly save, retrieve, and edit forms online from any location where users have Internet service. Once completed, complaints and disclosures submitted electronically will be docketed and handled in the same manner as those received by mail or facsimile.

     OSC is an independent investigative and prosecutorial agency. Our primary mission is to safeguard the merit system in federal employment by protecting federal employees and applicants from prohibited personnel practices, especially retaliation for whistleblowing. OSC also has jurisdiction over the Hatch Act to enforce restrictions on political activity by government employees. Finally, OSC facilitates disclosures of wrongdoing in the federal government by operating a secure channel for whistleblowers.

     For general information regarding OSC’s jurisdiction and complaint procedures, and for answers to frequently asked questions about OSC’s e-filing system, please visit our website at www.osc.gov.

***