Read before filing a complaint:

Who may file a DoWEA OIG complaint?

Any DoWEA employee, student, or legal guardian of a DoWEA student may file a complaint. Anyone, including those with no affiliation with DoWEA, may file a complaint with the DoWEA OIG regarding DoWEA fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or Whistleblower Reprisal.

What types of complaints are appropriate to file with the DoWEA OIG?

Any complaint regarding fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement or Whistleblower Reprisal should be reported to the DoWEA OIG. Complaints received regarding other types of issues (ex: discrimination, harassment, and conditions of employment) or matters with other means of established redress, are addressed by other DoWEA programs, and will be referred by the OIG as appropriate. DoWEA Established Redress and Resolution Paths

Does the OIG guarantee confidentiality?

If you request confidentiality, the OIG will not release your name outside of the OIG unless confidentiality is waived or the OIG determines that such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. You are not required to identify yourself when submitting a Hotline complaint.

You may file anonymously (no identifying information is provided) or confidentially (identifying information is provided, but release of the information is not granted), or you may consent to disclosure of your identity.

If you file your complaint anonymously, the OIG will not be able to contact you to request additional information or provide you the open/closed status of your complaint. Complaints alleging Whistleblower Reprisal may not be filed anonymously or confidentially.

Whistleblower Reprisal Protection

If you are a Federal employee, or employee of a contractor, subcontractor, or grantee submitting information to the DoWEA OIG regarding fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement in DoWEA’s programs, resources, or operations, you are probably a whistleblower. Federal law prohibits governmental personnel from retaliating against someone who acts as a whistleblower by reporting suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement to the OIG. See 5 U.S.C. § 2301, “Prohibited Personnel Practices,” or DoDEA Regulation 1400.14, “Prohibited Personnel Practices,” dated September 26, 2018 for more information.

How to Submit a Complaint

AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. 113; 10 U.S.C. 141; 10 U.S.C. 2164; DoD Instruction 7050.01; and DoDEA Administrative Instruction 7050.01. PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(S): Information is collected to facilitate the provision of DoWEA Inspector General services to the complainant, ensuring effective resolution and oversight of reported issues. Completed form is covered by CIG-16 SORN. ROUTINE USES: Disclosures are generally permitted under 5 U.S.C. 552a(b) of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, records contained herein may specifically be disclosed outside the DoW as a routine use pursuant to the DoW blanket routine uses, https://dpcld.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNsIndex/Blanket-Routine-Uses/. DISCLOSURE: Voluntary; however, failure to provide the information may prevent proper response, referral, or adjudication of the matter.

Hotline complaints may be filed via one of the following:

1. Complete the hotline form at DoWEA Activity Webforms page.
2. Email: If you are unable to access the link, please email OIGHOTLINE@dodea.edu to request a fillable form.
   IMPORTANT:  Please download the Action Request Form prior to filling it out.  The information can only be saved in a downloaded form.  Once downloaded, completed, and saved, then the form should be emailed to the OIG Hotline. 
3. Hotline telephone: 571-372-7410 or DSN 315-372-7410
4. Mail or courier: Deliverable to DoWEA OIG Headquarters in Alexandria, VA or Region Offices at Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan, or Sembach, Germany**
5. In person: Walk in to DoWEA OIG Headquarters in Alexandria, VA or Region Offices at Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan or Sembach Germany*

*For physical locations, please contact the applicable OIG location telephone number listed on the OIG Home page under “Resources and Contacts” 
**See location addresses on the OIG Home page under “Resources and Contacts”

NOTE:  To contact the HQ OIG for matters other than submitting a complaint/issue, please contact OIG@dodea.edu.

COMPLAINANTS WITH CLASSIFIED INFORMATION MUST CONTACT THE HOTLINE TELEPHONE NUMBER