INVESTIGATIONS

NSA OIG investigates a wide variety of allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct involving NSA/CSS programs, operations, and personnel. The OIG initiates investigations based upon information from a variety of sources, including complaints made to the OIG Hotline; information uncovered during its inspections, audits, and reviews; and referrals from other Agency organizations. Complaints can be made to the OIG Hotline online, by email, regular mail, telephone, or in person. Individuals can do so anonymously or identify themselves but indicate that they wish to maintain their confidentiality.

Whistleblowers play a critical role in identifying instances of waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. government operations. It is critical that whistleblowers feel free to provide information without fear of retaliation. The NSA OIG Hotline provides a mechanism for whistleblowers to make protected communications, and the Investigations Division carefully examines all credible claims of whistleblower reprisal.

Functions

  • Administers a Hotline program to allow affiliates to contact the OIG with complaints or concerns involving NSA/CSS activities or affiliates that might constitute violations of law, rules, and regulations; fraud, waste, or mismanagement in NSA/CSS programs and operations; gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; or substantial and specific dangers to public health and safety;
  • Protects the identities of individuals reporting or disclosing information to the OIG (confidentiality);
  • Institutes proactive outreach to prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement; and
  • Promotes management effectiveness and efficiency Agency-wide.