Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection

The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP) promotes and improves accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• The office receives and investigates:
  • Allegations of misconduct and poor performance against VA senior leaders.
  • Allegations of whistleblower retaliation against VA supervisors.
• The office receives whistleblower disclosures from VA employees and applicants for VA employment, and if they do not involve whistleblower retaliation or senior leader misconduct or poor performance, refers it for investigation within VA while the office monitors the investigation.
• Disclosures involving classified information or information otherwise protected by law are only protected when reported to the OIG, the OSC, or an employee designated to receive such disclosures. Contact the OSC or the OIG for more information.
• The office is responsible for tracking and confirming VA’s implementation of recommendations from audits and investigations carried out by VA’s Office of Inspector General, VA’s Office of the Medical Inspector, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
• The office educates employees and stakeholders on whistleblower rights and protections.
• Confused about The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP)? The Whistleblower Navigator provides information about whistleblower rights and protections, The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP) policies and processes to whistleblowers, respondents, and other stakeholders. The Whistleblower Navigator is here to facilitate The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP) communication, coordination and collaboration. For more information, email WhistleblowerHelp@va.gov or contact us by phone at (202) 461-4500.