Pilot Program for Enhancement of Employee Whistleblower Protection (41 U.S.C. 4712)

The Pilot Program for Enhancement of Employee Whistleblower Protection (41 U.S.C. 4712) provides protections for employees against reprisal. This program applies to all contractors, grantees, subcontractors and sub-grantees on federal grants and contracts.

Employees will not be discharged, demoted, or discriminated against as reprisal for disclosing or reporting any of the following:

  • Gross mismanagement of a Federal contract or grant;
  • A gross waste of Federal funds;
  • An abuse of authority relating to a Federal contract or grant;
  • A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or
  • A violation of law, rule, or regulation related to a Federal contract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract) or grant.

Whistleblower protections are activated if an employee discloses information to any of the following:

  • A Member of Congress or a representative of a committee of Congress;
  • An Inspector General;
  • The Government Accountability Office;
  • A Federal employee responsible for contract or grant oversight or management at the relevant Federal agency;
  • An authorized official of the Department of Justice or other law enforcement agency;
  • A court or grand jury;or,
  • A management official or other employee of Portland State University who has the responsibility to investigate, discover, or address misconduct.

Portland State University has a responsibility to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse and to hold accountable those who engage in it. PSU has contracted with an independent, third-party vendor, to provide a confidential and anonymous telephone and internet system for reporting your concerns.

If you are aware of fraud, waste, or abuse occurring within PSU, matters can be reported to: