Unsubstantiated Allegation of Reprisal by a Senior U.S. Geological Survey Manager

We investigated an allegation that a senior USGS manager retaliated against a subordinate employee because the employee had participated in another investigation against him. We determined that the employee’s role in the other investigation against the senior manager constituted protected activity, but the evidence did not show that the senior manager knew of the employee’s involvement in that investigation. Accordingly, the evidence did not support a finding that the senior manager retaliated against the employee in violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act.