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Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
Nuclear Regulatory Commission OIG
Other Participating OIGs
Nuclear Regulatory Commission OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Report Number
OIG-24-E-02
Report Description

The OIG found that the NRC’s NDAs involving federal employees do not comply with the requirements of 5 U.S.C. section 2302(b)(13). Specifically, NRC employees hired before the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act were not informed of their whistleblower rights, as the law required. In addition, the NRC has NDAs with other federal agencies that lack required anti-gag language. Further, the OIG found that anti-gag language is not included in NRC Form 176A, Security Acknowledgement. The OIG makes three recommendations to address the issues identified during the evaluation.

Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Agency Wide
Yes
Number of Recommendations
3
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0

Open Recommendations

This report has 1 open recommendations.
Recommendation Number Significant Recommendation Recommended Questioned Costs Recommended Funds for Better Use Additional Details
3.1 Yes $0 $0 Agency Response Dated May 14, 2025: ADM acknowledges and agrees with the recommendation to update NRC Form 176A to include the required anti-gag language, ensuring employees are aware of their rights under federal law. The request to revise the form was submitted to OCIO on November 21, 2024. The schedule for NRC Form 176 remains on track, with OCIO expected to submit it to EDO in mid-May 2025. The plan is to publish the 60-day Federal Register Notice on June 16, 2025, initiating the comment period. To meet this timeline, the package must be finalized and submitted by August 29, 2025. From there, it must be sent to EDO by mid-September 2025, to ensure publication by the end of November 2025. Target Completion Date: December 2025
OIG Analysis: The proposed action meets the intent of this recommendation. The OIG will close the recommendation
after verifying that NRC Form 176 A has been updated to include the required anti-gag language.

Update NRC Form 176A to include the required anti-gag language.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission OIG

United States