82_FR_45262 82 FR 45076 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

82 FR 45076 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 186 (September 27, 2017)

Page Range45076-45079
FR Document2017-20596

This system of records contains the U.S. Office of Special Counsel's (OSC) case file and other records related to the performance of our statutory duties, including: Investigating or reviewing allegations of wrongdoing; pursuing corrective action and resolution through mediation, litigation, or otherwise; conducting defensive litigation; responding to requests for Hatch Act Unit advisory opinions; and responding to requests and appeals seeking agency information.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 186 (Wednesday, September 27, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45076-45079]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20596]



[[Page 45076]]

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OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL


Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

AGENCY: U.S. Office of Special Counsel.

ACTION: Notice of a modified system of records.

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SUMMARY: This system of records contains the U.S. Office of Special 
Counsel's (OSC) case file and other records related to the performance 
of our statutory duties, including: Investigating or reviewing 
allegations of wrongdoing; pursuing corrective action and resolution 
through mediation, litigation, or otherwise; conducting defensive 
litigation; responding to requests for Hatch Act Unit advisory 
opinions; and responding to requests and appeals seeking agency 
information.

DATES: The proposed revisions to the system of records are effective 
upon publication of this notice, except that the revised routine use 
will become effective on October 27, 2017, unless OSC determines 
otherwise based on comments received about the routine use revision. 
OSC will consider comments received by October 27, 2017. OSC's routine 
use ``v.'', as published April 23, 2012 (77 FR 24242), will remain in 
effect until the revised routine use becomes final. In accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552a(r) and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB), OSC provided a report to OMB and the Congress for a 30-day 
review of the proposed modifications.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to: Office of the Clerk, U.S. Office 
of Special Counsel, by mail at 1730 M Street NW., Suite 218, 
Washington, DC 20036-4505; by fax to (202) 653-5151, or by email to 
[email protected]. Please mark envelopes, fax cover pages, or email 
subject lines with the words ``Comment on System of Records 
Modification.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Hendricks, Clerk of the U.S. 
Office of Special Counsel, at (202) 804-7000, or write to the address 
above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 
(5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, OSC is publishing notice of proposed 
revisions to its system of records entitled ``OSC/GOVT-1, OSC 
Complaint, Litigation, Political Activity, and Disclosure Files,'' last 
published in full in the Federal Register on April 23, 2012 (77 FR 
24242). OSC proposes to modify this system of records with the 
revisions noted below.
    1. OSC clarifies that the purposes for maintaining the system 
include OSC's performance of its statutory duties, and that the types 
of records maintained include records related to advisory opinions of 
OSC's Hatch Act Unit.
    2. OSC provides notice of information technology updates to the 
system's storage location/environment to reflect OSC's use of a 
FedRAMP-approved government cloud environment, to reflect OSC's 
development of a new electronic case management system that will 
provide full-text searching capability for records maintained within 
that system, and to reflect changes to the system manager information.
    3. OSC revises the system location information to clarify that 
OSC's program offices include the agency's field offices.
    4. OSC proposes revisions to routine use ``v'' pursuant to new 
requirements announced by OMB on January 3, 2017, in its memorandum M-
17-12, Preparing for and Responding to a Breach of Personally 
Identifiable Information. The memorandum directs agencies to establish 
two prescribed routine uses by which agencies can disclose information 
as necessary in response to an actual or suspected breach. OSC's 
routine use ``v'' was similar to the first of these two new 
requirements. OSC revised that provision to meet the new requirement, 
and now proposes to codify the revised provision as a sub-element of 
routine use ``v.'' OSC proposes to codify the second required provision 
as a second sub-element of routine use ``v.''
    The revised OSC/GOVT-1 reads:
SYSTEM NUMBER

OSC/GOVT-1

SYSTEM NAME:
    OSC Complaint, Litigation, Political Activity, and Disclosure 
Files.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
    In nearly all instances, OSC's work related to this system of 
records involves records that do not contain classified information. 
While this system of records generally does not contain classified 
information, it may include a small volume of records containing 
classified information. OSC would maintain such records using methods 
approved for handling classified material. OSC would not maintain or 
transmit those records using the enterprise information technology 
system referenced in this notice.

System Location:
    At OSC's headquarters offices (including program offices and the 
Document Control Branch), U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), 1730 M 
Street NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-4505; at OSC's field 
offices in Oakland, California, Detroit, Michigan, and Dallas, Texas; 
and within OSC's FedRAMP-approved government cloud. Some records may 
also be located at other agencies. Some FOIA records are maintained for 
OSC in the FOIAXpress system at AINs, 806 W. Diamond Avenue, Suite 400, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

System Manager(s):
    The official responsible for records management functions 
associated with OSC program and administrative files, including those 
in the OSC/GOVT-1 system of records, is the Clerk of the U.S. Office of 
Special Counsel, 1730 M Street NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-
4505. The official responsible for management of the enterprise 
information technology system referred to in this notice is the Chief 
Information Officer and Information Branch Chief, located at the same 
address.

Authority for Maintenance of the System:
    5 U.S.C. 552, 552a, 571-584, 1211-1221, 1501-1508, and 7321-7326; 
38 U.S.C. 4324, Sec. 204 of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 
2004, Public Law 108-454 and Sec. 105 of the Veterans' Benefits Act of 
2010, Public Law 111-175, both codified at 38 U.S.C. 4301 note.

Purpose(s) of the System:
    OSC maintains the records to: (1) Document how OSC handled each 
matter; (2) provide a resource for consistency in interpretation and 
application of the law; and (3) allow for statistical reports and 
analysis of matters processed at OSC.

Categories of Individuals Covered by the System:
    The principal categories of individuals covered by the system are 
persons filing allegations of prohibited personnel practices or other 
prohibited activities; persons identified as engaging or participating 
in improper political activity; persons filing disclosures of alleged 
wrongdoing by federal agencies; persons requesting advisory opinions on 
political activity, or third party subjects of such advisory opinions; 
persons charged by OSC in disciplinary action complaints filed by OSC 
with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB); persons on whose behalf 
OSC seeks corrective action before the MSPB; persons filing allegations 
of wrongdoing in Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights 
Act (USERRA) matters referred or transferred to OSC; plaintiffs seeking 
remedies or discovery against OSC in litigation or administrative 
claims; and persons

[[Page 45077]]

filing requests for information or administrative appeals under the 
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Privacy Act.

Categories of Records in the System:
    The principal types of records in the system are complaints 
alleging prohibited personnel practices, improper political activity, 
or other violations of law or regulation; disclosures of information 
about alleged wrongdoing by federal agencies; written requests that 
result in formal advisory opinions on political activity; allegations 
of USERRA violations; litigation documents served on or filed by OSC in 
litigation; correspondence with persons (or their representatives) 
filing such complaints, disclosures, requests, or litigation; 
communications with other agencies, entities, or individuals referring 
matters to OSC for review or investigation; exhibits and other 
documentation received from filers and requesters, governmental 
entities or third parties; interview records, including notes, 
summaries, or transcripts; affidavits; reports or other summaries of 
investigation; factual and legal summaries or analyses; administrative 
determinations; referrals to other governmental entities for 
appropriate action; records created or compiled in connection with 
litigation by or against OSC, or pertinent to OSC operations; records 
relating to attempts to resolve matters as part of OSC's Alternative 
Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program; records of or related to OSC's FOIA 
and Privacy Act Program, including but not limited to, requests, 
appeals, and decisions; information about complaints, disclosures, 
requests and litigation maintained in OSC's electronic case tracking 
system; and other correspondence and documents created or obtained in 
the performance of OSC functions under 5 U.S.C. 1211-1221, 1501-1508, 
and 7321-7326; 5 U.S.C. 552 and 552a; 38 U.S.C. 4324, and other 
applicable law, regulation, or OSC memoranda of understanding.

Record Source Categories:
    Information in this system of records is obtained from a variety of 
sources, consisting of complainants or others on whose behalf 
allegations, disclosures of information, or requests for information, 
have been submitted or referred to OSC; legal, congressional, or other 
representatives or points of contact; other government bodies; 
witnesses and subjects in matters under review; principals involved in 
litigation matters, including parties and their representatives; and 
other persons or entities furnishing information pertinent to the 
discharge of functions for which OSC is responsible.

Routine Uses of Records Maintained in the System, Including Categories 
of Users and Purposes of Such Uses:
    The following routine uses permit OSC to:
    a. Disclose information to appropriate federal entities with 
subject matter expertise to the extent necessary to obtain advice on 
any authorities, programs, or functions associated with records in this 
system;
    b. Disclose information to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 
pursuant to Civil Service Rule 5.4 (5 CFR 5.4), or obtain an advisory 
opinion concerning the application or effect of civil service laws, 
rules, regulations, or OPM guidelines in particular situations;
    c. Disclose to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any 
other agency or office concerned with the enforcement of the anti-
discrimination laws, information concerning any allegation or complaint 
of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, 
age, or handicapping condition;
    d. Disclose information to the MSPB or the President upon the 
filing or referral of a disciplinary action complaint against an 
employee on the basis of an OSC investigation;
    e. Disclose information to an agency, the MSPB, OPM, or the 
President, under 5 U.S.C. 1214, the results of investigations which 
disclose reasonable grounds to believe a prohibited personnel practice 
has occurred, exists, or is to be taken;
    f. Disclose information to Congress in connection with the 
submission of an annual report on activities of the Special Counsel;
    g. Disclose information:
    1. To any agency or person, regarding allegations of prohibited 
personnel practices or other prohibited activity, or prohibited 
political activity filed against an agency or any employee thereof, for 
the purpose of conducting an investigation; resolving an allegation 
before OSC by settlement or otherwise; or giving notice of the status 
or outcome of an investigation;
    2. to an agency, Office of Inspector General, complainant 
(whistleblower), the President, Congressional Committees, or the 
National Security Advisor regarding violations of law, rule, or 
regulation, or other disclosures under 5 U.S.C. 1213 for the purposes 
of transmitting information or reports as required under that statute; 
or in giving notice of the status or outcome of a review;
    h. Disclose information to any source from which additional 
information is requested (to the extent necessary to identify the 
individual, inform the source of the purpose(s) of the request, and to 
identify the type of information requested), where necessary to obtain 
information relevant to an agency decision concerning: The hiring or 
retention of an employee; the issuance of a security clearance; the 
classification of a job; the conducting of a security or suitability 
investigation of an individual; the letting of a contract; or the 
issuance of a license, grant, or other benefit;
    i. Disclose information to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) at any stage in the legislative coordination and clearance 
process in connection with private relief legislation, as set forth in 
OMB Circular No. A-19;
    j. Provide information to a congressional office from the record of 
an individual in response to an inquiry from that congressional office 
(made at the written request of that individual);
    k. Furnish information to the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA) in records management inspections conducted under 
authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906, or other functions authorized by 
laws, regulations, and policies governing NARA operations and OSC 
records management responsibilities;
    l. Disclose information when consulting with, or referring a record 
to, another Federal entity for the purpose of making a decision on a 
request for information under the FOIA or the Privacy Act; or to the 
Office of Government Information Services established at NARA by the 
Open Government Act of 2007, which amended the FOIA, for the purpose of 
conducting mediation and otherwise resolving disputes under FOIA;
    m. Disclose records to the Department of Justice (DOJ) when:
    1. Any of the following entities or individuals is a party to 
litigation or has an interest in litigation:
    A. The OSC;
    B. Any employee of the OSC in his or her official capacity;
    C. Any employee of the OSC in his or her individual capacity whom 
DOJ has been asked or agreed to represent; or
    D. The United States, where the OSC determines that the OSC will be 
affected by the litigation; and
    2. When the OSC determines that use of the records by the DOJ is 
relevant and necessary to the litigation;
    n. Disclose records in a proceeding before a court or adjudicative 
body, before which the OSC is authorized to appear, when:

[[Page 45078]]

    1. Any of the following entities or individuals is a party to, or 
has an interest in the proceedings:
    A. The OSC;
    B. Any employee of the OSC in his or her official capacity;
    C. Any employee of the OSC in his or her individual capacity whom 
OSC has agreed to represent; or
    D. The United States, where the OSC determines that the OSC will be 
affected by the proceedings; and
    2. When the OSC determines that use of the records is relevant and 
necessary to the proceedings;
    o. Disclose information to the MSPB to aid in the conduct of 
special studies by the Board under 5 U.S.C. 1204(a)(3);
    p. Disclose information to an Office of Inspector General (OIG) or 
comparable internal inspection, audit, or oversight office of an agency 
for the purpose of facilitating the coordination and conduct of 
investigations and review of allegations within the purview of both the 
OSC and the agency OIG or comparable office; or in notifying an OIG (or 
comparable office) of the disposition of matters referred by the OIG 
(or comparable office) to the OSC;
    q. Disclose information to the news media and the public when (1) 
the matter under investigation has become public knowledge, (2) the 
Special Counsel determines that disclosure is necessary to preserve 
confidence in the integrity of the OSC investigative process or is 
necessary to demonstrate the accountability of OSC officers, employees, 
or individuals covered by this system, or (3) the Special Counsel 
determines that there exists a legitimate public interest (e.g., to 
demonstrate that the law is being enforced, or to deter the commission 
of prohibited personnel practices, prohibited political activity, and 
other prohibited activity within the OSC's jurisdiction), except to the 
extent that the Special Counsel determines in any of these situation 
that disclosure of specific information in the context of a particular 
case would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
    r. Disclose information to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) about 
OSC's referral of a complaint alleging a violation of veterans 
preference requirements to DOL for further action under the Veterans' 
Employment Opportunities Act of 1998; disclose information to DOL or 
any agency or person as needed to develop relevant information about 
matters referred by DOL to OSC under 38 U.S.C. 4324 (USERRA); disclose 
information to DOL or any agency or person as needed to advise on the 
status or disposition of matters referred by DOL to OSC for 
disciplinary action under 5 U.S.C. 1215, or possible litigation under 
38 U.S.C. 4324; or disclose information to DOL or any agency or person 
as needed to develop relevant information about, or to advise on the 
status or disposition of, matters investigated under a USERRA 
demonstration project at OSC (Sec. 204, Pub. L. 108-454; Sec. 105 Pub. 
L. 111-275); or disclose information to the U.S. Department of Defense, 
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), for the purpose of 
having ESGR mediate USERRA complaints received by or referred to OSC;
    s. To disclose records, when OSC has agreed to represent a USERRA 
complainant under 38 U.S.C. 4324 (a)(2)(A), from the corresponding 
USERRA investigative file to the relevant USERRA litigation file, and 
from the relevant USERRA litigation file to the USERRA complainant;
    t. Disclose information to agency contractors, experts, 
consultants, detailees, or non-OSC employees performing or working on a 
contract, service, or other activity related to the system of records, 
when necessary to accomplish an agency function related to the system;
    u. Make lists and reports available to the public pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 1219;
    v. Disclose information:
    1. To appropriate agencies, entities, and persons when: (1) OSC 
suspects or has confirmed that there has been a breach of the system of 
records; (2) OSC has determined that as a result of the suspected or 
confirmed compromise there is a risk of harm to individuals, OSC 
(including its information systems, programs, and operations), the 
Federal Government, or national security; and (3) the disclosure made 
to such agencies, entities, and persons is reasonably necessary to 
assist in connection with OSC's efforts to respond to the suspected or 
confirmed breach or to prevent, minimize, or remedy such harm;
    2. To another Federal agency, or Federal entity when OSC determines 
that information from this system of records is reasonably necessary to 
assist the recipient agency or entity in (1) responding to a suspected 
or confirmed breach or (2) preventing, minimizing, or remedying the 
risk of harm to individuals, the recipient agency or entity (including 
its information systems, programs, and operations), the Federal 
Government, or national security, resulting from a suspected or 
confirmed breach.
    w. Disclose pertinent information to the appropriate federal, 
state, or local agency responsible for investigating, prosecuting, 
enforcing, or implementing a statute, rule, regulation, or order where 
OSC becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of civil or 
criminal law or regulation; and to OPM and the OMB pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
1214;
    x. Disclose information to the Integrity Committee established 
under section 11(d) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, when needed 
because of receipt, review or referral to the Integrity Committee under 
section 7(b) of Public Law 110-409; or as needed for a matter referred 
to OSC by the Integrity Committee; and
    y. Disclose information to the DOJ and/or the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation for inclusion in the National Instant Criminal Background 
Check System (NICS), pursuant to the reporting requirements of the 
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, as amended by the NICS 
Improvement Amendments Act of 2007.

Policies and Practices for Storage of Records:
    These records are stored in a variety of media, primarily 
consisting of file folders, computer storage equipment, and the 
government cloud. Access is limited to those agency personnel who have 
an official need for access to perform their duties. OSC requires new 
employees to read and acknowledge agency directives, including on 
information technology user roles and responsibilities, records 
management, and privacy protection. OSC requires all employees to 
complete annual cybersecurity awareness training.

Policies and Practices for Retrieval of Records:
    Some files in this system of records are retrievable through full-
text search capability, including by the names of key individuals or 
agencies involved (including, complainants or requesters; persons on 
whose behalf OSC seeks corrective action; subjects identified in 
disciplinary proceedings, warning letters, or other determinations; 
legal, congressional, or other representatives or points of contact; or 
key witnesses), although files are generally retrieved by the name of: 
(a) The complainant alleging a prohibited personnel practice, or other 
prohibited activity; (b) the alleged subject of a complaint about 
prohibited political activity; (c) the person filing an allegation 
through the OSC whistleblower disclosure channel; (d) the name of the 
person filing a request for an advisory opinion on political activity, 
or the third-party subject of such advisory opinions; (e) the name of 
the person on whose behalf OSC seeks corrective action, or the

[[Page 45079]]

person against whom OSC seeks disciplinary action, in litigation before 
the MSPB; (f) the plaintiff in litigation or administrative claims 
against OSC; persons requesting discovery from OSC; and FOIA and 
Privacy Act requesters and appellants.

Policies and Practices for Retention and Disposal of Records:
    Case file records related to allegations of prohibited personnel 
practices and other prohibited activities, including allegations of 
improper political activity, violations of USERRA, and other matters 
under OSC's jurisdiction, including program litigation records and 
records of the ADR Unit and the Disclosure Unit, that are of 
extraordinary importance to the nation or OSC, are permanent records 
when approved by the Special Counsel. Case file records of the 
Disclosure Unit that result in either a referral to an agency head 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1213, or an informal referral to an agency's 
Inspector General, are retained for 10 years after the date of closure. 
Other case file records related to such prohibited activities, 
including program litigation, and the Disclosure Unit are retained for 
6 years after the date of closure. Case file records of Formal Advisory 
Opinions of the Hatch Act Unit are retained for 6 years after the date 
of closure. Litigation case file records relating to the legal defense 
of OSC and its interests in matters and claims filed against the agency 
in courts, administrative tribunals, or other forums, including formal 
and informal discovery requests, and other claims or similar 
proceedings that are of extraordinary importance to the nation or OSC 
are permanent records when approved by the Special Counsel. All other 
such defensive litigation and claim case file records are retained for 
7 years after the date of closure. Additionally, final signed 
settlement agreements are retained for 20 years after the date of 
closure. Personally identifiable information in OSC's electronic case 
tracking system is retained until deleted from the database 25 years 
after the corresponding case file is destroyed. Case file records 
related to OSC's FOIA and Privacy Act Program are retained in 
accordance with NARA's General Records Schedule 14 for Information 
Services Records. Disposal of records is accomplished by shredding or 
by NARA-approved processes. Electronic information is disposed of by 
deletion. OSC is revising its record retention schedule in consultation 
with NARA. Pending approval of the revised records schedule, records 
are maintained for the current or proposed retention, whichever is 
longer.

Administrative, Technical, and Physical Safeguards:
    These records are located in lockable file cabinets or in secured 
areas. Other OSC safeguards include the required use of computer 
password protection identification features and other system protection 
methods. Access is limited to those agency personnel who have an 
official need for access to perform their duties. OSC requires new 
employees to read and acknowledge agency directives, including on 
information technology user roles and responsibilities, records 
management, and privacy protection. OSC requires all employees to 
complete annual cybersecurity awareness training.

Record Access Procedure:
    Individuals who wish to request record access should contact the 
FOIA/Privacy Act Officer, U.S. Office of Special Counsel: (1) By mail 
at 1730 M Street NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-4505; (2) by 
telephone at 202-804-7000; or (3) by fax: at 202-653-5161. To assist in 
the process of locating and identifying records, individuals should 
furnish the following: Name and home address; business title and 
address; any other known identifying information such as an agency file 
number or identification number; a description of the circumstances 
under which the records were compiled; and any other information deemed 
necessary by OSC to properly process the request. Requesters should 
reasonably describe the records they seek. Rules about FOIA access are 
in 5 CFR part 1820, and rules about Privacy Act access are in 5 CFR 
part 1830.

Contesting Record Procedures:
    Individuals who wish to contest records about themselves should 
contact OSC's Privacy Act Officer, identify any information they 
believe should be corrected, and furnish a statement of the basis for 
the requested correction along with all available supporting documents 
and materials. See OSC Privacy Act regulations at 5 CFR part 1830.
    Notification Procedures: Individuals who wish to inquire whether 
this system contains information about them should follow the Record 
Access procedures, noted above.

Exemptions Promulgated for the System:
    OSC will claim exemptions from the provisions of the Privacy Act at 
subsections (c)(3) and (d) as permitted by subsection (k) for records 
subject to the Act that fall within the category of investigatory 
material described in paragraphs (2) and (5), and testing or 
examination material described in paragraph (6) of that subsection. The 
exemptions for investigatory material are necessary to prevent 
frustration of inquiries into allegations of prohibited personnel 
practices, unlawful political activity, whistleblower disclosures, 
USERRA violations, and other matters under OSC's jurisdiction, and to 
protect identities of confidential sources of information, including in 
background investigations of OSC employees, contractors, and other 
individuals conducted by or for OSC. The exemption for testing or 
examination material is necessary to prevent the disclosure of 
information which would potentially give an individual an unfair 
competitive advantage or diminish the utility of established 
examination procedures. OSC also reserves the right to assert 
exemptions for records received from another agency that could be 
properly claimed by that agency in responding to a request. OSC may 
also refuse access to any information compiled in reasonable 
anticipation of a civil action or proceeding. OSC published a final 
rule regarding these exemptions at 72 FR 56617 (Oct. 4, 2017).

History:
    OSC last published a Federal Register notice for this system on 
April 23, 2012, at 77 FR 24242.

    Dated: September 21, 2017.
Bruce P. Gipe,
Chief Operating Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-20596 Filed 9-26-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7405-01-P



                                                    45076                   Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 27, 2017 / Notices

                                                    OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL                               performance of its statutory duties, and              4505; at OSC’s field offices in Oakland,
                                                                                                            that the types of records maintained                  California, Detroit, Michigan, and
                                                    Privacy Act of 1974; System of                          include records related to advisory                   Dallas, Texas; and within OSC’s
                                                    Records                                                 opinions of OSC’s Hatch Act Unit.                     FedRAMP-approved government cloud.
                                                                                                               2. OSC provides notice of information              Some records may also be located at
                                                    AGENCY:    U.S. Office of Special Counsel.
                                                                                                            technology updates to the system’s                    other agencies. Some FOIA records are
                                                    ACTION:    Notice of a modified system of               storage location/environment to reflect               maintained for OSC in the FOIAXpress
                                                    records.                                                OSC’s use of a FedRAMP-approved                       system at AINs, 806 W. Diamond
                                                    SUMMARY:    This system of records                      government cloud environment, to                      Avenue, Suite 400, Gaithersburg, MD
                                                    contains the U.S. Office of Special                     reflect OSC’s development of a new                    20878.
                                                    Counsel’s (OSC) case file and other                     electronic case management system that
                                                                                                                                                                  SYSTEM MANAGER(S):
                                                    records related to the performance of                   will provide full-text searching
                                                                                                            capability for records maintained within                The official responsible for records
                                                    our statutory duties, including:                                                                              management functions associated with
                                                    Investigating or reviewing allegations of               that system, and to reflect changes to the
                                                                                                            system manager information.                           OSC program and administrative files,
                                                    wrongdoing; pursuing corrective action                                                                        including those in the OSC/GOVT–1
                                                    and resolution through mediation,                          3. OSC revises the system location
                                                                                                            information to clarify that OSC’s                     system of records, is the Clerk of the
                                                    litigation, or otherwise; conducting                                                                          U.S. Office of Special Counsel, 1730 M
                                                    defensive litigation; responding to                     program offices include the agency’s
                                                                                                            field offices.                                        Street NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC
                                                    requests for Hatch Act Unit advisory                                                                          20036–4505. The official responsible for
                                                                                                               4. OSC proposes revisions to routine
                                                    opinions; and responding to requests                                                                          management of the enterprise
                                                                                                            use ‘‘v’’ pursuant to new requirements
                                                    and appeals seeking agency information.                                                                       information technology system referred
                                                                                                            announced by OMB on January 3, 2017,
                                                    DATES: The proposed revisions to the                    in its memorandum M–17–12, Preparing                  to in this notice is the Chief Information
                                                    system of records are effective upon                    for and Responding to a Breach of                     Officer and Information Branch Chief,
                                                    publication of this notice, except that                 Personally Identifiable Information. The              located at the same address.
                                                    the revised routine use will become                     memorandum directs agencies to                        AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
                                                    effective on October 27, 2017, unless                   establish two prescribed routine uses by
                                                    OSC determines otherwise based on                                                                               5 U.S.C. 552, 552a, 571–584, 1211–
                                                                                                            which agencies can disclose information               1221, 1501–1508, and 7321–7326; 38
                                                    comments received about the routine                     as necessary in response to an actual or              U.S.C. 4324, Sec. 204 of the Veterans
                                                    use revision. OSC will consider                         suspected breach. OSC’s routine use ‘‘v’’             Benefits Improvement Act of 2004,
                                                    comments received by October 27, 2017.                  was similar to the first of these two new             Public Law 108–454 and Sec. 105 of the
                                                    OSC’s routine use ‘‘v.’’, as published                  requirements. OSC revised that                        Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010, Public
                                                    April 23, 2012 (77 FR 24242), will                      provision to meet the new requirement,                Law 111–175, both codified at 38 U.S.C.
                                                    remain in effect until the revised routine              and now proposes to codify the revised                4301 note.
                                                    use becomes final. In accordance with 5                 provision as a sub-element of routine
                                                    U.S.C. 552a(r) and guidance from the                    use ‘‘v.’’ OSC proposes to codify the                 PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM:
                                                    Office of Management and Budget                         second required provision as a second                   OSC maintains the records to: (1)
                                                    (OMB), OSC provided a report to OMB                     sub-element of routine use ‘‘v.’’                     Document how OSC handled each
                                                    and the Congress for a 30-day review of                    The revised OSC/GOVT–1 reads:                      matter; (2) provide a resource for
                                                    the proposed modifications.                                                                                   consistency in interpretation and
                                                    ADDRESSES: Submit written comments                      SYSTEM NUMBER                                         application of the law; and (3) allow for
                                                    to: Office of the Clerk, U.S. Office of                 OSC/GOVT–1                                            statistical reports and analysis of
                                                    Special Counsel, by mail at 1730 M                                                                            matters processed at OSC.
                                                    Street NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC                   SYSTEM NAME:
                                                                                                                                                                  CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE
                                                    20036–4505; by fax to (202) 653–5151,                    OSC Complaint, Litigation, Political                 SYSTEM:
                                                    or by email to khendricks@osc.gov.                      Activity, and Disclosure Files.                          The principal categories of
                                                    Please mark envelopes, fax cover pages,
                                                                                                            SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:                              individuals covered by the system are
                                                    or email subject lines with the words
                                                                                                              In nearly all instances, OSC’s work                 persons filing allegations of prohibited
                                                    ‘‘Comment on System of Records
                                                                                                            related to this system of records                     personnel practices or other prohibited
                                                    Modification.’’
                                                                                                            involves records that do not contain                  activities; persons identified as engaging
                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                              or participating in improper political
                                                                                                            classified information. While this
                                                    Kenneth Hendricks, Clerk of the U.S.                    system of records generally does not                  activity; persons filing disclosures of
                                                    Office of Special Counsel, at (202) 804–                contain classified information, it may                alleged wrongdoing by federal agencies;
                                                    7000, or write to the address above.                    include a small volume of records                     persons requesting advisory opinions on
                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In                           containing classified information. OSC                political activity, or third party subjects
                                                    accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974                 would maintain such records using                     of such advisory opinions; persons
                                                    (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, OSC is                     methods approved for handling                         charged by OSC in disciplinary action
                                                    publishing notice of proposed revisions                 classified material. OSC would not                    complaints filed by OSC with the Merit
                                                    to its system of records entitled ‘‘OSC/                maintain or transmit those records using              Systems Protection Board (MSPB);
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                                                    GOVT–1, OSC Complaint, Litigation,                      the enterprise information technology                 persons on whose behalf OSC seeks
                                                    Political Activity, and Disclosure Files,’’             system referenced in this notice.                     corrective action before the MSPB;
                                                    last published in full in the Federal                                                                         persons filing allegations of wrongdoing
                                                    Register on April 23, 2012 (77 FR                       SYSTEM LOCATION:                                      in Uniformed Services Employment and
                                                    24242). OSC proposes to modify this                        At OSC’s headquarters offices                      Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
                                                    system of records with the revisions                    (including program offices and the                    matters referred or transferred to OSC;
                                                    noted below.                                            Document Control Branch), U.S. Office                 plaintiffs seeking remedies or discovery
                                                      1. OSC clarifies that the purposes for                of Special Counsel (OSC), 1730 M Street               against OSC in litigation or
                                                    maintaining the system include OSC’s                    NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036–                 administrative claims; and persons


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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 27, 2017 / Notices                                            45077

                                                    filing requests for information or                      to the discharge of functions for which               requested (to the extent necessary to
                                                    administrative appeals under the                        OSC is responsible.                                   identify the individual, inform the
                                                    Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or                                                                          source of the purpose(s) of the request,
                                                                                                            ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE
                                                    the Privacy Act.                                        SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND
                                                                                                                                                                  and to identify the type of information
                                                                                                            PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:                                requested), where necessary to obtain
                                                    CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
                                                                                                               The following routine uses permit                  information relevant to an agency
                                                       The principal types of records in the                                                                      decision concerning: The hiring or
                                                    system are complaints alleging                          OSC to:
                                                                                                               a. Disclose information to appropriate             retention of an employee; the issuance
                                                    prohibited personnel practices,                                                                               of a security clearance; the classification
                                                    improper political activity, or other                   federal entities with subject matter
                                                                                                            expertise to the extent necessary to                  of a job; the conducting of a security or
                                                    violations of law or regulation;                                                                              suitability investigation of an
                                                    disclosures of information about alleged                obtain advice on any authorities,
                                                                                                            programs, or functions associated with                individual; the letting of a contract; or
                                                    wrongdoing by federal agencies; written                                                                       the issuance of a license, grant, or other
                                                    requests that result in formal advisory                 records in this system;
                                                                                                               b. Disclose information to the Office              benefit;
                                                    opinions on political activity;
                                                                                                            of Personnel Management (OPM)                            i. Disclose information to the Office of
                                                    allegations of USERRA violations;
                                                                                                            pursuant to Civil Service Rule 5.4 (5                 Management and Budget (OMB) at any
                                                    litigation documents served on or filed
                                                                                                            CFR 5.4), or obtain an advisory opinion               stage in the legislative coordination and
                                                    by OSC in litigation; correspondence
                                                                                                            concerning the application or effect of               clearance process in connection with
                                                    with persons (or their representatives)
                                                                                                            civil service laws, rules, regulations, or            private relief legislation, as set forth in
                                                    filing such complaints, disclosures,
                                                                                                            OPM guidelines in particular situations;              OMB Circular No. A–19;
                                                    requests, or litigation; communications
                                                                                                               c. Disclose to the Equal Employment                   j. Provide information to a
                                                    with other agencies, entities, or
                                                                                                            Opportunity Commission or any other                   congressional office from the record of
                                                    individuals referring matters to OSC for
                                                                                                            agency or office concerned with the                   an individual in response to an inquiry
                                                    review or investigation; exhibits and                   enforcement of the anti-discrimination
                                                    other documentation received from                                                                             from that congressional office (made at
                                                                                                            laws, information concerning any                      the written request of that individual);
                                                    filers and requesters, governmental                     allegation or complaint of
                                                    entities or third parties; interview                                                                             k. Furnish information to the National
                                                                                                            discrimination based on race, color,                  Archives and Records Administration
                                                    records, including notes, summaries, or                 religion, sex, national origin, age, or
                                                    transcripts; affidavits; reports or other                                                                     (NARA) in records management
                                                                                                            handicapping condition;                               inspections conducted under authority
                                                    summaries of investigation; factual and                    d. Disclose information to the MSPB
                                                    legal summaries or analyses;                                                                                  of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906, or other
                                                                                                            or the President upon the filing or                   functions authorized by laws,
                                                    administrative determinations; referrals                referral of a disciplinary action
                                                    to other governmental entities for                                                                            regulations, and policies governing
                                                                                                            complaint against an employee on the
                                                    appropriate action; records created or                                                                        NARA operations and OSC records
                                                                                                            basis of an OSC investigation;
                                                    compiled in connection with litigation                                                                        management responsibilities;
                                                                                                               e. Disclose information to an agency,
                                                    by or against OSC, or pertinent to OSC                  the MSPB, OPM, or the President, under                   l. Disclose information when
                                                    operations; records relating to attempts                5 U.S.C. 1214, the results of                         consulting with, or referring a record to,
                                                    to resolve matters as part of OSC’s                     investigations which disclose                         another Federal entity for the purpose of
                                                    Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)                    reasonable grounds to believe a                       making a decision on a request for
                                                    Program; records of or related to OSC’s                 prohibited personnel practice has                     information under the FOIA or the
                                                    FOIA and Privacy Act Program,                           occurred, exists, or is to be taken;                  Privacy Act; or to the Office of
                                                    including but not limited to, requests,                    f. Disclose information to Congress in             Government Information Services
                                                    appeals, and decisions; information                     connection with the submission of an                  established at NARA by the Open
                                                    about complaints, disclosures, requests                 annual report on activities of the Special            Government Act of 2007, which
                                                    and litigation maintained in OSC’s                      Counsel;                                              amended the FOIA, for the purpose of
                                                    electronic case tracking system; and                       g. Disclose information:                           conducting mediation and otherwise
                                                    other correspondence and documents                         1. To any agency or person, regarding              resolving disputes under FOIA;
                                                    created or obtained in the performance                  allegations of prohibited personnel                      m. Disclose records to the Department
                                                    of OSC functions under 5 U.S.C. 1211–                   practices or other prohibited activity, or            of Justice (DOJ) when:
                                                    1221, 1501–1508, and 7321–7326; 5                       prohibited political activity filed against              1. Any of the following entities or
                                                    U.S.C. 552 and 552a; 38 U.S.C. 4324,                    an agency or any employee thereof, for                individuals is a party to litigation or has
                                                    and other applicable law, regulation, or                the purpose of conducting an                          an interest in litigation:
                                                    OSC memoranda of understanding.                         investigation; resolving an allegation                   A. The OSC;
                                                                                                            before OSC by settlement or otherwise;                   B. Any employee of the OSC in his or
                                                    RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:                               or giving notice of the status or outcome
                                                       Information in this system of records                                                                      her official capacity;
                                                                                                            of an investigation;
                                                    is obtained from a variety of sources,                     2. to an agency, Office of Inspector                  C. Any employee of the OSC in his or
                                                    consisting of complainants or others on                 General, complainant (whistleblower),                 her individual capacity whom DOJ has
                                                    whose behalf allegations, disclosures of                the President, Congressional                          been asked or agreed to represent; or
                                                    information, or requests for information,               Committees, or the National Security                     D. The United States, where the OSC
                                                                                                                                                                  determines that the OSC will be affected
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                                                    have been submitted or referred to OSC;                 Advisor regarding violations of law,
                                                    legal, congressional, or other                          rule, or regulation, or other disclosures             by the litigation; and
                                                    representatives or points of contact;                   under 5 U.S.C. 1213 for the purposes of                  2. When the OSC determines that use
                                                    other government bodies; witnesses and                  transmitting information or reports as                of the records by the DOJ is relevant and
                                                    subjects in matters under review;                       required under that statute; or in giving             necessary to the litigation;
                                                    principals involved in litigation matters,              notice of the status or outcome of a                     n. Disclose records in a proceeding
                                                    including parties and their                             review;                                               before a court or adjudicative body,
                                                    representatives; and other persons or                      h. Disclose information to any source              before which the OSC is authorized to
                                                    entities furnishing information pertinent               from which additional information is                  appear, when:


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                                                    45078                   Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 27, 2017 / Notices

                                                       1. Any of the following entities or                  disciplinary action under 5 U.S.C. 1215,              a statute, rule, regulation, or order
                                                    individuals is a party to, or has an                    or possible litigation under 38 U.S.C.                where OSC becomes aware of a
                                                    interest in the proceedings:                            4324; or disclose information to DOL or               violation or potential violation of civil
                                                       A. The OSC;                                          any agency or person as needed to                     or criminal law or regulation; and to
                                                       B. Any employee of the OSC in his or                 develop relevant information about, or                OPM and the OMB pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
                                                    her official capacity;                                  to advise on the status or disposition of,            1214;
                                                       C. Any employee of the OSC in his or                 matters investigated under a USERRA                      x. Disclose information to the
                                                    her individual capacity whom OSC has                    demonstration project at OSC (Sec. 204,               Integrity Committee established under
                                                    agreed to represent; or                                 Pub. L. 108–454; Sec. 105 Pub. L. 111–                section 11(d) of the Inspector General
                                                       D. The United States, where the OSC                  275); or disclose information to the U.S.             Act of 1978, when needed because of
                                                    determines that the OSC will be affected                Department of Defense, Employer                       receipt, review or referral to the
                                                    by the proceedings; and                                 Support of the Guard and Reserve                      Integrity Committee under section 7(b)
                                                       2. When the OSC determines that use                  (ESGR), for the purpose of having ESGR                of Public Law 110–409; or as needed for
                                                    of the records is relevant and necessary                mediate USERRA complaints received                    a matter referred to OSC by the Integrity
                                                    to the proceedings;                                     by or referred to OSC;                                Committee; and
                                                       o. Disclose information to the MSPB                     s. To disclose records, when OSC has                  y. Disclose information to the DOJ
                                                    to aid in the conduct of special studies                agreed to represent a USERRA                          and/or the Federal Bureau of
                                                    by the Board under 5 U.S.C. 1204(a)(3);                 complainant under 38 U.S.C. 4324                      Investigation for inclusion in the
                                                       p. Disclose information to an Office of              (a)(2)(A), from the corresponding                     National Instant Criminal Background
                                                    Inspector General (OIG) or comparable                   USERRA investigative file to the                      Check System (NICS), pursuant to the
                                                    internal inspection, audit, or oversight                relevant USERRA litigation file, and                  reporting requirements of the Brady
                                                    office of an agency for the purpose of                  from the relevant USERRA litigation file              Handgun Violence Prevention Act, as
                                                    facilitating the coordination and                       to the USERRA complainant;                            amended by the NICS Improvement
                                                    conduct of investigations and review of                    t. Disclose information to agency                  Amendments Act of 2007.
                                                    allegations within the purview of both                  contractors, experts, consultants,
                                                    the OSC and the agency OIG or                           detailees, or non-OSC employees                       POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORAGE OF
                                                    comparable office; or in notifying an                   performing or working on a contract,                  RECORDS:
                                                    OIG (or comparable office) of the                       service, or other activity related to the               These records are stored in a variety
                                                    disposition of matters referred by the                  system of records, when necessary to                  of media, primarily consisting of file
                                                    OIG (or comparable office) to the OSC;                  accomplish an agency function related                 folders, computer storage equipment,
                                                       q. Disclose information to the news                  to the system;                                        and the government cloud. Access is
                                                    media and the public when (1) the                          u. Make lists and reports available to             limited to those agency personnel who
                                                    matter under investigation has become                   the public pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1219;                 have an official need for access to
                                                    public knowledge, (2) the Special                          v. Disclose information:                           perform their duties. OSC requires new
                                                    Counsel determines that disclosure is                      1. To appropriate agencies, entities,              employees to read and acknowledge
                                                    necessary to preserve confidence in the                 and persons when: (1) OSC suspects or                 agency directives, including on
                                                    integrity of the OSC investigative                      has confirmed that there has been a                   information technology user roles and
                                                    process or is necessary to demonstrate                  breach of the system of records; (2) OSC              responsibilities, records management,
                                                    the accountability of OSC officers,                     has determined that as a result of the                and privacy protection. OSC requires all
                                                    employees, or individuals covered by                    suspected or confirmed compromise                     employees to complete annual
                                                    this system, or (3) the Special Counsel                 there is a risk of harm to individuals,               cybersecurity awareness training.
                                                    determines that there exists a legitimate               OSC (including its information systems,
                                                    public interest (e.g., to demonstrate that              programs, and operations), the Federal                POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETRIEVAL OF
                                                    the law is being enforced, or to deter the              Government, or national security; and                 RECORDS:
                                                    commission of prohibited personnel                      (3) the disclosure made to such                          Some files in this system of records
                                                    practices, prohibited political activity,               agencies, entities, and persons is                    are retrievable through full-text search
                                                    and other prohibited activity within the                reasonably necessary to assist in                     capability, including by the names of
                                                    OSC’s jurisdiction), except to the extent               connection with OSC’s efforts to                      key individuals or agencies involved
                                                    that the Special Counsel determines in                  respond to the suspected or confirmed                 (including, complainants or requesters;
                                                    any of these situation that disclosure of               breach or to prevent, minimize, or                    persons on whose behalf OSC seeks
                                                    specific information in the context of a                remedy such harm;                                     corrective action; subjects identified in
                                                    particular case would constitute an                        2. To another Federal agency, or                   disciplinary proceedings, warning
                                                    unwarranted invasion of personal                        Federal entity when OSC determines                    letters, or other determinations; legal,
                                                    privacy;                                                that information from this system of                  congressional, or other representatives
                                                       r. Disclose information to the U.S.                  records is reasonably necessary to assist             or points of contact; or key witnesses),
                                                    Department of Labor (DOL) about OSC’s                   the recipient agency or entity in (1)                 although files are generally retrieved by
                                                    referral of a complaint alleging a                      responding to a suspected or confirmed                the name of: (a) The complainant
                                                    violation of veterans preference                        breach or (2) preventing, minimizing, or              alleging a prohibited personnel practice,
                                                    requirements to DOL for further action                  remedying the risk of harm to                         or other prohibited activity; (b) the
                                                    under the Veterans’ Employment                          individuals, the recipient agency or                  alleged subject of a complaint about
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                                                    Opportunities Act of 1998; disclose                     entity (including its information                     prohibited political activity; (c) the
                                                    information to DOL or any agency or                     systems, programs, and operations), the               person filing an allegation through the
                                                    person as needed to develop relevant                    Federal Government, or national                       OSC whistleblower disclosure channel;
                                                    information about matters referred by                   security, resulting from a suspected or               (d) the name of the person filing a
                                                    DOL to OSC under 38 U.S.C. 4324                         confirmed breach.                                     request for an advisory opinion on
                                                    (USERRA); disclose information to DOL                      w. Disclose pertinent information to               political activity, or the third-party
                                                    or any agency or person as needed to                    the appropriate federal, state, or local              subject of such advisory opinions; (e)
                                                    advise on the status or disposition of                  agency responsible for investigating,                 the name of the person on whose behalf
                                                    matters referred by DOL to OSC for                      prosecuting, enforcing, or implementing               OSC seeks corrective action, or the


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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 27, 2017 / Notices                                                 45079

                                                    person against whom OSC seeks                           current or proposed retention,                        paragraphs (2) and (5), and testing or
                                                    disciplinary action, in litigation before               whichever is longer.                                  examination material described in
                                                    the MSPB; (f) the plaintiff in litigation                                                                     paragraph (6) of that subsection. The
                                                                                                            ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND PHYSICAL
                                                    or administrative claims against OSC;                   SAFEGUARDS:
                                                                                                                                                                  exemptions for investigatory material
                                                    persons requesting discovery from OSC;                                                                        are necessary to prevent frustration of
                                                    and FOIA and Privacy Act requesters                        These records are located in lockable
                                                                                                                                                                  inquiries into allegations of prohibited
                                                    and appellants.                                         file cabinets or in secured areas. Other
                                                                                                                                                                  personnel practices, unlawful political
                                                                                                            OSC safeguards include the required use
                                                                                                                                                                  activity, whistleblower disclosures,
                                                    POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETENTION AND                of computer password protection
                                                    DISPOSAL OF RECORDS:
                                                                                                                                                                  USERRA violations, and other matters
                                                                                                            identification features and other system
                                                                                                                                                                  under OSC’s jurisdiction, and to protect
                                                       Case file records related to allegations             protection methods. Access is limited to
                                                                                                                                                                  identities of confidential sources of
                                                    of prohibited personnel practices and                   those agency personnel who have an
                                                    other prohibited activities, including                  official need for access to perform their             information, including in background
                                                    allegations of improper political                       duties. OSC requires new employees to                 investigations of OSC employees,
                                                    activity, violations of USERRA, and                     read and acknowledge agency                           contractors, and other individuals
                                                    other matters under OSC’s jurisdiction,                 directives, including on information                  conducted by or for OSC. The
                                                    including program litigation records and                technology user roles and                             exemption for testing or examination
                                                    records of the ADR Unit and the                         responsibilities, records management,                 material is necessary to prevent the
                                                    Disclosure Unit, that are of                            and privacy protection. OSC requires all              disclosure of information which would
                                                    extraordinary importance to the nation                  employees to complete annual                          potentially give an individual an unfair
                                                    or OSC, are permanent records when                      cybersecurity awareness training.                     competitive advantage or diminish the
                                                    approved by the Special Counsel. Case                                                                         utility of established examination
                                                                                                            RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURE:                              procedures. OSC also reserves the right
                                                    file records of the Disclosure Unit that
                                                    result in either a referral to an agency                  Individuals who wish to request                     to assert exemptions for records
                                                    head pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1213, or an                   record access should contact the FOIA/                received from another agency that could
                                                    informal referral to an agency’s                        Privacy Act Officer, U.S. Office of                   be properly claimed by that agency in
                                                    Inspector General, are retained for 10                  Special Counsel: (1) By mail at 1730 M                responding to a request. OSC may also
                                                    years after the date of closure. Other                  Street NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC                 refuse access to any information
                                                    case file records related to such                       20036–4505; (2) by telephone at 202–                  compiled in reasonable anticipation of a
                                                    prohibited activities, including program                804–7000; or (3) by fax: at 202–653–                  civil action or proceeding. OSC
                                                    litigation, and the Disclosure Unit are                 5161. To assist in the process of locating            published a final rule regarding these
                                                    retained for 6 years after the date of                  and identifying records, individuals                  exemptions at 72 FR 56617 (Oct. 4,
                                                    closure. Case file records of Formal                    should furnish the following: Name and                2017).
                                                    Advisory Opinions of the Hatch Act                      home address; business title and
                                                                                                                                                                  HISTORY:
                                                    Unit are retained for 6 years after the                 address; any other known identifying
                                                                                                            information such as an agency file                       OSC last published a Federal Register
                                                    date of closure. Litigation case file
                                                                                                            number or identification number; a                    notice for this system on April 23, 2012,
                                                    records relating to the legal defense of
                                                                                                            description of the circumstances under                at 77 FR 24242.
                                                    OSC and its interests in matters and
                                                    claims filed against the agency in courts,              which the records were compiled; and                    Dated: September 21, 2017.
                                                    administrative tribunals, or other                      any other information deemed necessary                Bruce P. Gipe,
                                                    forums, including formal and informal                   by OSC to properly process the request.               Chief Operating Officer.
                                                    discovery requests, and other claims or                 Requesters should reasonably describe                 [FR Doc. 2017–20596 Filed 9–26–17; 8:45 am]
                                                    similar proceedings that are of                         the records they seek. Rules about FOIA               BILLING CODE 7405–01–P
                                                    extraordinary importance to the nation                  access are in 5 CFR part 1820, and rules
                                                    or OSC are permanent records when                       about Privacy Act access are in 5 CFR
                                                    approved by the Special Counsel. All                    part 1830.
                                                                                                                                                                  PEACE CORPS
                                                    other such defensive litigation and                     CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:
                                                    claim case file records are retained for                  Individuals who wish to contest                     Information Collection Request;
                                                    7 years after the date of closure.                      records about themselves should contact               Submission for OMB Review
                                                    Additionally, final signed settlement                   OSC’s Privacy Act Officer, identify any
                                                    agreements are retained for 20 years                                                                          AGENCY:Peace Corps.
                                                                                                            information they believe should be                          60-day notice and request for
                                                                                                                                                                  ACTION:
                                                    after the date of closure. Personally                   corrected, and furnish a statement of the
                                                    identifiable information in OSC’s                                                                             comments.
                                                                                                            basis for the requested correction along
                                                    electronic case tracking system is                      with all available supporting documents               SUMMARY:   The Peace Corps will be
                                                    retained until deleted from the database                and materials. See OSC Privacy Act                    submitting the following information
                                                    25 years after the corresponding case                   regulations at 5 CFR part 1830.                       collection request to the Office of
                                                    file is destroyed. Case file records                      Notification Procedures: Individuals                Management and Budget (OMB) for
                                                    related to OSC’s FOIA and Privacy Act                   who wish to inquire whether this                      review and approval. The purpose of
                                                    Program are retained in accordance with                 system contains information about them                this notice is to allow 60 days for public
                                                    NARA’s General Records Schedule 14                      should follow the Record Access                       comment in the Federal Register
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                                                    for Information Services Records.                       procedures, noted above.                              preceding submission to OMB. We are
                                                    Disposal of records is accomplished by
                                                                                                            EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM:
                                                                                                                                                                  conducting this process in accordance
                                                    shredding or by NARA-approved
                                                                                                                                                                  with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
                                                    processes. Electronic information is                      OSC will claim exemptions from the
                                                                                                                                                                  1995.
                                                    disposed of by deletion. OSC is revising                provisions of the Privacy Act at
                                                    its record retention schedule in                        subsections (c)(3) and (d) as permitted               DATES: Submit comments on or before
                                                    consultation with NARA. Pending                         by subsection (k) for records subject to              November 27, 2017.
                                                    approval of the revised records                         the Act that fall within the category of              ADDRESSES: Comments should be
                                                    schedule, records are maintained for the                investigatory material described in                   addressed to Denora Miller, FOIA/


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Document Created: 2018-10-24 14:46:10
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 14:46:10
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of a modified system of records.
DatesThe proposed revisions to the system of records are effective upon publication of this notice, except that the revised routine use will become effective on October 27, 2017, unless OSC determines otherwise based on comments received about the routine use revision. OSC will consider comments received by October 27, 2017. OSC's routine use ``v.'', as published April 23, 2012 (77 FR 24242), will remain in effect until the revised routine use becomes final. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(r) and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OSC provided a report to OMB and the Congress for a 30-day review of the proposed modifications.
ContactKenneth Hendricks, Clerk of the U.S.
FR Citation82 FR 45076 

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