5mm av 4 U.S. OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL 1730 N. Sum nu Washing/om!) C. 0036-4505 (202) 254-3600 August 5, 2015 Mr, Barry Cnhum Cobum PLLC 1710 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Floor Washington, DC 20036 On behalfafhix client, Mr, Sines OSC File No. MArld-zzml Dual Mr. Cobum, sponds to the above referenced complaint, submitted 10 US. Office your client Mr, James 'l'omslicck against the Bureau of (Agency). In Ml: Tomsheck's complaint, h: alleged that his recent as l'xecutive Director, National Programs" in the Border Palml was in retaliation for his past and [mum Pursuant 17st: ??1214. 1216, and 2302, osc investigates allegations of prohibited pcrsunncl placliccs and certain other activities prohibited by civil scrum laws, regulations, and rules OSC has junsdiction to investigate lhirlecn prohibin pelsonucl practices under section 2302(b)i Basal uu Lin.- information pmvided, we will consider Mr. Tomshcuk's Complaint for possible Violations and 2302tb)(9)((1). Undur USL, 2302(b)(8 'l i< a prohibited personnel practice tn take a personnel action against an employcc bccausc ul'rmy disclosurc the employee made that he reasonably bellcvul ll) any vinlntion 0f law, rule, or rvgulalion; (2) gross mismanageme a gross waste (4) an abuse of authority; or (5) a substantial and specific lu public health or safety, if such disclosure is nul spccil'lcally prohibith by law, 01' specifically requircd by Emulivc 0rdcr to be kept secret. Similarly, under 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(9)(C), ii is a prohibited personnel practice lo Lake a personncl actiun against an employee became he exercised any appcal, complaint, or gnuvani'c right grained by any law. rule or regulation or coopemled with or disclosed mfm'mminn Ihe lnspecinr General OI the Specxal Cuimscl in accordance with applicahle law, Mr Tomsheck's Complalfll may be ruviewed by our Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Umt lv aoCsnam it is suitable for mediation, If the ADR Unii docs not select tins case for mediation, or if Mr. Tomsheck declines an oli'w to mediate, his allegatiws will be investigated by OSC's and Prosscunou Dlvisiml (IFD) An IPD nimmey or inveqtigator will Contact you shurlly to continue our inquiry into this matter 11' yuu have any questions conccming this investigation, please Contact the at (102) 254-3000. 'n 'm'lv Investigalur. Compleunis Examng Link us. Office of Special Coumel 1730 Slreel Nw