Other Grievance and Administrative Processes

Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

The MSPB is the proper appeal forum if the employee has been the subject of an adverse action such as a suspension for more than 14 days, a demotion, or a removal. It is also the proper forum if the employee alleges an employment action was based on his/her whistle-blowing or other protected activity.

Office of Special Counsel (OSC)

The OSC is the proper forum if a personnel action (appointment, promotion, adverse action, disciplinary or corrective action, detail, transfer, reassignment, reinstatement, restoration, reemployment, some performance evaluations, decision concerning pay or benefits, decision to order examination, or any other significant change in duties, responsibilities or working conditions) has been threatened, proposed, taken, or not taken allegedly because of the employee’s whistle-blowing or other protected activity. Call 1-800-872-9855 to seek advice.

Office of the Inspector General (OIG) – Ethics and Conduct

This process deals with possible violation(s) of law, rules or regulations; mismanagement; gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; or danger to the public health and safety. The OIG normally does not act on matters for which there is another complaint process that handles the issue; however, investigations may be conducted on the basis of matters referred by OSC or MSPB.

Negotiated Grievance

A bargaining unit employee may elect to pursue the union grievance procedure for any grievance covered by 5 U.S.C. 7103 (a) (9) in accordance with the process set forth in the collective bargaining agreement.

Administrative Grievance

The Administrative Grievance process covers any matter (except those defined in Section 2.3.2. of NPG 3771.1) of employee concerns or dissatisfaction for which personal relief is possible and which is subject to the control of NASA management, including any matter in which an employee alleges that coercion, reprisal, or retaliation occurred against him/her for using the grievance procedure.

Disability Retirement Application

Must be filed before the employee leaves the service, or within one year of date of separation. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may excuse untimely filing with showing of certain evidence demonstrating good cause for not filing earlier.

Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs Claim

Work-related traumatic injury: Must be filed within three years of date of injury. (20 C.F.R. 10.100) Occupational disease caused by exposure to injurious work factors: Must be filed within three years of onset of illness. (20 C.F.R. 10.101)

Position Classification Appeal

May be filed at any time. If the employee has suffered a loss in grade or pay, is not entitled to retained grade or pay, and desires retroactive adjustments, the employee must file a request for review of the classification with the agency or the OPM no later than 15 calendar days after the effective date of the reclassification action. (5 C.F.R. 511.605, 511.703)