Press Release: Whistleblower Reprisal Investigation Goldbelt Integrated Logistics Services, LLC, Crane, Indiana

The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released a report today substantiating a whistleblower reprisal allegation against Goldbelt Integrated Logistics Services, LLC. (GBILS), Crane, Indiana.

The DoD OIG found that a U.S. Government civilian employee directed GBILS to remove a contractor employee from a government contract after the contractor employee made protected disclosures during a U.S. Navy investigation against the civilian employee. The contract employee alleged improper hiring actions and creation of a hostile environment. The DoD OIG found that based on the direction of the civilian employee, GBILS terminated the contractor employee in reprisal for making the protected disclosure.

The DoD OIG concluded that the civilian employee who ordered the contractor employee removed from the contract did not have the authority to to do so and failed to consult with the appropriate contracting officer. Additionally, the DoD OIG found that GBILS was likely aware that the civilian employee did not have the authority to demand the employee's removal.

"Reprisal against employees who report misconduct undermines the integrity of the DoD," said DoD Inspector General Platte B. Moring III. "The law provides rights and protections to individuals who report wrongdoing to authorized individuals or organizations as was done in this case."

The DoD OIG recommended that the Secretary of the Navy consider appropriate corrective action based on the findings of this report.

The DoD OIG conducted this investigation in response to a DoD Hotline complaint.