Records Maintained on Individuals (Privacy Act)

The Department of Energy (DOE) amends its Privacy Act regulations by adding a system of records to the list of systems exempted from certain subsections of the Act. Exemption from certain subsections is needed to enable the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to perform its duties and responsibilities. The system of records is entitled ``Allegation-Based Inspections Files of the Office of Inspector General,'' and allows the Office of Inspector General to perform its functions mandated by statute, regulation or executive order. This system will maintain documents collected in the process of conducting inspections. An Office of Inspector General inspection is an examination of DOE or DOE contractor organizations, programs, projects, functions, or activities. This system of records covers only the files of inspections predicated on allegations or complaints and which identify subjects or sources of information by name. Inspections performed relate to sensitive allegations of wrongdoing received concerning certain individuals, including agency and DOE contractor employees, or other persons or entities with some relationship to the agency. Allegations include, but are not limited to, abuse of authority; misuse of government time, property, or position; conflicts of interest; whistleblower reprisal; or other non-criminal violations of law, rules, or regulations.