[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 155 (Monday, August 11, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46708-46713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-18505]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of Amendment to and Republication of System of Records.

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SUMMARY: As required by the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a(e), 
notice is hereby given that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is 
amending the system of records currently known as ``Inspector General 
Complaint Center Records--VA'' (66VA53) as set forth in the Federal 
Register at 49 FR 10216. VA is amending the system of records by 
renaming the system, revising the Categories of Individuals Covered by 
the System, revising the Categories of Records in the System, adding a 
Purpose(s) section, and amending the Routine Uses of Records Maintained 
in the System, including Categories of Users and the Purposes of Such 
Uses, and Policies and Practices for Storing, Retrieving, Accessing, 
Retaining and Disposing of Records in the System. Minor nomenclature 
changes, to reflect current titles and organizational elements, are 
being made. VA is republishing the system notice in its entirety.

DATES: Comments on the amendment of this system of records must be 
received not later than September 10, 2008. If no public comment is 
received, the amended system will become effective September 10, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning the proposed amended system of 
records may be submitted by: mail or hand-delivery to Director, 
Regulations Management (OOREG1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 
Vermont Avenue, NW., Room 1068, Washington, DC 20420; fax to (202) 273-
9026; or e-mail to ``<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c59384b7a0a2b0a9a4b1acaaabb685b3a4eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2e4f3c0d7d5c7ded3c6dbdddcc1f2c4d39cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>.'' All comments received will 
be available for public inspection in the Office of Regulation Policy 
and Management, Room 1063B, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday (except holidays). Please call (202) 461-4902 for 
an appointment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy J. McGrath, Attorney Advisor, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (50C), 810 
Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420; or fax comments to (202) 
565-8667; or e-mail comments to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3a4e5357554e52431457595d485b4e527a4c5b145d554c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8df9e4e0e2f9e5f4a3e0eeeaffecf9e5cdfbeca3eae2fb">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This publication is in accordance with the

[[Page 46709]]

Privacy Act requirement that agencies publish their amended system of 
records in the Federal Register when there is revision, change, or 
addition. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) has reviewed its 
systems of records notices and has determined its record system, 
``Inspector General Complaint Center Records--VA'' (66VA53), should be 
amended to reflect evolving technology and procedures and to conform to 
current practice. The system name is being changed to ``Inspector 
General Hotline (Complaint Center) Records'' (66VA53) to more 
accurately reflect the role and mission of the OIG Hotline Division and 
the records created.
    The Categories of Individuals Covered by the System still covers 
complainants and subjects of those complaints. The text of the section 
is being amended by defining who those individuals might be.
    The Categories of Records in the System is amended to include 
cellular telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, dates of birth, Social 
Security Numbers, and final reports by VA OIG divisions or other VA 
components.
    This system of records is also amended by adding a Purposes 
section. The Purposes section more fully explains the mission of the VA 
OIG Hotline Division.
    There are several changes made to the routine use disclosures 
including the addition of new routine uses and the deletion of former 
routine uses. Former routine use number 1 remains the same. Former 
routine uses numbers 2 and 3 are combined into new routine use number 
5. For clarity purposes, former routine use numbers 2 through 10 are 
deleted in their entirety and new text is substituted. The text changes 
reflect new routine uses that are consistent with law as well as for 
the purposes for which the records are maintained. The proposed changes 
are as follows:
    Routine use number 1 remains the same and allows for disclosure of 
information from the record of an individual in response to an inquiry 
from a congressional office on behalf of that individual.
    Routine use number 2 is a new routine use and is added to reflect 
that disclosure may be made to the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). NARA is responsible for archiving records no 
longer actively used but may be appropriate for preservation, and is 
responsible in general for the physical maintenance of the Federal 
government's records. VA must be able to turn records over to NARA in 
order to determine the proper disposition of such records.
    Routine use number 3 allows VA to disclose records to the U.S. 
Department of Justice. When VA is involved in litigation or an 
adjudicative or administrative process, or occasionally when another 
party is involved in litigation or an adjudicative or administrative 
process, and VA policies or operations could be affected by the outcome 
of the litigation or process, VA must be able to disclose that 
information to the court, adjudicative or administrative bodies, or 
parties involved. This routine use would not constitute authority to 
disclose records in response to a grand jury or other subpoena under 
Privacy Act subsection (b) because of the Court's analysis in Doe v. 
DiGenova, 779 F.2d 74, 78-84 (D.C. Cir. 1985) and Doe v. Stephens, 851 
F.2d 1457, 1465-67 (D.C. Cir. 1988).
    Routine use number 4 allows disclosure of information to a Federal, 
state, or local agency maintaining civil or criminal violation records 
or other pertinent information such as prior employment history, prior 
Federal employment background investigations, and/or personal or 
educational information relevant to the hiring transfer, or retention 
of an employee, the letting of a contract, the granting of a security 
clearance, or the issuance of a grant or other benefit.
    Routine use number 5 allows VA on its own initiative to disclose 
information, except names and addresses of veterans and their 
dependents, that is relevant to a suspected or reasonably imminent 
violation of law, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature and 
whether arising by general or program statute or by regulation, to a 
Federal, state, local tribal, or foreign agency charged with the 
responsibility of investigating or prosecuting such violation or 
charged with enforcing or implementing the statute, regulation, rule or 
order. VA may also disclose the names and addresses of veterans and 
dependents to a Federal or state agency charged with the responsibility 
of investigating or prosecuting civil, criminal or regulatory 
violations.
    Routine use number 6 allows disclosure to attorneys representing 
clients who are subjects of criminal investigations. This routine use 
is necessary to allow VA to be able to provide information and records 
to attorneys representing subjects of criminal investigations, 
including veterans, Federal employees, retirees, volunteers, 
contractors or private citizens.
    Routine use number 7 allows disclosure to the Federal Labor 
Relations Authority (FLRA) (including its General Counsel) in 
connection with the investigation and resolution of allegations of 
unfair labor practices, in connection with the resolution of exceptions 
to arbitrator awards when a question of material fact is raised, in 
connection with matters before the Federal Service Impasses Panel, and 
to investigate representation petitions and conduct or supervise 
representation elections. This release of information to FLRA from this 
Privacy Act system of records is necessary to comply with the statutory 
mandate under which FLRA operates. This information is necessary to 
allow the FLRA to properly investigate and resolve allegations of 
unfair labor practices brought against VA.
    Routine use number 8 allows information to be disclosed to the 
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in connection with 
investigations of alleged or possible discrimination practices, 
examination of Federal affirmative employment programs, compliance with 
the Uniform Guidelines of Employee Selection Procedures, or other 
functions vested in the Commission by the President's Reorganization 
Plan No. 1 of 1978. This disclosure is necessary to allow the EEOC 
access to relevant information.
    Routine use number 9 allows information to be disclosed to 
officials of the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the Office of 
Special Counsel, in connection with appeals, special studies of the 
civil service and other merit systems, reviews of rules and 
regulations, investigation of alleged or possible prohibited personnel 
practices, and such other functions, promulgated in Title 5, United 
States Code, Sections 1205 and 1206, or as may be authorized by law. 
This disclosure is necessary to allow the MSPB and OSC access to 
relevant information if properly requested.
    Routine use number 10 allows disclosure of information, in the 
course of presenting evidence in or to a court, magistrate, 
administrative tribunal or grand jury, including disclosures to 
opposing counsel, in the course of such proceedings in order to further 
the interests of justice.
    Routine use number 11 allows information in this system of records 
to be disclosed to any source or person, either private or 
governmental, to the extent necessary to secure from such source or 
person information relevant to, and sought in furtherance of, a 
legitimate investigation, review, or inspection.
    Routine use number 12 allows disclosure to Federal, state, or local 
professional, regulatory, or disciplinary

[[Page 46710]]

organizations, including but not limited to bar associations, state 
licensing boards, and similar professional entities, for use in 
disciplinary proceedings. This routine use is necessary so VA can 
appropriately provide information about a person's conduct or actions, 
related to their employment, to an entity that regulates such conduct.
    Routine use number 13 allows disclosure of information to 
individuals or entities with which VA has a contract, subcontract or 
agreement to perform services. VA must be able to provide information 
to its contractors or subcontractors in order for them to perform the 
services of the contract or agreement.
    Routine use number 14 is a routine use suggested by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for all Privacy Act systems of records, in 
order to allow for the appropriate mitigation of a possible data 
breach.
    The Policies and Practices for Storing, Retrieving, Accessing, 
Retaining and Disposing of Records in the System section is amended to 
more accurately reflect the advances in technology from solely a paper 
environment to an electronic one. Records and information are stored 
electronically in the VA OIG's Master Case Index (MCI) database and 
servers. Backup records are stored on magnetic disc, tape and CD-ROM 
and may also be maintained in hard copy format in secure file folders.
    Storage: This section is amended to clarify that the particular OIG 
organization office that conducted the review, inspection or 
investigation maintains the hard copies of documents and information. 
The component office will maintain all documents, evidence and work 
papers compiled or collected. Records and documents are also maintained 
electronically by being scanned or uploaded into the MCI database, but 
the documents cannot be searched or retrieved as part of a general 
search.
    Retrievability: This section is amended to reflect that information 
and records are now retrieved by MCI Hotline case number. In addition, 
electronic records and information are retrieved by the names of the 
complainants, names of the subjects of the complaints, as well as such 
persons' title and Social Security Number if entered in those fields. 
It is important to note that any scanned documents, reports or other 
uploaded information that are made part of the case file cannot be 
searched or retrieved from the MCI database as part of general search.
    Safeguards: This section is amended to further describe the 
administrative, physical and technical safeguards the OIG uses to 
protect records and information.
    Retention and Disposal: This section is amended to reflect that OIG 
follows retention and disposal authorities approved by the Archivist of 
the United States.
    Record Source Categories: This section is amended to reflect from 
whom information can be obtained.
    The Report of Intent to Amend a System of Records Notice and an 
advance copy of the system notice have been sent to the appropriate 
congressional committees and to the Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(r) (Privacy 
Act) and guidelines issued by OMB (65 FR 77677), December 12, 2000.

    Approved: July 24, 2008.
Gordon H. Mansfield,
Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
66VA53

SYSTEM NAME:
    Inspector General Hotline (Complaint Center) Records (66VA53).

SYSTEM LOCATION:
    Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General 
(OIG), Office of Assistant Inspector General for Management and 
Administration (53), Washington, DC 20420.

CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:
    The following categories of individuals will be covered by the 
system: individuals who are the subjects of complaints and 
complainants. Subjects and complainants may be VA employees or third 
parties (e.g., a veteran, VA beneficiary, contractor, or private 
citizen). Complaints and information about OIG employees are also 
covered in this system. Subjects of Hotline complaints are those 
alleged to have engaged in wrongdoing or impropriety, either criminal, 
civil, or administrative, either in the performance of their official 
VA duties or related to the programs and operations of VA. The 
allegations are made to the OIG Hotline by complainants, who are 
individuals who have reported the possible existence of an activity 
constituting a violation of law, rule or regulation, or mismanagement, 
gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or a substantial and specific 
danger to the public health and safety. Complaints also may be made 
anonymously.

CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
    Records (or information contained in records) in this system may 
include: (1) The name, home and work address, e-mail address, and home, 
work and cellular phone numbers of the complainant; (2) the name, 
title, date of birth, Social Security Number and home and work address 
of the subject of the complaint; and (3) the location and nature of the 
alleged wrongdoing. The records maintained in this system may also 
include: (1) documentation and other evidence from the complainant; (2) 
correspondence between the VA OIG Office of Management and 
Administration (53) and other components of the Office of Inspector 
General, agency departments, and the complainant; and (3) restricted 
reports based on the investigation of the alleged wrongdoing or 
impropriety.

AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
    Title 5, United States Code, Appendix 3.

PURPOSE(S):
    Records and information in this system are used to record 
information related to official complaints made to the VA OIG. The 
Hotline Division is the OIG's complaint center and serves as the 
recipient of all types of complaints about impropriety and wrongdoing 
related to VA programs and operations. The specific information about 
each complaint, including name of complainant, name of subject, and the 
allegations of improper conduct, is recorded and then forwarded to the 
appropriate entity for investigation, review, or resolution. The 
information is used to provide prompt, responsive, and accurate 
information regarding the status of Hotline complaints. The information 
is also used to provide a record of the complaint disposition and 
statistical information about complaints.

ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES 
OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
    1. Disclosure may be made to a congressional office from the record 
of an individual in response to an inquiry from the congressional 
office that is made at the request of that individual.
    2. Disclosure may be made to the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA) in records management activities and inspections 
conducted under authority of Title 44, United States Code.
    3. Disclosure may be made to the Department of Justice including 
United States Attorneys, or in a proceeding before a court, 
adjudicative body, or other administrative body when the litigation or 
adjudicative or administrative process is likely to affect VA, its 
employees, or any of its

[[Page 46711]]

components, or when VA, its employees, or any of its components is a 
party to the litigation process, or has an interest in the litigation 
or process and the use of these records is deemed by VA to be relevant 
and necessary to the litigation or process, provided that the 
disclosure is compatible with the purpose for which the records were 
collected.
    4. Any information in this system, except the name and address of a 
veteran, may be disclosed to a Federal, state, or local agency 
maintaining civil or criminal violation records or other pertinent 
information such as prior employment history, prior Federal employment 
background investigations, and/or personal or educational background in 
order for VA to obtain information relevant to the hiring, transfer, or 
retention of an employee, the letting of a contract, the granting of a 
security clearance, or the issuance of a grant or other benefit. The 
name and address of a veteran may be disclosed to a Federal agency 
under this routine use if this information has been requested by the 
Federal agency in order to respond to the VA inquiry.
    5. VA may disclose on its own initiative any information in this 
system, except the names and home addresses of veterans and their 
dependents, which is relevant to a suspected or reasonably imminent 
violation of law, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature and 
whether arising by general or program statute or by regulation, rule or 
order issued pursuant thereto, to a Federal, state, local, tribal, or 
foreign agency charged with the responsibility of investigating or 
prosecuting such violation, or charged with enforcing or implementing 
the statute, regulation, rule or order. On its own initiative, VA may 
also disclose the names and addresses of veterans and dependents to a 
Federal or state agency charged with the responsibility of 
investigating or prosecuting civil, criminal, or regulatory violations 
of law, or charged with enforcing or implementing the statute, 
regulation, rule, or order issued pursuant thereto.
    6. To assist attorneys in representing their clients, any 
information in this system may be disclosed to attorneys representing 
subjects of investigations, including veterans, Federal government 
employees, retirees, volunteers, contractors, subcontractors, or 
private citizens, except where VA has decided release is inappropriate 
under Title 5, United States Code, Section 552a(j) and (k).
    7. Disclosure of information to Federal Labor Relations Authority 
(FLRA), including its General Counsel, when requested in connection 
with the investigation and resolution of allegations of unfair labor 
practices, in connection with the resolution of exceptions to 
arbitrator awards when a question of material fact is raised, in 
connection with matters before the Federal Service Impasses Panel, and 
to investigate representation petitions and conduct or supervise 
representation elections.
    8. Information may be disclosed to the Equal Employment Opportunity 
Commission when requested in connection with investigations of alleged 
or possible discriminatory practices, examination of Federal 
affirmative employment programs, compliance with the Uniform Guidelines 
of Employee Selection Procedures, or other functions vested in the 
Commission by the President's Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978.
    9. Information may be disclosed to officials of the Merit Systems 
Protection Board, and the Office of Special Counsel, when properly 
requested in connection with appeals, special studies of the civil 
service and other merit systems, reviews of rules and regulations, 
investigation of alleged or possible prohibited personnel practices, 
and such other functions, promulgated in Title 5, United States Code, 
Sections 1205 and 1206, or as may be authorized by law.
    10. Any information in this system of records may be disclosed, in 
the course of presenting evidence in or to a court, magistrate, 
administrative tribunal, or grand jury, including disclosures to 
opposing counsel in the course of such proceedings or in settlement 
negotiations.
    11. Any information in this system may be disclosed to any source 
or person, either private or governmental, to the extent necessary to 
secure from such source or person information relevant to, and sought 
in furtherance of, a legitimate investigation, review, or inspection.
    12. Any information in this system, except the name and address of 
a veteran, may be disclosed to Federal, state, or local professional, 
regulatory, or disciplinary organizations or associations, including 
but not limited to bar associations, state licensing boards, and 
similar professional entities, for use in disciplinary proceedings and 
inquiries preparatory thereto, where VA determines that there is good 
cause to question the legality or ethical propriety of the conduct of a 
person employed by VA or a person representing a person in a matter 
before VA. The name and address of a veteran may be disclosed to a 
Federal agency under this routine use if this information has been 
requested by the Federal agency in order to respond to the VA inquiry.
    13. VA may disclose information to individuals, organizations, 
private or public agencies, or other entities with which VA has a 
contract or agreement or where there is a subcontract to perform such 
services as VA may deem practicable for the purposes of laws 
administered by VA, in order for the contractor or subcontractor to 
perform the services of the contract or agreement.
    14. Disclosure of any information within this system may be made 
when it is suspected or confirmed that the security or confidentiality 
of information in the system or records has been compromised and VA has 
determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed compromise 
there is a risk of harm to economic or property interest, identity 
theft or fraud, or harm to the security or integrity of this system or 
other systems or programs (whether maintained by VA or another agency 
or entity) that rely upon the compromised information; and the 
disclosure is made to such agencies, entities, and persons who are 
reasonably necessary to assist in connection with VA's efforts to 
respond to the suspected or confirmed compromise and prevent, minimize, 
or remedy such harm.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, 
AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
    Records and information are stored electronically in the VA OIG's 
MCI (Master Case Index) databases and servers at the OIG's headquarters 
office at 801 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20420, in the office of the 
OIG's Information Technology Division. Backup records are stored on 
magnetic disc, tape and CD-ROM and may also be retained in hard copy 
format in secure file folders. The VA OIG Hotline Division is 
responsible for electronically inputting records and information 
received from complainants, referrals and correspondence related to the 
initiation of a Hotline case, and final reports. Information inputted 
electronically includes all correspondence to and from the complainant, 
correspondence (including e-mail messages) to and among VA OIG 
organizational elements about the complaint, and correspondence to and 
from any VA component to which the Hotline case was referred. 
Complaints and information about OIG employees, including all 
investigative reports and work papers, are maintained in electronic 
files with restricted access limited to those with a need to know the

[[Page 46712]]

information in the performance of their official duties in the VA OIG 
Office of Investigations, VA OIG Human Resources Management Division, 
VA OIG attorneys, and VA OIG management officials responsible for 
supervising the VA OIG employee who is the subject of the internal 
investigation.
    Hard copies of records and information are discussed in the storage 
section below.

STORAGE:
    Hard copies of documents and information are maintained by the OIG 
organization that conducts the review, inspection, or investigation. 
For example, the Administrative Investigations Division, at VA OIG 
headquarters, maintains hard copies of an investigative file which 
contains the case referral from Hotline, the final report, all 
documentation supporting the final report, draft reports, 
correspondence, and all information collected as part of the 
investigation. Similarly, the VA OIG Office of Healthcare Inspections 
(OHI) maintains hard copies of its Hotline investigations (final 
reports and supporting documentation) related to individuals at VA OIG 
headquarters. Other records and information (i.e., work papers) about 
investigations related to individuals compiled by OHI are maintained in 
the OHI field office that conducted the investigation. Any internal VA 
OIG investigations conducted prior to the implementation of electronic 
files, on VA OIG employees who are the subject of a Hotline complaint, 
are maintained in hard copy only and are secured in the Office of 
Investigations, Analysis and Oversight Division (51X). Access to those 
files is highly restricted.

RETRIEVABILITY:
    OIG Hotline cases are assigned a Hotline case number in the MCI 
system. Records are retrieved by the Hotline case numbers. In addition, 
electronic records may be retrieved by the names of the complainants 
and names of the subjects of the complaints, retrieved by such persons' 
title, or by their Social Security number, if entered. It is important 
to note that scanned documents, reports and other uploaded information 
that are made part of the Hotline file are not searched or retrieved 
from the MCI database as part of a general search. Hard copy paper 
Hotline files are retrieved by the Hotline case number only.

SAFEGUARDS:
    Information in the system is protected from unauthorized access 
through administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. Access to 
the hard copy and computerized information is restricted to authorized 
OIG personnel on a need-to-know basis. Hard copy records are maintained 
in offices that are restricted during work hours, or are locked after 
duty hours. The headquarters building is protected by security guards 
and access is restricted during non-duty hours. Access to the 
computerized information is limited to VA OIG employees by means of 
passwords and authorized user identification codes. Computer system 
documentation is maintained in a secure environment in the Office of 
Inspector General, VA Central Office.

RETENTION AND DISPOSAL:
    Records will be maintained and disposed of in accordance with a 
records disposition authority approved by the Archivist of the United 
States.

SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS:
    Assistant Inspector General for Management and Administration (53), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, 810 
Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420.

NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:
    An individual who wishes to determine whether a record is being 
maintained by the VA OIG Hotline, under his or her name in this system 
or wishes to determine the contents of such records should submit a 
written request to the Assistant Inspector General for Management and 
Administration (53). However, a majority of records in this system are 
exempt from the notification requirements under 5 U.S.C. 552a (j) and 
(k). To the extent that records in this system of records are not 
subject to exemption, they are subject to notification. A determination 
as to whether an exemption applies shall be made at the time a request 
for notification is received.

RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES:
    An individual who seeks access to or wishes to contest records 
maintained under his or her name in this system must submit a written 
request to the Assistant Inspector General for Management and 
Administration (53). However, a majority of records in this system are 
exempt from the records access and contesting requirements under 5 
U.S.C. 552a (j) and (k). To the extent that records in this system of 
records are not subject to exemption, they are subject to access and 
contest. A determination as to whether an exemption applies shall be 
made at the time a request for access or contest is received.

CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:
    (See records access procedures above.)

RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
    Information is obtained from VA employees, third parties (e.g., a 
veteran, VA beneficiary, VA contractor, or private party), the 
Government Accountability Office, Department of Veterans Affairs 
records, congressional, Federal, state, and local offices or agencies.

SYSTEMS EXEMPTED FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ACT:
    Under 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), the head of any agency may exempt any 
system of records within the agency from certain provisions of the 
Privacy Act, if the agency or component that maintains the system 
performs as its principal function any activities pertaining to the 
enforcement of criminal laws. The Inspector General Act of 1978, Public 
Law 95-452 (IG Act), mandates that the Inspector General recommend 
policies for and to conduct, supervise, and coordinate activities in 
the Department of Veterans Affairs and between VA and other Federal, 
State and local governmental agencies with respect to: (1) The 
prevention and detection of fraud in programs and operations 
administered or financed by VA and (2) the identification and 
prosecution of participants in such fraud. Under the IG Act, whenever 
the Inspector General has reasonable grounds to believe there has been 
a violation of Federal criminal law, the Inspector General must report 
the matter expeditiously to the Attorney General. This system of 
records has been created in major part to support the criminal law-
related activities assigned by the Inspector General to the Assistant 
Inspector General for Investigations. These activities constitute a 
principal function of the Inspector General's Hotline/Complaint Center 
staff.
    In addition to principal functions pertaining to the enforcement of 
criminal laws, the Inspector General may receive and investigate 
complaints and allegations from various sources concerning the possible 
existence of activities constituting noncriminal violations of law, 
rules or regulations; mismanagement; gross waste of funds; abuses of 
authority or substantial and specific danger to the public health and 
safety. This system of records also exists to support inquiries by the 
Assistant Inspectors General for Auditing, for Management and 
Administration and for Healthcare Inspections into these non-criminal 
violations. Based upon the foregoing, the Secretary of Veterans

[[Page 46713]]

Affairs has exempted this system of records, to the extent that it 
encompasses information pertaining to criminal law-related activities, 
from the following provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, as permitted 
by 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2):
    5 U.S.C. 552a(c) (3) and (4)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(d)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(e) (1), (2) and (3)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) (G), and (H) and (I)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(e) (5) and (8)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(f)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(g)
    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has also exempted this system of 
records to the extent that it does not encompass information pertaining 
to criminal law-related activities under 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2) from the 
following provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, as permitted by 5 
U.S.C. 552a(k)(2):
    5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(d)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) (G), (H) and (I)
    5 U.S.C. 552a(f)

REASONS FOR EXEMPTIONS:
    The exemption of information and material in this system of records 
is necessary in order to accomplish the law enforcement functions of 
the Office of Inspector General, e.g., to prevent subjects of 
investigations from frustrating the investigatory process by 
discovering the scope and progress of an investigation, to prevent the 
disclosure of investigative techniques, to fulfill commitments made to 
protect the confidentiality of sources, to maintain access to sources 
of information and to avoid endangering these sources and law 
enforcement personnel.

 [FR Doc. E8-18505 Filed 8-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P


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