Complaints of discrimination may be filed by any employee or applicant for employment with FRA who believes he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of:

• race
• color
• religion
• national origin
• sex (includes sexual harassment)
• age (40 and up)
• disability (physical & mental)
• reprisal
• genetic information
• sexual orientation 

1. Precomplaint Process

The aggrieved person (employee or applicant) must contact the Complaints Manager or an EEO Counselor within 45 calendar days from an alleged discriminatory action.

EEO Process vs Union Process

Employees covered by bargaining agreements may use the union grievance procedures or the EEO complaint process, as applicable to pursue discrimination complaints.  Please refer to the Memorandum of Agreement between the FRA and AFGE or speak to the Complaints Manager or Union official for further information.

Counseling

The EEO Counselor will try to resolve the matter informally within 30 calendar days from the date of initial contact. Counseling may be extended up to 60 additional days, upon agreement of the aggrieved and the Complaints Manager, or if an established Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure is utilized.  If resolution is successful, the complaint is closed.  If resolution is not successful, a Notice of Right to File a Discrimination Complaint letter will be provided to the aggrieved.

2. Formal Complaint Process

Complainant may file a written formal complaint with the Agency, within 15 calendar days of receipt of the Notice of Right to File a Discrimination Complaint.  If the complaint is accepted by the Agency, an investigator will be assigned to collect all relevant information pertaining to the complaint.  If portions of the complaint are dismissed, the complainant will be provided, in writing, the reason(s) for dismissal and informed of his/her right to appeal the decision.

Investigation

The Agency is required to complete an investigation within 180 days from the filing of the formal complaint, with a possible extension of 90 additional days, upon mutual agreement.  After the investigation, complainant has 30 calendar days to request a Final Agency Decision or a hearing by EEOC. (Complainant may also request a hearing after 180 days has elapsed from the filing of the complaint, if the investigation has not been completed.)

Agency Final Decision

If complainant requests a Final Agency Decision or does not make an election within the required time frame, the Agency will issue a decision on the complaint. The decision, based on information in the investigative file, is issued within 60 days.

EEOC Hearing

If complainant requests a hearing by EEOC, an EEOC Administrative Judge (AJ) conducts a hearing and issues a decision within 180 days of the request.  If the agency does not issue a final order within 40 days of receipt of the AJ’s decision, the AJ's decision shall become the final action of the agency.

3. Appeals

Complainant, if dissatisfied with the Agency’s Final Decision, may appeal to EEOC’s Office of Federal Operations (OFO) or file a civil action in a U.S. District Court.

4. Right to file a civil action

Complainant, if dissatisfied with OFO’s decision, may request reopening and reconsideration by EEOC or may file a civil action in a U.S. District Court.  Complainants who raise a claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act may bypass the administrative process by filing a notice of intent to sue with EEOC at least 30 days before filing a civil action in court.

5. Class Complaints

The Civil Rights Office will provide counseling in "class" complaints. The Director will designate a counselor for "class" complaints as in the informal process. Formal Class Complaints will be processed by the Agency.