The Office of the Counselor provides independent legal advice to the Inspector General and OIG managers. The Office provides a full range of legal services to promote and support OIG’s mission. Attorneys advise OIG on all internal matters and serve as liaison to the Inspector General legal community, the Department of Justice, and other agencies. OIG attorneys are involved in all aspects of OIG operations, including providing legal support for investigations, audits, and inspections; representing OIG in employment litigation and internal personnel matters; assisting OIG investigators and the Department of Justice in developing potential False Claims Act cases; and advising on legislative initiatives and Congressional testimony.
The Office of the Counselor also oversees the Release of Information Office and the Office of Contract Review. The Release of Information Office ensures OIG compliance with the Privacy Act and other federal laws protecting sensitive information from unlawful disclosure, including Veteran medical and benefits records. The office also responds to requests for OIG records from the public, under the Freedom of Information Act; from external law enforcement agencies; or in support of Federal civil or criminal litigation.
The Office of Contract Review (OCR), which employs over 30 auditors and management analysts, conducts pre– and post–award reviews of significant VA contracts and provides analyses to support VA contracting officers. OCR’s work is designed to promote economy and efficiency, and to detect and prevent fraud and abuse, in VA procurements.
Release of Information Office
The Release of Information Office falls under the supervision of the Counselor to the IG. The Release of Information Office is the responsible office authorized to release VA OIG records in response to requests from the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act, as well as inter-agency and intra-agency requests, requests from Members of Congress, and litigation requests. Information on filing FOIA and Privacy Act requests for VA OIG records is available on our FOIA page.
Contact Us:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Inspector General
Office of Counselor (50C)
810 Vermont Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20420