USDA Maryland Facility Whistleblower Bonuses Suggested by OSC

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken steps to improve conditions at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Maryland, following investigations into allegations of poor working conditions raised by whistleblowers.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has substantiated most of the allegations, finding a "substantial likelihood" of wrongdoing on the part of management. The OSC's final report revealed pervasive safety problems at many of BARC's buildings, including a general lack of housekeeping, excessive dirt and grime, flaking and peeling paint, damaged flooring, active and post flooding issues, mold, and a lack of potable water.

The investigative team concluded that these poor conditions at BARC damaged scientific equipment and derailed and delayed research studies. Whistleblowers disagreed with the finding of no irretrievable research loss, arguing that the cost and time required to remediate problems is significant.

In response, then-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack diverted $50 million to pay for repairs and modernization efforts at BARC. An oversight and support team and an executive response team were established to provide USDA and ARS oversight to the response efforts and ensure timely and successful completion of the recommended corrective actions.

AFGE National President Everett Kelley applauded OSC's findings and USDA's efforts to improve conditions at BARC once the union officials filed their whistleblower complaints. One of the corrective actions has been the appointment of a new permanent director of BARC, Dr. John F. Campbell.

The OSC also recommended that USDA recognise the contributions of the whistleblowers and consider issuing a monetary award to them. Baldis, as the designee of President Trump's acting Special Counsel, shared this recommendation, praising the whistleblowers for their work in uncovering problems at the facility.

Many corrective actions have been completed, including the selection of a new permanent BARC director and the development of a new BARC master plan. While one whistleblower allegation, that the poor conditions at the facility resulted in the loss and improper handling of scientific equipment and research data, was not substantiated by USDA's investigation, the agency has taken significant steps towards addressing the issues raised by the whistleblowers.