OVERVIEW OF THE FEDERAL SECTOR
DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCESS

Appendix II represents an overview of Federal Sector Discrimination Complaint Process. The complainant has 45 days from the date of occurrence to contact an EEO counselor to report the incident. The counselor has 30 days to review the complaint and notify the complainant of their right to file a discrimination complaint. The complainant has 15 days from that notice to file a formal complaint. Once a formal complaint is filed, the ODEO has 180 days to accept and investigate or dismiss a formal complaint. The complainant then has 30 days to request a hearing before the EEOC. If the complainant requests a hearing, the EEOC has 180 days to issue findings and conclusions on the complaint to the ODEO and the ODEO has an additional 45 days to issue a final agency decision.

If the complainant does not request a hearing, the ODEO has 60 days to file a Final Agency Decision on the discrimination complaint. The complainant has 30 days to file appeal with EEOC from a FAD dismissing the complaint or deciding the complaint on merits.

Further, the compliant can file civil action within 90 days of FAD or EEOC decision on appeal or 180 calendar days after filing a complaint.