FAQ
What is the ORM Portal?
The Office of Resolution Management (ORM) Portal is a secure, public facing website where VA employees, former employees, and applicants for VA employment can initiate an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint, and where Veterans or other members of the public can file a Civil Rights Discrimination complaint regarding VA programs.
Does this replace the phone option?
No. You can still initiate an EEO or Civil Rights Discrimination complaint by telephone at 1-888-566-3982.
Who should use the portal?
• EEO: VA employees, former employees, or applicants for VA employment alleging workplace discrimination.
• Civil Rights Discrimination: Veterans or other members of the public alleging discrimination in VA programs or in VA facilities.
What are the time limits to act?
• EEO: Report the incident to the VA Office of Resolution Management within 45 calendar days of the alleged event (or the effective date of the personnel action).
• Civil Rights Discrimination: File a complaint within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination.
What if I’m past the deadline?
File your complaint through the portal; staff will review whether good cause exists for the delay or if other exceptions may apply.
What information will I need to provide?
Contact information, who/what program is involved, dates of the incident, a description of what occurred, the basis of the discrimination, witness names (if known), and any relevant documents you wish to share.
Do I need an account to submit?
Yes. You need an account to file a complaint through the ORM Portal.
What happens after I submit?
• EEO: You will be contacted by an EEO Counselor.
• Civil Rights Discrimination: Your complaint will be reviewed for procedural sufficiency and then referred for further processing, including the investigative process.
Will I get a tracking or confirmation number?
Yes. The portal provides submission confirmation. Keep the confirmation for your records and for any follow-up contacts. Is my information confidential? Your information is protected under privacy and records laws in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 552a; 38 U.S.C. §§ 5701, 5705, and 7332; and VA Directive 6502. ORM uses secure transmissions and limits access to those individuals who need to review your complaint.
Avoid sending sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or medical records.
Does submitting online affect my right to ADR/mediation?
No. For EEO matters, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options are part of the pre-complaint processing and are discussed with the EEO Counselor.
What browsers or devices are supported?
Current versions of common browsers are supported. If you experience issues, clear your cache or try another browser. If you are unable to file a complaint through the ORM portal, call the VA Office of Resolution Management at 1-888-566-3982 to file by telephone.
Will using the portal trigger retaliation protections?
Retaliation is prohibited under federal EEO and civil rights laws. Report any concerns immediately via the portal or by calling the VA Office of Resolution Management at 1-888-566-3982. Where can I read more about the EEO process? Please visit the VA Office of Resolution Management site or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Federal Sector overview, for more information about the EEO complaint process.
EEO Virtual Assistant
