The directive states that an employee alleging reprisal and who has otherwise exhausted the new review process may request an external review by a three-member inspectors general panel, chaired by the IG of the intelligence community.
If the IG grants such a review, he or she must then designate two other panel members from the inspectors general of the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Energy, Homeland Security and the CIA.
The review panel must complete a review of the claim, which may consist of a file review, as appropriate, within 180 days, according to the directive.
It said agency heads must then carefully consider the panel recommendations within 90 days and inform the panel and the DNI of what action he or she has taken. If the head of any agency fails to so inform the DNI, the DNI must notify the White House.
Also, an annual report on the outcome of intelligence agency whistleblower cases must be made to the pertinent congressional committees.
