About
The O’Hare 21 Project is a multi-year, multi-billion infrastructure construction project to further modernize one of the world’s busiest airports. In an effort for more transparency and accountability in the process, the Chicago Department of Aviation, the Chicago Department of Procurement Services, and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) have partnered together and enlisted the assistance of professional integrity monitors, or “IMs”. The IMs are given full access to contractor records and personnel. They monitor contractors’ compliance with laws, policies and procedures, and contract requirements. The IMs work to foster a culture of compliance, transparency, and accountability, to ensure taxpayers get the full benefit of work contracted by the City of Chicago.
This tipline is one of many tools used to reduce fraud and waste in O’Hare 21. Housed within OIG and operated by its staff, any tips or complaints submitted through this tool undergo the same care and confidentiality as other matters submitted to OIG.
Frequently Asked Questions
All submissions will be reviewed by the Office of Inspector General staff. If you provide contact details, you may be contacted for additional information regarding your complaint.
OIG initiates investigations of its own volition and in response to complaints or suggestions from the general public, City employees, and contractors regarding misconduct, waste, fraud, and abuse in connection with City operations and business. Complaints may be made anonymously. Our complaint line is staffed by intake specialists from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For calls outside of business hours, you will be referred to voicemail where you may leave allegations, information, and contact information if you wish to be contacted by an intake specialist the following day. Please click here to access the online complaint form.
Complaints are reviewed and assessed to determine their significance when measured against OIG’s priorities, the credibility of the complainant and the information provided, the existing availability of investigative resources, the office resources that will likely be required to prove or disprove the complaint, the likely benefits from an investigation if found sustained, and the extent to which the opening of an additional investigation may adversely impact the existing casework of OIG investigators. Following this review, three actions may be taken: (a) open an investigation, (b) refer the matter to the appropriate City department, another OIG section, the appropriate sister agency, or the appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement authorities for investigation or other appropriate action, or (c) decline to investigate for one or more reasons.
Complaints alleging ethics ordinance violations will also be reviewed to determine if they should be opened, referred, or declined. However, by law, these complaints may only be declined if the complaint “lacks foundation” or “does not relate to a violation of the Governmental Ethics Ordinance.” In addition, ethics ordinance complaints may only be referred to the employee’s supervisor if “the potential violation is minor and can be resolved internally as a personnel matter.”
The OIG conducts confidential investigations. If you wish to remain anonymous, do not provide your name or contact information with your submission.
Integrity Monitors “IMs” are professional services contractors who are charged with investigating, auditing, and testing various processes and contracts associated with O’Hare 21. The IMs are given full access to contractor records and personnel. They monitor contractors’ compliance with laws, policies and procedures, and contract requirements. The Integrity Monitors report to an Integrity Monitoring Committee consisting of members from the Chicago Department of Aviation, Department of Procurement Services, and Office of Inspector General.
OIG has oversight of all City employees, elected officials (the Mayor, Aldermen, the City Clerk, and the City Treasurer), appointed officials, and contractors and vendors who provide goods and services to the City. OIG also has jurisdiction over any sister agency pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement authorized by the City Council.
Officials, employees, departments, agencies, contractors, subcontractors, and licensees of the City have a duty to cooperate with any OIG investigation. Cooperation includes: being truthful, candid, and forthcoming when interviewed and providing any requested records. Each department’s premises, equipment, personnel, books, records, and papers shall be made available as soon as practicable. To prevent even the appearance that one is withholding pertinent information, those involved should avoid narrowly construing interview questions or record requests, and promptly provide requested records. Even when only a general question is posed, the response should include any specific information that may potentially be relevant.
By law, OIG investigatory files and reports are confidential and shall not be divulged except to law enforcement entities or appropriate officials in the context of cases where it has found violations of regulations, policy or law warranting disciplinary action.
All City officials, employees, departments, agencies, contractors, subcontractors, licensees, and applicants for certifications must cooperate with OIG in any investigation or hearing.