Article on If An Individual Believes That A DoD Covered Entity Violates Their Rights:
If An Individual Believes That A DoD Covered Entity Violates Their Rights
Individuals who believe that their rights have been violated by a Department of Defense (DoD) covered entity may wish to file a formal complaint. According to DoD Manual 6025.18, all DoD covered entities are obligated to protect individual rights. In such cases, the individual can file a written complaint, either on paper or electronically, to the appropriate government agency.
In order to determine whether an individual’s rights have been violated by a DoD covered entity, it is important to understand what is meant by a “covered entity” or “covered article”. According to DoD Directive 5110.04, a “covered entity” includes government contractors and any hardware, software, or service developed in whole or in part by a covered entity. Additionally, DoD Directive 52.204-23 states that a “covered article” includes any hardware, software, or service developed in whole or in part by a covered entity.
Individuals who believe that their rights have been violated by a DoD covered entity should take the following steps to file a complaint:
- Ascertain the identity of the responsible party. This includes the identity of the DoD entity responsible for the violation, as well as any contractor involved in the violation.
- Collect any evidence that can be used to substantiate the claim (e.g., documents, emails, etc.).
- Contact the responsible party to explain the complaint and discuss a potential resolution.
- If a resolution cannot be reached, file a written complaint, either on paper or electronically, to the appropriate government agency.
- Follow up with the responsible party to ensure that the complaint is being appropriately addressed.
If an individual believes that their rights have been violated by a DoD covered entity, it is important to take the necessary steps to file a formal complaint. By understanding the definition of a “covered entity” or “covered article”, individuals can ensure that their complaint is properly filed and addressed.