The United States Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal agency established on January 1, 1979, with a mission to protect the integrity of the federal workforce and government operations. Originally part of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the OSC became a fully independent agency in 1989 following the passage of the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA), which strengthened its authority to safeguard federal employees from retaliation for reporting wrongdoing. The OSC’s core responsibilities include investigating and prosecuting prohibited personnel practices—such as reprisal for whistleblowing—and enforcing the Hatch Act, which restricts partisan political activity by government employees. It also enforces the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), ensuring that service members are protected from employment discrimination due to their military service. The agency provides a secure channel for federal employees to disclose violations of law, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or threats to public health and safety. Over the years, the OSC has played a pivotal role in promoting transparency and accountability in government. Notable achievements include the recognition of whistleblowers who have exposed critical health and safety concerns, such as those in the mining industry, and the enforcement of rules that prevent political corruption and protect employee rights. The OSC’s annual reports and open government initiatives further demonstrate its commitment to transparency and public engagement. Currently led by a special counsel nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, the OSC operates with a budget that accounts for less than 0.1% of total federal spending. Its work is essential for maintaining trust in government institutions and ensuring that federal employees can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. For those interested in business and technology, the OSC’s efforts underscore the importance of ethical governance and the protection of whistleblowers in both public and private sectors.