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71 ARTICLE 64 WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION Section 1. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. Section 2302(b) relating to whistleblowe r protection, the Employer agrees that BUEs shall be protected against reprisal for the lawful disclosure of information which the BUE reasonably believes evidences: a. a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or b. mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. ARTICLE 65 OUTSOURCING AND PRIVATIZATION Section 1. Management agrees to notify the Union prior to the initiation of any permanent or temporary co ntracting out of a function within the bargaining unit, as a result of Agency ventures (to include public/private ventures, A - 76, and other studies) that results in adverse impact on unit BUEs. Management agrees to comply with all provisions of OMB Circul ar A - 76, Federal Acquisition Regulations, this agreement and other applicable laws and regulations concerning contracting out. Section 2. Upon the initiation of any effort to outsource or privatize the workforce, the Union will have the opportunity to d esignate a representative and one alternate representative, of which one of the two will be afforded the opportunity to attend any meetings related to such activities. These representatives shall be provided a reasonable amount of official time to prepare for any discussions regarding the outsourcing or privatization process as well as attend all pertinent meetings. Section 3. The Employer, and any privatization agent, shall meet and/or advise the Union on a mutually agreed upon time by the Parties at the local level to discuss the process related to any privatization cost study that impacts the bargaining unit. The Employer, or any designated privatization agent(s), shall provide the Union at the local level with all proposals related to the privatizatio n process. The Union will have ten (10) days to provide comments to the Employer or any designated privatization agent(s). Section 4. The Union shall be provided advance notice of any meeting between BUEs and the Employer or any privatization agent( s) concerning the outsourcing or privatization process. The Union shall be afforded the right to designate a representative to attend any such meeting. Section 5. After the completion of any privatization study, periodic briefings will be held between t he Employer, or any privatization agent(s), and the Union to provide the Union with appropriate information pursuant to OMB Circular A - 76 on decisions affecting BUEs. This

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