Sanctions and protective orders

(a) Cease-and-desist order. OPM may issue a protective order or cease-and-desist directive to protect the integrity of the adjudicatory process, prevent threats, intimidation, targeted harassment, improper witness contact, disclosure of protected personal information, or misuse of nonpublic information obtained through the appeal. OPM may do this sua sponte, or at the request of a party, preemptively or at any juncture in the appeal process. A party requesting OPM to issue a protective order or cease-and-desist order should file such request using the e-filing procedures prescribed at § 731.502(c) and must include a statement of reasons justifying the request, together with any relevant documentary evidence. Any protective order issued by OPM must be no broader than reasonably necessary and must not restrict lawful communications protected by law.

(b) Failure to comply with an OPM order. When a party to an appeal fails to comply with an order issued under paragraph (a) of this section, OPM may, except when prohibited by law:

(1) Draw all inferences in opposition to the noncompliant party with regard to the appeal in question;

(2) Prohibit the noncompliant party from introducing evidence, or additional evidence, concerning the appeal, or otherwise relying on the record; or

(3) Eliminate from consideration any appropriate part of the filings or other submissions of the noncompliant party.

(c) Scope of sanctions. Any sanction issued under paragraph (b) of this section must be proportionate, causally related to the violation, and no broader than necessary to protect the adjudicatory process.

[91 FR 49065, Aug. 3, 2026; 91 FR 54798, Aug. 25, 2026]