Press Release: Report Of Investigation: Mr. Robert A. Gold, Former Director, Technology and Manufacturing Industrial Base, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research[...]

Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released, "Report of Investigation: Mr. Robert A. Gold, Former Director, Technology and Manufacturing Industrial Base, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering."

The DoD OIG investigation substantiated allegations that Robert Gold sexually harassed one subordinate over a 15-month period, creating an intimidating, hostile, and offensive work environment. The DoD OIG also substantiated allegations that Gold harassed two other subordinates when he directed demeaning, gender-based comments toward them. In addition, Gold failed to treat all three subordinates with dignity and respect.

"This investigation underscores the importance of individuals coming forward when they see what they believe to be evidence of wrongdoing," said IG Storch. "It's an example of the crucial role whistleblowers serve in reporting misconduct, such as the serious misconduct of the senior DoD official described in this report."

The DoD OIG opened this investigation after receiving a referral from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Mr. Gold retired from Federal service during the investigation on December 30, 2023. As such, the DoD OIG recommended that Washington Headquarters Services place a copy of the report in Mr. Gold's DoD personnel file.