Can a manager on receiving end of EEO complaint sue for defamation/slander?

[mjacobse]

I'm a federal employee who led a selection process. An individual not selected for the advertised job later filed an EEO complaint based on racial discrimination. I have a few questions. #1) How can I determine the outcome of the investigation (seems that all protections in place for the applicant make this nearly impossible). #2) If there was found to be no merit to the claim (which I am confident will/did happen), can I sue for defamation/slander, #3) If so, what is the process and what are the limitations (time)?