[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 45, Volume 3]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 45CFR689.4]

[Page 251-252]
 
                        TITLE 45--PUBLIC WELFARE
 
                 CHAPTER VI--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
 
PART 689_RESEARCH MISCONDUCT--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 689.4  Role of awardee institutions.

    (a) Awardee institutions bear primary responsibility for prevention 
and detection of research misconduct and for the inquiry, investigation, 
and adjudication of alleged research misconduct. In most instances, NSF 
will rely on awardee institutions to promptly:
    (1) Initiate an inquiry into any suspected or alleged research 
misconduct;
    (2) Conduct a subsequent investigation, if warranted;
    (3) Take action necessary to ensure the integrity of research, the 
rights and interests of research subjects and the public, and the 
observance of legal requirements or responsibilities; and

[[Page 252]]

    (4) Provide appropriate safeguards for subjects of allegations as 
well as informants.
    (b) If an institution wishes NSF to defer independent inquiry or 
investigation, it should:
    (1) Complete any inquiry and decide whether an investigation is 
warranted within 90 days. If completion of an inquiry is delayed, but 
the institution wishes NSF deferral to continue, NSF may require 
submission of periodic status reports.
    (2) Inform OIG immediately if an initial inquiry supports a formal 
investigation.
    (3) Keep OIG informed during such an investigation.
    (4) Complete any investigation and reach a disposition within 180 
days. If completion of an investigation is delayed, but the institution 
wishes NSF deferral to continue, NSF may require submission of periodic 
status reports.
    (5) Provide OIG with the final report from any investigation.
    (c) NSF expects institutions to promptly notify OIG should the 
institution become aware during an inquiry or investigation that:
    (1) Public health or safety is at risk;
    (2) NSF's resources, reputation, or other interests need protecting;
    (3) There is reasonable indication of possible violations of civil 
or criminal law;
    (4) Research activities should be suspended;
    (5) Federal action may be needed to protect the interests of a 
subject of the investigation or of others potentially affected; or
    (6) The scientific community or the public should be informed.
    (d) Awardee institutions should maintain and effectively communicate 
to their staffs appropriate policies and procedures relating to research 
misconduct, which should indicate when NSF should be notified.