[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 14, Volume 5]
[Revised as of January 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 14CFR1275.104]

[Page 520]
 
                     TITLE 14--AERONAUTICS AND SPACE
 
                   CHAPTER V--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
                          SPACE ADMINISTRATION
 
PART 1275_RESEARCH MISCONDUCT--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 1275.104  Conduct of Inquiry by the OIG.

    (a) When an awardee institution or another Federal agency has 
promptly initiated its own investigation, the OIG may defer its inquiry 
or investigation until it receives the results of that external 
investigation. When the OIG does not receive the results within a 
reasonable time, the OIG shall ordinarily proceed with its own 
investigation.
    (b) When the OIG decides to initiate a NASA investigation, the OIG 
must give prompt written notice to the individual or institution to be 
investigated, unless notice would prejudice the investigation or unless 
a criminal investigation is underway or under active consideration. If 
notice is delayed, it must be given as soon as it will no longer 
prejudice the investigation or contravene requirements of law or Federal 
law-enforcement policies.
    (c) When alleged misconduct may involve a crime, the OIG shall 
determine whether any criminal investigation is already pending or 
projected. If not, the OIG shall determine whether the matter should be 
referred to the Department of Justice.
    (d) When a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice or 
another Federal agency is underway or under active consideration, the 
OIG shall determine what information, if any, may be disclosed to the 
Respondent or to NASA employees.
    (e) To the extent possible, the identity of sources who wish to 
remain anonymous shall be kept confidential. To the extent allowed by 
law, documents and files maintained by the OIG during the course of an 
inquiry or investigation of misconduct shall be treated as investigative 
files exempt from mandatory public disclosure upon request under the 
Freedom of Information Act.
    (f) When the OIG proceeds with its own inquiry, it is responsible 
for ensuring that the inquiry is completed within 60 days after it is 
commenced. The OIG may extend this period of time for good cause.
    (g) On the basis of what the OIG learns from an inquiry, and in 
consultation as appropriate with other NASA offices, the OIG shall 
decide whether a formal investigation is warranted.