[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 14, Volume 5]

[Revised as of January 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 14CFR1275.104]



[Page 515-516]

 

                     TITLE 14--AERONAUTICS AND SPACE

 

                          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



[[Page 516]]



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.