United States Department of Agriculture Research Misconduct Regulations for Extramural Research, 49357-49363 [2010-20109]

Agencies

• Office of the Chief Financial Officer
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 156 (Friday, August 13, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49357-49363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20109]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

7 CFR Part 3022

RIN 0524-AA34


United States Department of Agriculture Research Misconduct 
Regulations for Extramural Research

AGENCY: Office of the Chief Financial Officer, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) is 
establishing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations 
implementing the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct applicable to 
extramural research. The regulation defines research misconduct and 
establishes basic USDA requirements for the conduct of fair and timely 
investigations of alleged or suspected infractions. The regulation also 
includes instructions on USDA administrative actions when research 
misconduct is found.

DATES: This rule is effective on August 13, 2010.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Mazie, USDA Research Integrity 
Officer, 214W Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: (202) 
720-5923; E-mail: researchintegrity@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 6, 2000, the National Science 
and Technology Council, Office of Science and Technology Policy of the 
Executive Office of the President (OSTP), published in the Federal 
Register (65 FR 76260) the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct (OSTP 
Policy) as a final, government-wide policy addressing research 
misconduct. The purpose of the policy was to establish: (1) Uniformity 
among the Federal agencies' definitions of research misconduct, and (2) 
consistency in Federal agencies' processes for responding to 
allegations of research misconduct. The OSTP Policy covers both 
intramural research as well as extramural research.
    This rule establishes U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or the 
Department) regulations to permanently implement the provisions of the 
OSTP Policy applicable to extramural research. An interim USDA Research 
Misconduct Policy was issued as a Secretary's Memorandum on Research 
Misconduct Policies and Procedures in July, 2006. The Secretary's 
Memorandum is consistent with the OSTP Policy. The substance of the 
regulation is the same as the policies and procedures in the 
Secretary's Memorandum that relate to extramural research. Accordingly, 
all USDA agencies that conduct or support extramural research are 
expected either to: (1) Establish procedures to foster integrity in 
research activities, respond to allegations of research misconduct, and 
remedy findings of research misconduct, consistent with applicable 
laws, regulations, the OSTP Policy, and this proposed regulation; or 
(2) initiate and sign a standing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 
between the agency and Research Education and Economics mission area to 
have another USDA agency act on its behalf in lieu of developing its 
own research misconduct procedures.
    The regulation sets forth in Title 7 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, a new part 3022 (7 CFR part 3022), referred to below as 
the regulation. The rule defines a number of terms that are used in new 
part 3022. Definitions of the following terms are set forth in Sec.  
3022.1: Adjudication; Agency Research Integrity Officer (ARIO); 
allegation; applied research; Assistant Inspector General for 
Investigations; basic research; extramural research; fabrication; 
falsification; finding of research misconduct; inquiry; intramural 
research; investigation; OIG; OSTP; plagiarism; preponderance of the 
evidence; research; research institution; research misconduct; research 
record; USDA; and USDA Research Integrity Officer (RIO).

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on November 
24, 2008 (73 FR 70915), requesting comments from the public. Comments 
were received on the proposed rule from three organizations including 
The Council on Government Relations (COGR), Arizona State University 
(ASU), and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). 
ASU stated that it supported COGR's comments which are evidenced by the 
comments being duplicative in nature. The comments are summarized as 
follows:
    (1) Comment: Concern that the proposed rule is intended only as 
core elements for the Department's agencies and that individual 
agencies within the Department can and may implement separate policies 
that are consistent with the proposed rule. The Department is urged to 
reevaluate whether this approach achieves the Federal goals of 
consistency and uniformity.
    Response: The proposed rule implements the OSTP policy and serves 
as the core policy for the Department. The agencies may supplement the 
core with agency requirements. USDA's approach is similar in nature to 
other streamlining efforts whereas there is a standard that is 
supplemented with agency specifics. This approach is necessary to meet 
the unique mission and structure of each agency within the Department 
while maintaining consistency to the extent possible.
    (2) Comment: A research institution must have the right to conduct 
an inquiry before reporting the allegation to the USDA. Such a 
provision is incorporated in the Federal Policy and common in the 
policies of other

[[Page 49358]]

Departments and agencies. The proposed rule should be changed to 
require notification ``where an inquiry determines an investigation is 
necessary.''
    Response: The Federal policy states that the institution is to 
notify the agency when (1) an allegation involves federally funded 
research, AND (2) institution inquiry into an allegation warrants them 
moving on to an investigation. USDA modified the proposed regulation to 
be consistent with the Federal policy.
    (3) Comment: Sec.  3022.10, Reporting to USDA, should include ``the 
institution's adjudicating official's determination and any corrective 
action taken or planned.'' A parallel change should be made to Sec.  
3022.12 addressing Remedies for Noncompliance. USDA must consider the 
institution's corrective action.
    Response: The institution should include documentation along with 
the report to USDA of the adjudicating official's determination and any 
institutional corrective action taken or planned. Changes were made to 
Sec.  3022.10, Reporting to USDA, to make this clear. The agency may 
utilize this information in determining the administrative action, if 
any, to take; however, USDA and the institution have different 
interests and the corrective action by each must take into 
consideration their own interests. The Federal policy identifies for 
agencies a number of considerations in determining an administrative 
action but the institution's corrective action is not identified as 
one.
    (4) Comment: The USDA policy fails to include a critical part of 
the Federal policy in regard to institutional and agency administrative 
action, e.g., assessing the degree to which the misconduct was knowing, 
intentional or reckless, whether the event was isolated or part of a 
pattern of behavior, and the level of impact on the research record.
    Response: It is agreed that the USDA policy does not include 
considerations that each USDA agency should contemplate in determining 
an administrative action. Certain considerations should be common 
across USDA. Sec.  3022.12 was modified to include language for the 
agency, in determining an administrative action, to consider, among 
other things, the seriousness of the misconduct.
    (5) Comment: Section 3022.4 should be deleted from the policy in 
its entirety and replaced with a simple reminder that USDA can request 
a copy of an awardee's policies for handling allegations of research 
misconduct.
    Response: USDA's review of an institution's research misconduct 
policy has no bearing on the institution moving forward with its 
inquiry, etc. USDA's review of the institution's policy is only for 
USDA to determine if it will rely on the institution's efforts but it 
by no means is to thwart the institution's efforts.
    (6) Comment: The commenter recognized USDA's reservation of the 
right to conduct a separate inquiry, investigation and/or adjudication; 
however, it took the position that the reasons be limited to those 
identified in items 1. through 3. of Sec.  3022.5(a) and should not be 
open to ``any other reason'' USDA considers appropriate. A 
recommendation is made to change the additional reservation to ``any 
other good cause justifying the USDA RIO or ARIO conducting research 
misconduct proceedings * * *.''
    Response: USDA reserves its right to proceed with an inquiry, 
investigation, and/or adjudication with any other good cause with 
justification. As noted in Sec.  3022.5, when the USDA RIO or ARIO 
believes it is necessary for USDA to conduct its own inquiry, 
investigation, and adjudication concurrence must be received by the 
USDA Panel followed by institutional notification. Language was added 
to the end of Sec.  3022.5(b) to clearly convey that the ``any other 
reason'' noted includes affirmation by the USDA Panel in moving forward 
with an inquiry, investigation, and/or adjudication.
    (7) Comment: It is inappropriate for the investigators to contact 
the USDA directly. The USDA policy should include a requirement for the 
appropriate institutional official to be notified so the official can 
notify USDA.
    Response: USDA does not stipulate who at the institution should 
notify USDA. This is up to the institution to determine and it should 
be included in their policies and procedures accordingly. However, 
everyone should be able to report an allegation whether it involves the 
institution where he/she works or any other institution.
    (8) Comment: If USDA determines it will conduct a separate inquiry, 
investigation and/or adjudication there is concern that USDA's 
requirement for the ``immediate'' surrendering of documents related to 
the institutional procedures may conflict with institutional 
responsibilities under state law or collective bargaining agreements.
    Response: The commenter's concern and responsibilities are 
recognized, therefore, ``immediately provide'' was replaced with 
``promptly provide'' as suggested by the commenter.
    (9) Comment: The proposed rule indicates that the USDA agency 
defers its own inquiry and investigation until the other (OIG or other 
agency) is complete. The proposed rule indicates that all USDA 
requirements must be met in addition to other agencies. It adds a 
significant and unnecessary burden to conduct multiple inquiries and 
investigations and the USDA must work in cooperation with other Federal 
agencies to avoid such an outcome.
    Response: Section 3022.14 was modified to clearly state that when 
more than one agency is involved that USDA will work with the other 
agency(ies) to designate a lead. The policies and procedures of the 
lead agency will be followed in determining whether there is a finding 
of research misconduct. The section was further modified to stipulate 
that USDA will seek to resolve allegations jointly with the other 
agency or agencies when appropriate.
    (10) Comment: The proposed regulation does not include a statement 
or provision for USDA to refer allegations made directly to USDA to the 
appropriate research institution.
    Response: The ARIO responsibilities were modified to include 
notification of the research institution associated with the alleged 
research misconduct. In addition, a change was made to also have the 
ARIO notify the applicable research institution if (1) public health or 
safety is at risk; (2) USDA's resources, reputation, or other interests 
need protecting; (3) research activities should be suspended; (4) 
Federal action may be needed to protect the interest of a subject of 
the investigation or of others potentially affected; (5) a premature 
public disclosure of the inquiry into or investigation of the 
allegation may compromise the process; (6) the scientific community or 
the public should be informed; or (7) behavior that is or may be 
criminal in nature is discovered at any point during the inquiry, 
investigation, or adjudication phases of the research misconduct 
proceedings.
    (11) Comment: We urge USDA to recognize the need for safeguarding 
the rights of the subject of an allegation. Protecting the position and 
reputation of a subject of an allegation is as important as 
safeguarding informants particularly if an allegation is determined to 
be unfounded.
    Response: Language was added to Sec.  3022.3 to clearly recognize 
the safeguarding of the rights of the subject of an allegation.
    (12) Comment: The USDA policy should include a clear statement of 
confidentiality as described in the Federal Policy. The concern for

[[Page 49359]]

confidentiality expressed for informants is not sufficient to ensure 
the protection of all individuals involved in the process. As the 
Federal Policy must extend to the subject of the allegation and, we 
would add, those involved in the inquiry and investigation processes--
members of committees, witnesses, etc., as well as the records related 
to the process.
    Response: Language was added to the definition of ARIO and to Sec.  
3022.2 to make a clear statement of confidentiality. Other comments 
were received but were outside the scope of the proposed rule. For 
instance, one commenter requests that the definition of misconduct be 
expanded to include the abuse and treatment of human and animal 
research subjects. The OSTP policy (65 FR 76260) specifically states, 
``This policy addresses activity that occurs in the course of human 
subjects or animal research that involves research misconduct as 
defined by the policy. Thus, falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism 
that occurs during the course of human or animal research is addressed 
by this policy. However, other issues concerning the ethical treatment 
of human or animal subjects are covered under separate procedures and 
are not affected by this policy.'' No changes were made in response to 
comments outside the scope of the OSTP policy.

Impact Analysis

Executive Order 12866

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. The rule 
has been determined to be not significant because it will not have an 
annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely 
affect a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal 
governments or communities. This rule will not create any serious 
inconsistencies or otherwise interfere with any actions taken or 
planned by another agency. It will not materially alter the budgetary 
impact of entitlements, grants, user fees or loan programs and does not 
raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the 
President's priorities, or principles set forth in Executive Order 
12866.

Executive Order 12372

    This program/activity is subject to Executive Order 12372, which 
requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. 
(See 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V.)

Executive Order 13132

    It has been determined that this rule does not have sufficient 
Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism 
Assessment. The provisions contained in this rulemaking will not have a 
substantial direct effect on States or their political subdivisions. 
They also will not impact the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government substantially.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) requires that an 
analysis be prepared for each rule with a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. The analysis should describe 
the rule's impact on small entities and identify any significant 
alternatives to the rule that would minimize the economic impact on 
such entities. Section 605 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act allows 
USDA to certify a rule, in lieu of preparing an analysis, if the 
proposed rulemaking is not expected to have such an impact.
    USDA certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The final rule will 
have a positive impact on small businesses because of the assistance 
these entities receive from other agencies. It will also ease the 
administrative requirements for USDA to offer financial assistance.

E-Government Act Compliance

    USDA is committed to compliance with the E-Government Act to 
promote the use of the Internet and other information technologies, to 
provide increased opportunities for citizen access to government 
information and services, and for other purposes.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3022

    Intramural research, Research misconduct.

0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, Title 7 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations is amended by adding a new part 3022 to read as 
follows:

PART 3022--RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS CONDUCTING USDA-FUNDED EXTRAMURAL 
RESEARCH; RESEARCH MISCONDUCT

Sec.
3022.1 Definitions.
3022.2 Procedures.
3022.3 Inquiry, investigation, and adjudication.
3022.4 USDA panel to determine appropriateness of research 
misconduct policy.
3022.5 Reservation of right to conduct subsequent inquiry, 
investigation, and adjudication.
3022.6 Notification of USDA of allegations of research misconduct.
3022.7 Notification of ARIO during an inquiry or investigation.
3022.8 Communication of research misconduct policies and procedures.
3022.9 Documents required.
3022.10 Reporting to USDA.
3022.11 Research records and evidence.
3022.12 Remedies for noncompliance.
3022.13 Appeals
3022.14 Relationship to other requirements.

    Authority: Office of Science and Technology Policy (65 FR 
76260); USDA Secretary's Memorandum (SM) 2400-007; and USDA OIG, 7 
CFR 2610.1(c)(4)(ix).


Sec.  3022.1  Definitions.

    Adjudication. The stage in response to an allegation of research 
misconduct when the outcome of the investigation is reviewed, and 
appropriate corrective actions, if any, are determined. Corrective 
actions generally will be administrative in nature, such as termination 
of an award, debarment, award restrictions, recovery of funds, or 
correction of the research record. However, if there is an indication 
of violation of civil or criminal statutes, civil or criminal sanctions 
may be pursued.
    Agency Research Integrity Officer (ARIO). The individual appointed 
by a USDA agency that conducts research and who is responsible for:
    (1) Receiving and processing allegations of research misconduct as 
assigned by the USDA RIO;
    (2) Informing OIG and the USDA RIO and the research institution 
associated with the alleged research misconduct, of allegations of 
research misconduct in the event it is reported to the USDA agency;
    (3) Ensuring that any records, documents and other materials 
relating to a research misconduct allegation are provided to OIG when 
requested;
    (4) Coordinating actions taken to address allegations of research 
misconduct with respect to extramural research with the research 
institution(s) at which time the research misconduct is alleged to have 
occurred, and with the USDA RIO;
    (5) Overseeing proceedings to address allegations of extramurally 
funded research misconduct at intramural research institutions and 
research institutions where extramural research occurs;
    (6) Ensuring that agency action to address allegations of research 
misconduct at USDA agencies performing extramurally funded research is 
performed at an

[[Page 49360]]

organizational level that allows an independent, unbiased, and 
equitable process;
    (7) Immediately notifying OIG, the USDA RIO, and the applicable 
research institution if:
    (i) Public health or safety is at risk;
    (ii) USDA's resources, reputation, or other interests need 
protecting;
    (iii) Research activities should be suspended;
    (iv) Federal action may be needed to protect the interest of a 
subject of the investigation or of others potentially affected;
    (v) A premature public disclosure of the inquiry into or 
investigation of the allegation may compromise the process;
    (vi) The scientific community or the public should be informed; or
    (vii) Behavior that is or may be criminal in nature is discovered 
at any point during the inquiry, investigation, or adjudication phases 
of the research misconduct proceedings;
    (8) Documenting the dismissal of the allegation, and ensuring that 
the name of the accused individual and/or institution is cleared if an 
allegation of research misconduct is dismissed at any point during the 
inquiry or investigation phase of the proceedings;
    (9) Other duties relating to research misconduct proceedings as 
assigned.
    Allegation. A disclosure of possible research misconduct through 
any means of communication. The disclosure may be by written or oral 
statement, or by other means of communication to an institutional or 
USDA official.
    Applied research. Systematic study to gain knowledge or 
understanding necessary to determine the means by which a recognized 
and specific need may be met.
    Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. The individual in 
OIG who is responsible for OIG's domestic and foreign investigative 
operations through a headquarters office and the six regional offices.
    Basic research. Systematic study directed toward fuller knowledge 
or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of 
observable facts without specific applications towards processes or 
products in mind.
    Extramural research. Research conducted by any research institution 
other than the Federal agency to which the funds supporting the 
research were appropriated. Research institutions conducting extramural 
research may include Federal research facilities.
    Fabrication. Making up data or results and recording or reporting 
them.
    Falsification. Manipulating research materials, equipment, or 
processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the 
research is not accurately represented in the research record.
    Finding of research misconduct. The conclusion, proven by a 
preponderance of the evidence, that research misconduct occurred, that 
such research misconduct represented a significant departure from 
accepted practices of the relevant research community, and that such 
research misconduct was committed intentionally, knowingly, or 
recklessly.
    Inquiry. The stage in the response to an allegation of research 
misconduct when an assessment is made to determine whether the 
allegation has substance and whether an investigation is warranted.
    Intramural research. Research conducted by a Federal Agency, to 
which funds were appropriated for the purpose of conducting research.
    Investigation. The stage in the response to an allegation of 
research misconduct when the factual record is formally developed and 
examined to determine whether to dismiss the case, recommend a finding 
of research misconduct, and/or take other appropriate remedies.
    Office of Inspector General (OIG). The Office of Inspector General 
of the United States Department of Agriculture.
    Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The Office of 
Science and Technology Policy of the Executive Office of the President.
    Plagiarism. The appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, 
results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
    Preponderance of the evidence. Proof by information that, compared 
with that opposing it, leads to the conclusion that the fact at issue 
is more probably true than not.
    Research. All basic, applied, and demonstration research in all 
fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. This includes, but is 
not limited to, research in economics, education, linguistics, 
medicine, psychology, social sciences, statistics, and research 
involving human subjects or animals regardless of the funding mechanism 
used to support it.
    Research institution. All organizations using Federal funds for 
research, including, for example, colleges and universities, Federally 
funded research and development centers, national user facilities, 
industrial laboratories, or other research institutes.
    Research misconduct. Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in 
proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research 
results. Research misconduct does not include honest error or 
differences of opinion.
    Research record. The record of data or results that embody the 
facts resulting from scientific inquiry, and includes, but is not 
limited to, research proposals, research records (including data, 
notes, journals, laboratory records (both physical and electronic)), 
progress reports, abstracts, theses, oral presentations, internal 
reports, and journal articles.
    United States Department of Agriculture. USDA.
    USDA Research Integrity Officer (USDA RIO). The individual 
designated by the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, 
Education, and Economics (REE) who is responsible for:
    (1) Overseeing USDA agency responses to allegations of research 
misconduct;
    (2) Ensuring that agency research misconduct procedures are 
consistent with this part;
    (3) Receiving and assigning allegations of research misconduct 
reported by the public;
    (4) Developing Memoranda of Understanding with agencies that elect 
not to develop their own research misconduct procedures;
    (5) Monitoring the progress of all research misconduct cases; and
    (6) Serving as liaison with OIG to receive allegations of research 
misconduct when they are received via the OIG Hotline.


Sec.  3022.2  Procedures.

    Research institutions that conduct extramural research funded by 
USDA must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity. They 
must develop or have procedures in place to respond to allegations of 
research misconduct that ensure:
    (a) Appropriate separations of responsibility for inquiry, 
investigation, and adjudication;
    (b) Objectivity;
    (c) Due process;
    (d) Whistleblower protection;
    (e) Confidentiality. To the extent possible and consistent with a 
fair and thorough investigation and as allowed by law, knowledge about 
the identity of subjects and informants is limited to those who need to 
know; and
    (f) Timely resolution.


Sec.  3022.3  Inquiry, investigation, and adjudication.

    A research institution that conducts extramural research funded by 
USDA bears primary responsibility for prevention and detection of 
research misconduct and for the inquiry, investigation, and 
adjudication of research misconduct allegations reported directly to 
it. The research

[[Page 49361]]

institution must perform an inquiry in response to an allegation, and 
must follow the inquiry with an investigation if the inquiry determines 
that the allegation or apparent instance of research misconduct has 
substance. The responsibilities for adjudication must be separate from 
those for inquiry and investigation. In most instances, USDA will rely 
on a research institution conducting extramural research to promptly:
    (a) Initiate an inquiry into any suspected or alleged research 
misconduct;
    (b) Conduct a subsequent investigation, if warranted;
    (c) Acquire, prepare, and maintain appropriate records of 
allegations of extramural research misconduct and all related 
inquiries, investigations, and findings; and
    (d) Take action to ensure the following:
    (1) The integrity of research;
    (2) The rights and interests of the subject of the investigation 
and the public are protected;
    (3) The observance of legal requirements or responsibilities 
including cooperation with criminal investigations; and
    (4) Appropriate safeguards for subjects of allegations, as well as 
informants (see Sec.  3022.6). These safeguards should include timely 
written notification of subjects regarding substantive allegations made 
against them; a description of all such allegations; reasonable access 
to the data and other evidence supporting the allegations; and the 
opportunity to respond to allegations, the supporting evidence and the 
proposed findings of research misconduct, if any.


Sec.  3022.4  USDA Panel to determine appropriateness of research 
misconduct policy.

    Before USDA will rely on a research institution to conduct an 
inquiry, investigation, and adjudication of an allegation in accordance 
with this part, the research institution where the research misconduct 
is alleged must provide the ARIO its policies and procedures related to 
research misconduct at the institution. The research institution has 
the option of providing either a written copy of such policies and 
procedures or a Web site address where such policies and procedures can 
be accessed. The ARIO to whom the policies and procedures were made 
available shall convene a panel comprised of the USDA RIO and ARIOs 
from the Forest Service, the Agricultural Research Service, and the 
National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The Panel will review the 
research institution's policies and procedures for compliance with the 
OSTP Policy and render a decision regarding the research institution's 
ability to adequately resolve research misconduct allegations. The ARIO 
will inform the research institution of the Panel's determination that 
its inquiry, investigation, and adjudication procedures are sufficient. 
If the Panel determines that the research institution does not have 
sufficient policies and procedures in place to conduct inquiry, 
investigation, and adjudication proceedings, or that the research 
institution is in any way unfit or unprepared to handle the inquiry, 
investigation, and adjudication in a prompt, unbiased, fair, and 
independent manner, the ARIO will inform the research institution in 
writing of the Panel's decision. An appropriate USDA agency, as 
determined by the Panel, will then conduct the inquiry, investigation, 
and adjudication of research misconduct in accordance with this part. 
If an allegation of research misconduct is made regarding extramural 
research conducted at a Federal research institution (whether USDA or 
not), it is presumed that the Federal research institution has research 
misconduct procedures consistent with the OSTP Policy. USDA reserves 
the right to convene the Panel to assess the sufficiency of a Federal 
agency's research misconduct procedures, should there be any question 
whether the agency's procedures will ensure a fair, unbiased, 
equitable, and independent inquiry, investigation, and adjudication 
process.


Sec.  3022.5  Reservation of right to conduct subsequent inquiry, 
investigation, and adjudication.

    (a) USDA reserves the right to conduct its own inquiry, 
investigation, and adjudication into allegations of research misconduct 
at a research institution conducting extramural research subsequent to 
the proceedings of the research institution related to the same 
allegation. This may be necessary if the USDA RIO or ARIO believes, in 
his or her sound discretion, that despite the Panel's finding that the 
research institution in question had appropriate and OSTP-compliant 
research misconduct procedures in place, the research institution 
conducting the extramural research at issue:
    (1) Did not adhere to its own research misconduct procedures;
    (2) Did not conduct research misconduct proceedings in a fair, 
unbiased, or independent manner; or
    (3) Has not completed research misconduct inquiry, investigation, 
or adjudication in a timely manner.
    (b) Additionally, USDA reserves the right to conduct its own 
inquiry, investigation, and adjudication into allegations of research 
misconduct at a research institution conducting extramural research 
subsequent to the proceedings of the research institution related to 
the same allegation for any other reason that the USDA RIO or ARIO 
considers it appropriate to conduct research misconduct proceedings in 
lieu of the research institution's conducting the extramural research 
at issue. This right is subject to paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) In cases where the USDA RIO or ARIO believes it is necessary 
for USDA to conduct its own inquiry, investigation, and adjudication 
subsequent to the proceedings of the research institution related to 
the same allegation, the USDA RIO or ARIO shall reconvene the Panel, 
which will determine whether it is appropriate for the relevant USDA 
agency to conduct the research misconduct proceedings related to the 
allegation(s) of research misconduct. If the Panel determines that it 
is appropriate for a USDA agency to conduct the proceedings, the ARIO 
will immediately notify the research institution in question. The 
research institution must then promptly provide the relevant USDA 
agency with documentation of the research misconduct proceedings the 
research institution has conducted to that point, and the USDA agency 
will conduct research misconduct proceedings in accordance with the 
Agency research misconduct procedures.


Sec.  3022.6  Notification of USDA of allegations of research 
misconduct.

    (a) Research institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural 
research must promptly notify OIG and the USDA RIO of all allegations 
of research misconduct involving USDA funds when the institution 
inquiry into the allegation warrants the institution moving on to an 
investigation.
    (b) Individuals at research institutions who suspect research 
misconduct at the institution should report allegations in accordance 
with the institution's research misconduct policies and procedures. 
Anyone else who suspects that researchers or research institutions 
performing federally-funded research may have engaged in research 
misconduct is encouraged to make a formal allegation of research 
misconduct to OIG.
    (1) OIG may be notified using any of the following methods:

[[Page 49362]]

    (i) Via the OIG Hotline: Telephone: (202) 690-1622, (800) 424-9121, 
(202) 690-1202 (TDD).
    (ii) E-mail: usda_hotline@oig.usda.gov.
    (iii) U.S. Mail: United States Department of Agriculture, Office of 
Inspector General, P.O. Box 23399, Washington, DC 20026-3399.
    (2) The USDA RIO may be reached at: USDA Research Integrity 
Officer, 214W Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250; telephone: 202-
720-5923; E-mail: researchintegrity@usda.gov.
    (c) To the extent known, the following details should be included 
in any formal allegation:
    (1) The name of the research projects involved, the nature of the 
alleged misconduct, and the names of the individual or individuals 
alleged to be involved in the misconduct;
    (2) The source or sources of funding for the research project or 
research projects involved in the alleged misconduct;
    (3) Important dates;
    (4) Any documentation that bears upon the allegation; and
    (5) Any other potentially relevant information.
    (d) Safeguards for informants give individuals the confidence that 
they can bring allegations of research misconduct made in good faith to 
the attention of appropriate authorities or serve as informants to an 
inquiry or an investigation without suffering retribution. Safeguards 
include protection against retaliation for informants who make good 
faith allegations, fair and objective procedures for the examination 
and resolution of allegations of research misconduct, and diligence in 
protecting the positions and reputations of those persons who make 
allegations of research misconduct in good faith. The identity of 
informants who wish to remain anonymous will be kept confidential to 
the extent permitted by law or regulation.


Sec.  3022.7  Notification of ARIO during an inquiry or investigation.

    (a) Research institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural 
research must promptly notify the ARIO should the institution become 
aware during an inquiry or investigation that:
    (1) Public health or safety is at risk;
    (2) The resources, reputation, or other interests of USDA are in 
need of protection;
    (3) Research activities should be suspended;
    (4) Federal action may be needed to protect the interest of a 
subject of the investigation or of others potentially affected;
    (5) A premature public disclosure of the inquiry into or 
investigation of the allegation may compromise the process;
    (6) The scientific community or the public should be informed; or
    (7) There is reasonable indication of possible violations of civil 
or criminal law.
    (b) If research misconduct proceedings reveal behavior that may be 
criminal in nature at any point during the proceedings, the institution 
must promptly notify the ARIO.


Sec.  3022.8  Communication of research misconduct policies and 
procedures.

    Institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research are to 
maintain and effectively communicate to their staffs policies and 
procedures relating to research misconduct, including the guidelines in 
this part. The institution is to inform their researchers and staff 
members who conduct USDA-funded extramural research when and under what 
circumstances USDA is to be notified of allegations of research 
misconduct, and when and under what circumstances USDA is to be updated 
on research misconduct proceedings.


Sec.  3022.9  Documents required.

    (a) A research institution that conducts USDA-funded extramural 
research must maintain the following documents related to an allegation 
of research misconduct at the research institution:
    (1) A written statement describing the original allegation;
    (2) A copy of the formal notification presented to the subject of 
the allegation;
    (3) A written report describing the inquiry stage and its outcome 
including copies of all supporting documentation;
    (4) A description of the methods and procedures used to gather and 
evaluate information pertinent to the alleged misconduct during inquiry 
and investigation stages;
    (5) A written report of the investigation, including the 
evidentiary record and supporting documentation;
    (6) A written statement of the findings; and
    (7) If applicable, a statement of recommended corrective actions, 
and any response to such a statement by the subject of the original 
allegation, and/or other interested parties, including any corrective 
action plan.
    (b) The research institution must retain the documents specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section for at least 3 years following the final 
adjudication of the alleged research misconduct.


Sec.  3022.10  Reporting to USDA.

    Following completion of an investigation into allegations of 
research misconduct, the institution conducting extramural research 
must provide to the ARIO a copy of the evidentiary record, the report 
of the investigation, recommendations made to the institution's 
adjudicating official, the adjudicating official's determination, the 
institution's corrective action taken or planned, and the written 
response of the individual who is the subject of the allegation to any 
recommendations.


Sec.  3022.11  Research records and evidence.

    (a) A research institution that conducts extramural research 
supported by USDA funds, as the responsible legal entity for the USDA-
supported research, has a continuing obligation to create and maintain 
adequate records (including documents and other evidentiary matter) as 
may be required by any subsequent inquiry, investigation, finding, 
adjudication, or other proceeding.
    (b) Whenever an investigation is initiated, the research 
institution must promptly take all reasonable and practical steps to 
obtain custody of all relevant research records and evidence as may be 
necessary to conduct the research misconduct proceedings. This must be 
accomplished before the research institution notifies the researcher/
respondent of the allegation, or immediately thereafter.
    (c) The original research records and evidence taken into custody 
by the research institution shall be inventoried and stored in a secure 
place and manner. Research records involving raw data shall include the 
devices or instruments on which they reside. However, if deemed 
appropriate by the research institution or investigator, research data 
or records that reside on or in instruments or devices may be copied 
and removed from those instruments or devices as long as the copies are 
complete, accurate, and have substantially equivalent evidentiary value 
as the data or records have when the data or records reside on the 
instruments or devices. Such copies of data or records shall be made by 
a disinterested, qualified technician and not by the subject of the 
original allegation or other interested parties. When the relevant data 
or records have been removed from the devices or instruments, the 
instruments or devices need not be maintained as evidence.


Sec.  3022.12  Remedies for noncompliance.

    USDA agencies' implementation procedures identify the 
administrative actions available to remedy a finding of

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research misconduct. Such actions may include the recovery of funds, 
correction of the research record, debarment of the researcher(s) that 
engaged in the research misconduct, proper attribution, or any other 
action deemed appropriate to remedy the instance(s) of research 
misconduct. The agency should consider the seriousness of the 
misconduct, including, but not limited to, the degree to which the 
misconduct was knowingly conducted, intentional, or reckless; was an 
isolated event or part of a pattern; or had significant impact on the 
research record, research subjects, other researchers, institutions, or 
the public welfare. In determining the appropriate administrative 
action, the appropriate agency must impose a remedy that is 
commensurate with the infraction as described in the finding of 
research misconduct.


Sec.  3022.13  Appeals.

    (a) If USDA relied on an institution to conduct an inquiry, 
investigation, and adjudication, the alleged person(s) should first 
follow the institution's appeal policy and procedures.
    (b) USDA agencies' implementation procedures identify the appeal 
process when a finding of research misconduct is elevated to the 
agency.


Sec.  3022.14  Relationship to other requirements.

    Some of the research covered by this part also may be subject to 
regulations of other governmental agencies (e.g., a university that 
receives funding from a USDA agency and also under a grant from another 
Federal agency). If more than one agency of the Federal Government has 
jurisdiction, USDA will cooperate with the other Agency(ies) in 
designating a lead agency. When USDA is not the lead agency, it will 
rely on the lead agency following its policies and procedures in 
determining whether there is a finding of research misconduct. Further, 
USDA may, in consultation with the lead agency, take action to protect 
the health and safety of the public, to promote the integrity of the 
USDA-supported research and research process, or to conserve public 
funds. When appropriate, USDA will seek to resolve allegations jointly 
with the other agency or agencies.

    Dated: August 5, 2010.

    Issued at Washington, DC.
Jon M. Holladay,
Acting Chief Financial Officer.
Thomas J. Vilsack,
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
[FR Doc. 2010-20109 Filed 8-12-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-90-P