Request for Information To Improve Federal Scientific Integrity Policies, 34064-34066 [2021-13640]

Agencies

• Executive Office of the President

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 121 (Monday, June 28, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34064-34066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13640]


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EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT


Request for Information To Improve Federal Scientific Integrity 
Policies

AGENCY: White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

ACTION: Notice of request for information.

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SUMMARY: The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) 
seeks information to help improve the effectiveness of Federal 
scientific integrity policies to enhance public trust in science. The 
January 27, 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in 
Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking 
(Memorandum) directs OSTP to convene an interagency task force under 
the National Science and Technology Council to review the effectiveness 
of policies developed since the issuance of the Presidential Memorandum 
on scientific integrity issued on March 9, 2009 in preventing improper 
political interference in the conduct of scientific research and the 
collection of data; preventing the suppression or distortion of 
findings, data, information, conclusions, or technical results; 
supporting scientists and researchers of all genders, races, 
ethnicities, and backgrounds; and advancing the equitable delivery of 
the Federal Government's programs. To support this assessment, OSTP 
seeks information about: (1) The effectiveness of Federal scientific 
integrity policies and needed areas of improvement; (2) good practices 
Federal agencies could adopt to improve scientific integrity, including 
in the communication of scientific information, addressing emerging 
technologies and evolving scientific practices, supporting professional 
development of Federal scientists, and promoting transparency in the 
implementation of agency scientific integrity policies; and (3) other 
topics or concerns that Federal scientific integrity policies should 
address. Please note the purpose of this RFI is not to receive reports 
on alleged offenses that are in violation of Federal scientific 
integrity policies. If you have witnessed or experienced any harmful 
acts that may undermine scientific integrity and you would like to 
report these allegations, please contact the Scientific Integrity 
Officer or Office of the Inspector General at the relevant Federal 
agency.

DATES: Interested persons and organizations are invited to submit 
comments on or before 5:00 p.m. ET on July 28, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested individuals and organizations should submit 
comments electronically to [email protected] and 
include ``SI-FTAC RFI'' in the subject line of the email. Due to time 
constraints, mailed paper submissions will not be accepted, and 
electronic submissions received after the deadline cannot be ensured to 
be incorporated or taken into consideration.

Instructions

    Response to this RFI is voluntary. Each responding entity 
(individual or organization) is requested to submit only one response. 
OSTP welcomes any responses to inform and guide the work of the 
Scientific Integrity Fast-Track Action Committee (SI-FTAC). Please feel 
free to respond to one or as many prompts as you choose. Submission 
must not exceed 7 pages in 12-point or larger font, with a page number 
provided on each page. Responses should include the name of the 
person(s) or organization(s) filing the comment, as well as the 
respondent type (e.g., academic, advocacy, professional society, 
community-based organization, industry, member of the public, 
government, other). Respondent's role in the organization may also be 
provided (e.g., researcher, administrator, student, program manager, 
journalist) on a voluntary basis. Comments containing references, 
studies, research, and other empirical data that are not widely 
published should include copies or electronic links of the referenced 
materials. No business proprietary information, copyrighted 
information, or personally identifiable information should be submitted 
in response to this RFI. Please be aware that comments submitted in 
response to this RFI may be posted on OSTP's website or otherwise 
released publicly.
    In accordance with FAR 15.202(3), responses to this notice are not 
offers and cannot be accepted by the Federal Government to form a 
binding contract. Additionally, those submitting responses are solely 
responsible for all expenses associated with response preparation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information, please 
direct questions to Ryan Donohue at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background: On January 27, 2021, President Biden issued a 
Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through 
Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking (2021 Memorandum). 
The Memorandum asserts the

[[Page 34065]]

Administration's goal to develop sound policy to make evidence-based 
decisions guided by the best available science and data, recognizing 
that scientific and technological information, data, and evidence are 
central to the development and iterative improvement of sound policies 
and to the delivery of equitable programs across every area of 
government. It emphasizes that political interference in the work of 
Federal scientists and other scientists who support the work of the 
Federal government and in the communication of scientific facts 
undermines the welfare of the Nation, contributes to systemic 
inequities and injustices, and violates the trust that the public 
places in government to best serve its collective interests. The 2021 
Memorandum reaffirms and builds on the Presidential Memorandum of March 
9, 2009 (Scientific Integrity) and the Director of the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy's Memorandum of December 17, 2010 
(Scientific Integrity), which together specify elements that scientific 
integrity policies of Federal Departments and Agencies are to address.
    The 2009 Presidential Memorandum articulates 6 principles to guide 
recommendations for Presidential Action to guarantee scientific 
integrity throughout the executive branch: (1) Selection and retention 
of candidates for science and technology positions in the executive 
branch should be based on the candidate's knowledge, credentials, 
experience, and integrity; (2) Agencies should have appropriate rules 
and procedures to ensure the integrity of the scientific process within 
the agency; (3) Scientific and technical information used in agency 
decisions should be subject to established scientific processes, 
including peer review; (4) Agencies should make available to the public 
the scientific or technological findings or conclusions considered or 
relied upon in policy decisions (to the extent release is not 
restricted); (5) Agencies should have in place procedures to identify 
and address instances in which the scientific process or the integrity 
of scientific and technological information may be compromised; and (6) 
Agencies should adopt procedures, including whistleblower protections, 
needed to ensure the integrity of scientific and technological 
information and processes used for decision-making or otherwise 
prepared.
    The 2010 OSTP Memorandum provides further guidance to executive 
departments and agencies for implementing scientific integrity 
policies. It identifies 4 foundations of scientific integrity in 
government: (1) Ensure a culture of scientific integrity by shielding 
scientific data and analyses from inappropriate political interference 
and preventing political officials from suppressing or altering 
scientific or technological findings; (2) Strengthen the actual and 
perceived credibility of government research through: Hiring decisions 
based on candidates' knowledge, credentials, experience, and integrity; 
ensuring data and research used to support policy decisions undergoes 
independent peer review; setting clear standards for governing 
conflicts-of-interest; and adopting whistleblower protections; (3) 
Facilitate the free flow of scientific and technological information, 
consistent with privacy and classification standards; and (4) Establish 
principles for conveying scientific and technological information to 
the public, including underlying assumptions and uncertainties. The 
2010 OSTP Memorandum also establishes guidance for public communication 
about scientific and technological matters that maximizes openness and 
transparency with the media; use of Federal Advisory Committees tasked 
with providing scientific advice; and professional development of 
government scientists and engineers. It directs Agencies to report back 
to OSTP on actions taken to develop and implement policies specified in 
the memorandum.
    By December 2016, 24 Federal departments and agencies had developed 
and published policies to support scientific integrity. These agencies 
and departments included all major U.S. science agencies (i.e., those 
that conduct or fund scientific research), as well as departments and 
agencies that issue regulations or use scientific findings in agency 
decision-making. Most of the scientific integrity policies addressed 
all four components of the 2010 OSTP Memorandum, and some addressed 
additional topics not specified in the memorandum, such as the 
importance of scientific integrity to the department's or agency's 
mission. The report also noted considerable variation across 
departments and agencies in scientific integrity policies and 
practices, reflecting differences in their missions, fields of science 
and technology supported, and organizational structures.
    The 2021 Presidential Memorandum calls for the establishment of an 
interagency task force (established as the SI-FTAC) of the National 
Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to conduct a thorough review of 
the effectiveness of agency integrity policies developed since the 
issuance of the Presidential Memorandum of March 9, 2009 on scientific 
integrity. Specifically, the 2021 Presidential Memorandum charges the 
task force to: (1) Consider whether existing Federal scientific 
integrity policies prevent improper political interference in the 
conduct of scientific research and the collection of scientific or 
technological data; prevent the suppression or distortion of scientific 
or technological findings, data, information, conclusions, or technical 
results; support scientists and researchers of all genders, races, 
ethnicities, and backgrounds; and advance the equitable delivery of the 
Federal Government's programs; (2) analyze instances in which existing 
scientific integrity policies have not been followed or enforced; and 
(3) identify effective practices for implementing scientific integrity 
policies in specific areas of particular interest, including improving 
the communication of scientific information, addressing emerging 
technologies and evolving scientific practices, supporting professional 
development of Federal scientists, and effective reporting practices 
that promote transparency in the implementation of agency scientific 
integrity policies and in the handling of any allegations of 
misconduct.
    This request for information aims to support the task force's work 
by providing input from stakeholders on issues specified in the 2021 
Presidential Memorandum and related topics. The information collected 
in response to this RFI will inform the task force (SI-FTAC), OSTP, and 
OMB as they work with Federal agencies and other stakeholders to review 
the effectiveness of agency scientific integrity policies and 
practices.
    Information Requested: Respondents may provide information for one 
or as many topics below as they choose. Input is welcome from 
stakeholders, including members of the public, representing all 
backgrounds and perspectives. Through this RFI, the SI-FTAC seeks 
information on the current state of scientific integrity processes and 
practices and the effect of these on trust in Federal science, 
including on the following topics:
    1. The effectiveness of Federal scientific integrity policies in 
promoting trust in Federal science:
    Information about the strengths and weaknesses of Federal 
scientific integrity policies, including where additional efforts are 
needed to meet the broad ambition to establish trust in Federal science 
by protecting against: Political or other improper interference in the 
conduct of scientific research, the

[[Page 34066]]

collection of scientific or technological data, and the utilization of 
science in decision-making; suppression or distortion of scientific or 
technological findings, data, information, conclusions, or technical 
results; disproportionate harm to Federal scientists and researchers 
from groups that are historically underrepresented in science, 
technology, and related fields; or equitable delivery of the Federal 
Government's programs. Of interest is information about how perceived 
shortfalls in scientific integrity affect public trust in science and 
about mechanisms Federal agencies could use to detect or deter 
potential violations of scientific integrity policies before they 
occur. [Please note: We do not seek reports on alleged offenses that 
are in violation of Federal scientific integrity policies; we ask that 
you not provide names of individuals who have been or may be accused of 
engaging in or subjected to such practices, personally identifiable or 
sensitive information, or specific allegations that should be handled 
through other appropriate channels, such as law enforcement, Scientific 
Integrity Officers, or an Office of Inspector General].
    2. Effective policies and practices Federal agencies could adopt to 
improve the communication of scientific and technological information:
    Consider practices related but not limited to: Engagement of 
Federal scientists and contractors working on scientific matters with 
news media and on social media; protection of scientific independence 
during clearance and review processes; avoidance of political or other 
improper interference in research or data collection; differentiation 
in official government communications of references to scientific 
publications and peer-reviewed research versus science-based or 
science-informed policy statements and determinations.
    3. Effective policies and practices Federal agencies could adopt to 
address scientific issues and the scientific workforce:
    Consider practices related but not limited to: Handling scientific 
disagreements about research methods and conclusions; addressing gaps 
in current scientific integrity policies related to emerging 
technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine-learning, and 
evolving scientific practices, such as citizen science and community-
engaged research; supporting the professional development of Federal 
scientists; supporting scientists and researchers of all genders, 
races, ethnicities, and backgrounds and advance the equitable delivery 
of the Federal Government's programs; and Ensuring the independence, 
autonomy, and effectiveness of scientific integrity officials and chief 
science officers.
    4. Effective practices Federal agencies could adopt to improve 
training of scientific staff about scientific integrity and the 
transparency into their scientific integrity practices:
    Consider practices related but not limited to: Educating and 
informing employees, contractors, and grantees in scientific and 
technical positions, as well as those who manage, communicate, or make 
decisions based on science and technology, of their rights and 
responsibilities related to agency scientific integrity policies; 
reporting practices that promote transparency in the implementation of 
agency scientific integrity policies and in the handling of any 
allegations of misconduct; communicating to the public about alleged 
lapses in scientific integrity, substantiated violations of scientific 
integrity policies, and remedial actions taken; and minimizing 
conflicts of interest in Federal science and research misconduct.
    5. Other important aspects of scientific integrity and effective 
approaches to improving trust in Federal science:
    Consider other elements that should be included and addressed in 
the scientific integrity policies of Federal agencies, beyond those 
specified in the 2009 Presidential Memorandum, 2010 OSTP Memorandum, 
and 2021 Presidential Memorandum. Consider also effective practices, in 
addition to those specified above, that Federal agencies could put in 
place to improve scientific integrity and public trust in Federal 
science, including for proactively promoting rigorous, objective 
scientific research and streamlining implementation within and across 
Federal departments and agencies.

    Dated: June 22, 2021.
Stacy Murphy,
Operations Manager.
[FR Doc. 2021-13640 Filed 6-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3270-F1-P