Request for Information To Support the Development of a Federal Scientific Integrity Policy Framework, 12165-12167 [2022-04466]
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Active ingredient: Mandestrobin (2RS)2-{2-[(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)methyl]
phenyl}-2-methoxy-N-methylacetamide.
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4. EPA Registration Number: 59639–
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Box 5075, San Ramon, CA 94583–0975.
Active ingredient: Mandestrobin (2RS)2-{2-[(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)methyl]
phenyl}-2-methoxy-N-methylacetamide.
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5. EPA File Symbol: 73049–LEA.
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Biosciences LLC, 1910 Innovation Way,
Suite 100, Libertyville, IL 60048. Active
ingredient: Fenpropathrin at 4.0%;
abamectin at 1.5%; octanoic acid at
0.33%; nonanoic acid at 0.33%;
decanoic acid at 0.33%). Product type:
Insecticide. Proposed Use: Wide-area
mosquito adulticide. Contact: RD.
6. EPA Registration Numbers: 73314–
6 and 73314–19. Docket ID number:
EPA–HQ–OPP–2022–0100. Applicant:
Novozymes BioAg, Inc., 3101 Custer
Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53209. Active
ingredient: Lipo-chitooligosaccharides
(LCOs) SP104. Product type:
Biochemical Plant Growth Regulator
(PGR). Proposed use: New foliar and infurrow applications for terrestrial,
greenhouse, and nursery use. Contact:
BPPD.
7. EPA File Symbol: 90098–R. Docket
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Applicant: Central Garden & Pet, P.O.
Box 1019, Salem, VA 24153–1019.
Active ingredient: Transfluthrin.
Product type: Insecticide. Proposed Use:
Outdoors and semi enclosed areas.
Contact: RD.
8. EPA Registration Number: 91473–1.
Docket ID number: EPA–HQ–OPP–
2022–0127. Applicant: Seipasa, S.A., C/
Almudevar, No. 2, Tardienta (Huesca),
22240, Spain, (c/o Walter G. Talarek,
PC, 5153 Allison Marshall Drive,
Warrenton, VA 20187). Active
ingredient: Bacillus subtilis strain IAB/
BS03. Product type: Fungicide.
Proposed use: Interiorscape
applications. Contact: BPPD.
9. File Symbol: 95058–R. Docket ID
number: EPA–HQ–OPP–2021–0966.
Applicant: Agroindustrial Kimitec S.L.,
Santa Marta, 13 Almeria, 04740, Spain
(c/o Compliance Services International,
7501 Bridgeport Way West, Lakewood,
WA 98499). Active ingredient:
Eucalyptus Oil. Product type:
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use on agricultural and ornamental food
and non-food crops. Contact: BPPD.
(Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.)
Dated: February 8, 2022.
Delores Barber,
Director, Information Technology and
Resources Management Division, Office of
Program Support.
[FR Doc. 2022–04493 Filed 3–2–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE
PRESIDENT
Request for Information To Support
the Development of a Federal Scientific
Integrity Policy Framework
White House Office of Science
and Technology Policy (OSTP).
ACTION: Notice of request for
information (RFI).
AGENCY:
The White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
seeks information to assist in
developing a framework for regular
assessment and iterative improvement
of agency scientific integrity policies
and practices. This effort builds on the
Scientific Integrity Task Force’s review
of existing scientific integrity policies
and practices, released in the January
11, 2022 report, Protecting the Integrity
of Government Science.
DATES: Interested persons and
organizations are invited to submit
comments on or before 5:00 p.m. ET on
April 4, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Interested individuals and
organizations should submit comments
electronically to ScientificIntegrityRFI@
ostp.eop.gov and include ‘‘SI 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 OSTP. Please feel free
to respond to one or as many prompts
as you choose. Submission must not
exceed 10 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, trainee/student, member of the
public, government, other).
SUMMARY:
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Respondent’s role in the organization
may also be provided (e.g., researcher,
faculty, 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. If you
submit scientific or technical studies or
other results of scientific research,
OSTP requests (but is not requiring) that
you also provide the following
information where it is available: (1)
Identification of the funding source(s)
and sponsoring organization(s) of the
research; (2) the extent to which the
research findings were reviewed by a
potentially affected party prior to
publication or submission to the docket,
and identification of any such parties;
and (3) the nature of any financial
relationships (e.g., consulting
agreements, expert witness support, or
research funding) between investigators
who conducted the research and any
organization(s) or entities having a
financial interest in Federal scientific
integrity. Disclosure of such information
is intended to promote transparency and
scientific integrity of data and technical
information submitted to the record.
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 Dr. Ryan Donohue at 202–
456–4444 or ScientificIntegrity@
ostp.eop.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
framework will include assessment
criteria that OSTP and agencies can use
to inform, review, and improve the
content and implementation of agency
scientific-integrity policies. To support
this framework, OSTP seeks information
on: (1) How scientific integrity policies
can address important and emergent
issues of our time, including diversity,
equity, inclusion and accessibility; new
technologies; emerging modes of
science; and coordination with related
policy domains; (2) The criteria to
evaluate scientific integrity policy
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2022 / Notices
content, implementation, outcomes and
impacts in the Executive Branch; (3)
How to ensure that scientific integrity
evaluation findings lead to effective
iterative improvement of Federal
scientific integrity policy and practices;
and (4) How to ensure the long-term
viability and implementation of Federal
scientific integrity policies, practices,
and culture through future
Administrations.
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 office or the Office of
Inspector General at the relevant Federal
agency.
Background: On January 27, 2021,
President Biden issued the Presidential
Memorandum on Restoring Trust in
Government Through Scientific
Integrity and Evidence-Based
Policymaking (2021 Presidential
Memorandum). The 2021 Presidential
Memorandum asserts the
Administration’s goal to make evidencebased policy 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. The 2021 Presidential
Memorandum 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
Presidential 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.
On January 11, 2022, OSTP issued a
report of its Scientific Integrity Task
Force titled, Protecting the Integrity of
Government Science, that included an
assessment of Federal scientific integrity
policies and practices. Among other
remarks on scientific integrity policies,
the report stated that agencies need to
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strengthen scientific integrity policies to
deter undue influence in the conduct,
management, communication, and use
of science; that violations involving
high-level officials are the most
problematic and difficult to address;
and that further action is required to
establish and maintain a culture of
scientific integrity across all individuals
and agencies that conduct, manage,
communicate, and make use of science.
The Task Force report also notes that a
strong organizational culture of
scientific integrity is a necessary
foundation to reduce the potential for
wrongdoing, protect against
inappropriate influence, reinforce
agency missions and goals, and ensure
equitable delivery of Federal
Government programs. The report made
several recommendations. All Federal
agencies—not just those that fund and
conduct scientific research—need to
develop, implement, and periodically
review and update scientific integrity
policies and that agencies need to apply
scientific integrity policies to all those
in Federal agencies who conduct,
manage, communicate, or use science.
Further, the report identified numerous
good practices that Federal agencies can
readily adopt and adapt for use as
appropriate to their different missions
and needs, including: (1) Fostering a
culture of scientific integrity, which
involves effective agency leadership and
modeling of appropriate behaviors; (2)
protecting the integrity of the research
process; (3) communicating science
with integrity, which entails effective
and transparent communication of
scientific information to decisionmakers, the media, and the American
people; and (4) Safeguarding scientific
integrity, which requires clear, visible
procedures for reporting concerns,
robust assessment and adjudication, and
consistent enforcement of consequences
when violations are found. Finally, the
report recommended that scientific
integrity policies be updated to address
important and emergent issues of our
time, including diversity, equity,
inclusion, and accessibility; new
technologies, including artificial
intelligence and machine learning;
emerging modes of science, such as
citizen science and community-engaged
research; and coordination with related
policy domains, such as open data and
promotion of safe, equitable workplaces.
The 2021 Presidential Memorandum
directs the development of a framework
to inform and support the regular
assessment and iterative improvement
of agency scientific integrity policies
and practices, to support the Director
and OSTP in ensuring that agencies
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adhere to the principles of scientific
integrity. This framework shall be
completed 120 days after the release of
the Task Force report and include
assessment criteria that OSTP and
agencies can use to inform, review, and
improve the design and implementation
of agency scientific-integrity policies.
The Director shall publish this
framework on the OSTP website.
This request for information aims to
support OSTP’s and the Task Force’s
work to develop the framework for
regular assessment and iterative
improvement of agency scientific
integrity policies and practices. This RFI
is motivated by the Presidential
Memorandum’s direction that the Task
Force gather input from stakeholders
and the public regarding the scientific
integrity policies and practices and the
Scientific Integrity Task Force’s
previous listening sessions, which
underscored the need for ongoing public
engagement on scientific integrity and
policymaking processes.
Information Requested
Respondents may provide information
on one or as many topics below as they
choose. Input is welcome from
stakeholders and members of the public
representing all backgrounds and
perspectives. Through this RFI, OSTP
seeks information on assessment and
improvement of scientific integrity
policies and practices in the Federal
government, including on the following
topics:
1. Information is requested on how
scientific integrity policies at Federal
agencies and other components of the
Executive Branch can be developed or
updated to address important and
emergent issues of our time, including:
(1) Diversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility, which are essential to
advancing the conduct, communication,
and use of science, ensuring the
equitable delivery of government
programs, and improving equitable
participation in science by diverse
communities across the Nation; (2) New
technologies, such as artificial
intelligence, machine learning, and the
lack of transparency and potential for
bias in computer algorithms and
associated data; (3) Emerging modes of
science, such as citizen science and
community-engaged research; and (4)
Coordination with related policy
domains, such as open science and
data; quality guidelines for data and
information that agencies release;
promotion of safe, equitable workplaces
free from harassment and
discrimination; and protection of
research security and responding to
research misconduct.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2022 / Notices
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2. Information is requested on the
criteria that should be used to evaluate
scientific integrity policies: Content,
implementation, outcomes, and impacts
in Federal agencies and other
components of the Executive Branch.
Consider methods and metrics for
evaluating elements such as, but not
limited to: Policy provisions, practices,
capacity, and actions so that
determinations can be made on their
efficacy to achieve desired outcomes
and impacts.
3. Information is requested on how to
ensure that scientific integrity
evaluation findings, and other findings
that evolve over time, such as findings
on the emergent issues identified above,
lead to iterative improvement of Federal
scientific integrity policy and practices.
Consider information covering, but not
limited to: Types and frequency of
evaluation of agency scientific integrity
policies and practices; steps that OSTP,
Federal agencies, and other components
of the Executive Branch should take to
ensure regular comprehensive
evaluation and continuous
improvement of scientific integrity
policies and practices; and other
mechanisms or process elements that
should be included in the framework to
ensure effective iterative improvement
of Federal scientific integrity policy and
practices.
4. Information is requested on how to
ensure the long-term viability and
implementation of Federal scientific
integrity policies, practices, and culture
through future Administrations.
Consider information on, but not limited
to: Ways to ensure Federal scientific
integrity is robust through changes in
government leadership, funding, and
cultural shifts; how to institutionalize
policies and practices that ensure the
integrity of science, build and sustain a
culture of scientific integrity, and
encourage transparency; and how to
provide accountability, such as through
procedures to identify, address, and
provide appropriate and meaningful
consequences for instances when
scientific integrity policies have been
violated.
Dated: February 28, 2022.
Stacy Murphy,
Operations Manager.
[FR Doc. 2022–04466 Filed 3–2–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3270–F1–P
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
[GN Docket No. 19–329; FR ID 73477]
Federal Advisory Committee Act; Task
Force for Reviewing the Connectivity
and Technology Needs of Precision
Agriculture in the United States
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, this
notice advises interested persons that
the Federal Communications
Commission’s (FCC or Commission)
Task Force for Reviewing the
Connectivity and Technology Needs of
Precision Agriculture in the United
States (Task Force) will hold its next
meeting via live internet link.
DATES: March 21, 2022. The meeting
will come to order at 10:00 a.m. EST.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held
via conference call and be available to
the public via live feed from the FCC’s
web page at www.fcc.gov/live.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elizabeth Cuttner, Designated Federal
Officer, at (202) 418–2145, or
Elizabeth.Cuttner@fcc.gov; Stacy
Ferraro, Deputy Designated Federal
Officer, at (202) 418–0795, or
Stacy.Ferraro@fcc.gov; or Lauren Garry,
Deputy Designated Federal Officer, at
(202) 418–0942, or Lauren.Garry@
fcc.gov.
SUMMARY:
12167
requests will be accepted but may not be
possible to fill.
Proposed Agenda: At this meeting,
the Task Force will provide updates on
Task Force administration; review and
discuss programs and policies relevant
to the Task Force’s duties; and continue
to discuss strategies to advance
broadband deployment on agricultural
land and promote precision agriculture.
This agenda may be modified at the
discretion of the Task Force Chair and
the Designated Federal Officer.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022–04415 Filed 3–2–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
[FR ID: 74524]
Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice of a new matching
program.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Privacy Act of 1974, as amended
(‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document
announces a new computer matching
program the Federal Communications
Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’
or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service
Administrative Company (USAC) will
conduct with the Virginia Department of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Social Services (‘‘Department’’)
meeting will be held on March 21, 2022 (‘‘Agency’’). The purpose of this
at 10:00 a.m. EST and may be viewed
matching program is to verify the
live, by the public, at https://
eligibility of applicants to and
www.fcc.gov/live. Any questions that
subscribers of Lifeline, and the
arise during the meeting should be sent
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP),
to PrecisionAgTF@fcc.gov and will be
both of which are administered by
answered at a later date. Members of the USAC under the direction of the FCC.
public may submit comments to the
More information about these programs
Task Force in the FCC’s Electronic
is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY
Comment Filing System, ECFS, at
INFORMATION section below.
www.fcc.gov/ecfs. Comments to the Task DATES: Written comments are due on or
Force should be filed in GN Docket No.
before April 4, 2022. This computer
19–329. Open captioning will be
matching program will commence on
provided for this event. Other
April 4, 2022, and will conclude 18
reasonable accommodations for people
months after the effective date.
with disabilities are available upon
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Linda
request. Requests for such
Oliver, FCC, 45 L Street NE,
accommodations should be submitted
via email to fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@
fcc.gov.
the Consumer & Governmental Affairs
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice). Such
Linda Oliver at 202–418–1732 or
requests should include a detailed
Privacy@fcc.gov.
description of the accommodation
needed. In addition, please include a
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
way the FCC can contact you if it needs
Lifeline program provides support for
more information. Please allow at least
discounted broadband and voice
five days’ advance notice; last-minute
services to low-income consumers.
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SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12165-12167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04466]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Request for Information To Support the Development of a Federal
Scientific Integrity Policy Framework
AGENCY: White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
ACTION: Notice of request for information (RFI).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
seeks information to assist in developing a framework for regular
assessment and iterative improvement of agency scientific integrity
policies and practices. This effort builds on the Scientific Integrity
Task Force's review of existing scientific integrity policies and
practices, released in the January 11, 2022 report, Protecting the
Integrity of Government Science.
DATES: Interested persons and organizations are invited to submit
comments on or before 5:00 p.m. ET on April 4, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Interested individuals and organizations should submit
comments electronically to [email protected] and
include ``SI 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
OSTP. Please feel free to respond to one or as many prompts as you
choose. Submission must not exceed 10 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, trainee/student, member of the
public, government, other). Respondent's role in the organization may
also be provided (e.g., researcher, faculty, 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. If you submit scientific or technical studies
or other results of scientific research, OSTP requests (but is not
requiring) that you also provide the following information where it is
available: (1) Identification of the funding source(s) and sponsoring
organization(s) of the research; (2) the extent to which the research
findings were reviewed by a potentially affected party prior to
publication or submission to the docket, and identification of any such
parties; and (3) the nature of any financial relationships (e.g.,
consulting agreements, expert witness support, or research funding)
between investigators who conducted the research and any
organization(s) or entities having a financial interest in Federal
scientific integrity. Disclosure of such information is intended to
promote transparency and scientific integrity of data and technical
information submitted to the record. 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 Dr. Ryan Donohue at 202-456-4444 or
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The framework will include assessment
criteria that OSTP and agencies can use to inform, review, and improve
the content and implementation of agency scientific-integrity policies.
To support this framework, OSTP seeks information on: (1) How
scientific integrity policies can address important and emergent issues
of our time, including diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility;
new technologies; emerging modes of science; and coordination with
related policy domains; (2) The criteria to evaluate scientific
integrity policy
[[Page 12166]]
content, implementation, outcomes and impacts in the Executive Branch;
(3) How to ensure that scientific integrity evaluation findings lead to
effective iterative improvement of Federal scientific integrity policy
and practices; and (4) How to ensure the long-term viability and
implementation of Federal scientific integrity policies, practices, and
culture through future Administrations.
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 office or the
Office of Inspector General at the relevant Federal agency.
Background: On January 27, 2021, President Biden issued the
Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through
Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking (2021 Presidential
Memorandum). The 2021 Presidential Memorandum asserts the
Administration's goal to make evidence-based policy 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. The
2021 Presidential Memorandum 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
Presidential 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.
On January 11, 2022, OSTP issued a report of its Scientific
Integrity Task Force titled, Protecting the Integrity of Government
Science, that included an assessment of Federal scientific integrity
policies and practices. Among other remarks on scientific integrity
policies, the report stated that agencies need to strengthen scientific
integrity policies to deter undue influence in the conduct, management,
communication, and use of science; that violations involving high-level
officials are the most problematic and difficult to address; and that
further action is required to establish and maintain a culture of
scientific integrity across all individuals and agencies that conduct,
manage, communicate, and make use of science. The Task Force report
also notes that a strong organizational culture of scientific integrity
is a necessary foundation to reduce the potential for wrongdoing,
protect against inappropriate influence, reinforce agency missions and
goals, and ensure equitable delivery of Federal Government programs.
The report made several recommendations. All Federal agencies--not just
those that fund and conduct scientific research--need to develop,
implement, and periodically review and update scientific integrity
policies and that agencies need to apply scientific integrity policies
to all those in Federal agencies who conduct, manage, communicate, or
use science. Further, the report identified numerous good practices
that Federal agencies can readily adopt and adapt for use as
appropriate to their different missions and needs, including: (1)
Fostering a culture of scientific integrity, which involves effective
agency leadership and modeling of appropriate behaviors; (2) protecting
the integrity of the research process; (3) communicating science with
integrity, which entails effective and transparent communication of
scientific information to decision-makers, the media, and the American
people; and (4) Safeguarding scientific integrity, which requires
clear, visible procedures for reporting concerns, robust assessment and
adjudication, and consistent enforcement of consequences when
violations are found. Finally, the report recommended that scientific
integrity policies be updated to address important and emergent issues
of our time, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility;
new technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine
learning; emerging modes of science, such as citizen science and
community-engaged research; and coordination with related policy
domains, such as open data and promotion of safe, equitable workplaces.
The 2021 Presidential Memorandum directs the development of a
framework to inform and support the regular assessment and iterative
improvement of agency scientific integrity policies and practices, to
support the Director and OSTP in ensuring that agencies adhere to the
principles of scientific integrity. This framework shall be completed
120 days after the release of the Task Force report and include
assessment criteria that OSTP and agencies can use to inform, review,
and improve the design and implementation of agency scientific-
integrity policies. The Director shall publish this framework on the
OSTP website.
This request for information aims to support OSTP's and the Task
Force's work to develop the framework for regular assessment and
iterative improvement of agency scientific integrity policies and
practices. This RFI is motivated by the Presidential Memorandum's
direction that the Task Force gather input from stakeholders and the
public regarding the scientific integrity policies and practices and
the Scientific Integrity Task Force's previous listening sessions,
which underscored the need for ongoing public engagement on scientific
integrity and policymaking processes.
Information Requested
Respondents may provide information on one or as many topics below
as they choose. Input is welcome from stakeholders and members of the
public representing all backgrounds and perspectives. Through this RFI,
OSTP seeks information on assessment and improvement of scientific
integrity policies and practices in the Federal government, including
on the following topics:
1. Information is requested on how scientific integrity policies at
Federal agencies and other components of the Executive Branch can be
developed or updated to address important and emergent issues of our
time, including: (1) Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,
which are essential to advancing the conduct, communication, and use of
science, ensuring the equitable delivery of government programs, and
improving equitable participation in science by diverse communities
across the Nation; (2) New technologies, such as artificial
intelligence, machine learning, and the lack of transparency and
potential for bias in computer algorithms and associated data; (3)
Emerging modes of science, such as citizen science and community-
engaged research; and (4) Coordination with related policy domains,
such as open science and data; quality guidelines for data and
information that agencies release; promotion of safe, equitable
workplaces free from harassment and discrimination; and protection of
research security and responding to research misconduct.
[[Page 12167]]
2. Information is requested on the criteria that should be used to
evaluate scientific integrity policies: Content, implementation,
outcomes, and impacts in Federal agencies and other components of the
Executive Branch. Consider methods and metrics for evaluating elements
such as, but not limited to: Policy provisions, practices, capacity,
and actions so that determinations can be made on their efficacy to
achieve desired outcomes and impacts.
3. Information is requested on how to ensure that scientific
integrity evaluation findings, and other findings that evolve over
time, such as findings on the emergent issues identified above, lead to
iterative improvement of Federal scientific integrity policy and
practices. Consider information covering, but not limited to: Types and
frequency of evaluation of agency scientific integrity policies and
practices; steps that OSTP, Federal agencies, and other components of
the Executive Branch should take to ensure regular comprehensive
evaluation and continuous improvement of scientific integrity policies
and practices; and other mechanisms or process elements that should be
included in the framework to ensure effective iterative improvement of
Federal scientific integrity policy and practices.
4. Information is requested on how to ensure the long-term
viability and implementation of Federal scientific integrity policies,
practices, and culture through future Administrations. Consider
information on, but not limited to: Ways to ensure Federal scientific
integrity is robust through changes in government leadership, funding,
and cultural shifts; how to institutionalize policies and practices
that ensure the integrity of science, build and sustain a culture of
scientific integrity, and encourage transparency; and how to provide
accountability, such as through procedures to identify, address, and
provide appropriate and meaningful consequences for instances when
scientific integrity policies have been violated.
Dated: February 28, 2022.
Stacy Murphy,
Operations Manager.
[FR Doc. 2022-04466 Filed 3-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3270-F1-P
