CFR > Title 7 - Agriculture > SUBTITLE B—Regulations of the Department of Agriculture > CHAPTER V—AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (parts 500 to 550) > PART 550—GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY FOR NON-ASSISTANCE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS > SUBPART C—Management of Agreements (§550.19 to §550.58) > 550.34—Research misconduct.

550.34—Research misconduct.

(a) The Cooperator bears the primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct and for the inquiry, investigation and adjudication of research misconduct alleged to have occurred in association with their own institution.
(b) The Cooperator shall:
(1) maintain procedures for responding to allegations or instances of research misconduct that has the following components:
(i) Objectivity;
(ii) Due process;
(iii) Whistle blower protection;
(iv) Confidentiality;
(v) Timely resolution;
(2) Promptly conduct an inquiry into any allegation of research misconduct;
(3) Conduct an investigation if an inquiry determines that the allegation or apparent instance of research misconduct has substance;
(4) Provide appropriate separation of responsibilities between those responsible for inquiry and investigation, and those responsible for adjudication;
(5) Advise REE Agency of outcome at end of inquiries and investigations into allegations or instances of research misconduct; and
(6) Upon request, provide the REE Agency, upon request, hard copy (or website address) of their policies and procedures related to research misconduct.
(c) Research misconduct or allegations of research misconduct shall be reported to the USDA Research Integrity Officer (RIO) and/or to the USDA, Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline.
(1) The USDA RIO can be reached at: USDA Research Integrity Officer, 214-W Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250, Telephone: 202-720-5923, Email: researchintegrity@usda.gov.
(2) The USDA OIG Hotline can be reached on: 1-800-424-9121.