The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Research Integrity (ORI) is seeking information and comments from entities and individuals regarding best practices for sequestering evidence during research misconduct proceedings under 42 CFR part 93. In particular, ORI is interested in learning about challenges and solutions in sequestering digital evidence, such as data stored in cloud environments and on personal electronic equipment or storage devices. ORI will use this information to prepare guidelines to support institutions carrying out research misconduct proceedings. Responses to the RFI must be received electronically at the email address provided below no later than 5:00 p.m. ET 45 days after the publication of this RFI. Interested parties are to submit comments electronically to OASH- ORI-Public-Comments@hhs.gov. Include "Sequestration RFI" in the subject line of the email. Mailed paper submissions and submissions received after the deadline will not be reviewed
A formal finding of research misconduct under 42 CFR part 93 (HHS) or equivalent agency policy. The respondent was found to have engaged in fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism of research data. The federal grant funds involved are typically identified in the FR notice, along with the administrative actions (debarment, supervised research, manuscript correction or retraction requirements).