OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS CLOSEOUT MEMORANDUM Case Number: ~060500#20 Page' 1 of 1 We identified an institution' with a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) award2 that appeared to involve human subjects in its evaluation component although the "Human Subjects" box on the NSF proposal cover page was not checked. We contacted the institution which expressed its misunderstanding of the applicability of the human subjects regulation to evaluations of that type; the need to declare the exemption to NSF in the proposal process; and the necessity that its Institutional Review Board (TRB) have an approved assurance fiom the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP). As a result the institution sought and received OHRP approval for its IRB and undertook a review of all active NSF awards and pending NSF proposals to ensure compliance. The REU award and six other awards were determined to qualify for exemptions, but one other award3 and a pending proposal4were found to be lacking the appropriate review. The award and pending proposal were both reviewed and the institution has taken steps to update the respective NSF program officers. Accordingly, this case is closed. - NSF OIG Form 2 (1 1/02)
Human Subject Reg. Violations
Published by the National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General on 2006-11-20.
Below is a raw (and likely hideous) rendition of the original report. (PDF)