---
kind: "section"
citation: "45 C.F.R. § 689.5"
title: "45"
number: "689.5"
heading: "Initial NSF handling of misconduct matters."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/45/689.5"
---

# §689.5. Initial NSF handling of misconduct matters.

- (a) NSF staff who learn of alleged misconduct will promptly and discreetly inform OIG or refer informants to OIG.
- (b) The identity of informants who wish to remain anonymous will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law or regulation.
- (c) If OIG determines that alleged research misconduct involves potential civil or criminal violations, OIG may refer the matter to the Department of Justice.
- (d) **Otherwise OIG may—**
  - (1) Inform the awardee institution of the alleged research misconduct and encourage it to undertake an inquiry;
  - (2) Defer to inquiries or investigations of the awardee institution or of another Federal agency; or
  - (3) **At any time proceed with its own inquiry.**
- (e) If OIG proceeds with its own inquiry it will normally complete the inquiry no more than 90 days after initiating it.
- (f) On the basis of what it learns from an inquiry and in consultation as appropriate with other NSF offices, OIG will decide whether a formal NSF investigation is warranted.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1870(a).

### Source

Source: 67 FR 11937, Mar. 18, 2002, unless otherwise noted.