[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 119 (Tuesday, June 21, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36094-36095]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15435]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Draft NOAA Scientific Integrity Policy and Handbook; Availability

AGENCY: Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce 
(DOC).

ACTION: Draft NOAA Scientific Integrity Policy and Handbook for Public 
Review.

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SUMMARY: NOAA's draft scientific integrity policy is available for 
public review and comment until August 20, 2011. The draft incorporates 
the principles of scientific integrity contained in the President's 
March 9, 2009, memorandum and Office of Science and Technology Policy 
(OSTP) director, John Holdren's December 17, 2010, memorandum on 
scientific integrity, and addresses how NOAA ensures quality science in 
its methods, review, and other aspects. NOAA also seeks comments on the 
accompanying handbook that outlines procedures to respond to 
allegations of misconduct.

ADDRESSES: Both draft documents can be found electronically at: http://www.noaa.gov/scientificintegrity. Those without computer access can 
call 301-734-1186 to request a copy of the draft policy and handbook 
and instructions for returning written comments by U.S. Postal Service.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  The NOAA Scientific Integrity team at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The Presidential Memorandum on Scientific Integrity dated March 9, 
2009, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy 2010 guidance 
memorandum on scientific integrity call for ensuring the highest level 
of integrity in all aspects of the executive branch's involvement with 
scientific and technological processes.
    The draft NOAA policy:
     Lays out formal guidance with a ``Code of Conduct'';
     Creates the conditions for enabling first-rate science and 
guarding against attempts to undermine or discredit it;
     States the key role of science in informing policy;
     Encourages scientists to publish data and findings to 
advance science, their careers, and NOAA's reputation for reliable 
science;
     Encourages NOAA scientists to be leaders in the scientific 
community;

[[Page 36095]]

     Provides whistle-blower protection;
     Applies to all NOAA employees and provides applicable 
policies for contractors and grantees who are engaged in, supervise, or 
manage scientific activities, analyze and/or publicly communicate 
information resulting from scientific activities, or use scientific 
information or analyses in making bureau or office policy, management, 
or regulatory decisions;
     Includes a training component.

    Dated: June 16, 2011.
Terry Bevels,
Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2011-15435 Filed 6-20-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KD-P