On 20 March 2019, Michael D. Griffin, Under Secretary of Defense (Memo on Actions protecting Intellectual Property, Controlled information, Key Personnel, and Critical Technologies) directed changes in DoD Notices of Funding Opportunities, to take effect in 30 business days from the date the memo was issued. Funding Opportunities supported by grants, cooperative agreements, Technology Investment Agreements, and other non-procurement transactions will require submission of information for all key personnel working on an activity, regardless of whether the individual's efforts are funded by the DoD. The information required is outlined in the memo and mirrors that required by NIH and DOE.

On 07 June 7 2019, the Department of Energy issued a Directive mandating that federal and contractor personnel fully disclose and, as necessary, terminate affiliations with foreign government-supported talent recruitment programs.

On 10 July 2019, the National Institutes of Health issued a Notice (NOT-OD-19-114) reminding investigators that anyone who applies for or receives NIH support must disclose all resources, positions, and scientific appointments. The Notice contains the full guidance. On 11 July 2019, the NIH blog Open Mike provided the synopsis (emphasis added):

So, do you need to report those other NIH grants you have? Yes. What about a contract from another federal agency? Yes. Grants or contracts that go through another institution, including institutions in foreign countries? Yes. Commercial funds? Yes. Domestic or international positions held by senior/key personnel? Yes. In kind lab or office space? Yes. Scientific materials? Yes. Even if it has no monetary value? Yes. Affiliations (even if described as honorary or adjunct) with foreign entities or governments, including talents programs? Yes.

Effective January 30, 2023, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is requiring NSF grant applicants, including Texas Tech University, to certify that the grant applicant has a plan in place for each proposal that proposes to conduct research off-campus or off site (NSF PAPPG, II.E.9. and PAPPG II.D.1.d (viii)).  The grant applicant's Authorized Representative (AOR) must complete a certification that the grant applicant has a plan created and on file at the proposal stage that describes how the following types of behavior will be addressed:

1. 1. Abuse of any person, including, but not limited to, harassment, stalking, bullying, or hazing of any kind, whether the behavior is carried out verbally, physically, electronically, or in written form; or
   2. Conduct that is unwelcome, offensive, indecent, obscene, or disorderly.

NSF defines “off-campus or off-site research” as “data/information/samples being collected off-campus or off-site, such as fieldwork and research activities on vessels and aircraft.” This plan should also identify steps the grant applicant will take to nurture an inclusive off-campus or off-site working environment.  This includes trainings, codes of conduct, and field support, such as mentor/mentee support mechanisms, regular check-ins, and/or developmental events.

The creation and dissemination of the plan is the responsibility of the PI.  The plan must be disseminated to individuals participating in the relevant off-campus or off-site research prior to departure to the off-campus/off-site location. Please note this requirement does not apply to supplemental funding requests.  The plan will be uploaded in Cayuse upon, or prior to, submission of the grant proposal.  

This plan should not be submitted to NSF for review unless specifically requested in the funding opportunity or by NSF.  

Please contact your ORS proposal analyst, email ORS@ttu.edu, or call ORS at 806-742-3884 for assistance and a Plan Template for your use.

Resource Links:

• NSF Presentation on the Safe and Inclusive Working Environments for Off-Campus or Off-Site Research
• NSF Presentation Slides around Safe and Inclusive Working Environments for BIO and GEO
• NSF 23-071, “FAQs Regarding Preparation and Submission of Plans for Safe and Inclusive (SAI) Working Environments under the BIO/GEO Pilot”
• NSF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Proposal Preparation and Award Administration (including a number of FAQs on Safe and Inclusive Working Environment Plans)

On 11 July, 2019, the National Science Foundation issued a Dear Colleague Letter on "Research Protection", emphasizing that maintenance of a diverse research community and robust international collaborations requires "[a] renewed effort ... to ensure that existing requirements to disclose current and pending support information are known, understood, and followed."

On February 8, 2018, the National Science Foundation released Important Notice No. 144. The notice reminds the research community of its obligations to fully investigate complains of sexual or other harassment and for complying with federal nondiscrimination law. After conducting a public comment on a proposed award term and condition, NSF released a new term and condition, Article X: Notification Requirements Regarding Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Harassment, or Sexual Assault, on September 21, 2018. The term is effective for new awards and funding amendments to existing awards issued on or after October 22, 2018.

Texas Tech University is required to provide notifications within ten (10) days to NSF regarding the PI or any co-PI in the event of:

• A finding or determination that the reported individual has been found to have violated awardee polices or codes of conduct, statues, regulations, or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault; or
• Placement by the awardee of the reported individual on administrative leave or the imposition of any administrative action on the PI or any co-PI by the awardee relating to any finding/determination or an investigation of an alleged violation of awardee policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment or sexual assault.

Additional information can be found in the NSF Policy on Sexual Harassment.

USDA Non Discrimination Policy

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

More information at: https://www.ascr.usda.gov/sites/default/files/JFA_475_A-blue7_25_19_508version.pdf

This flyer is posted in all buildings with USDA-FAS funding, including the Chemistry Building, Biology Building and the Animal Food Sciences Building