Department of Defense (DoD): Disclosure Requirements
Over the last several years, the federal government and federal funding agencies have raised concerns regarding research security and undue foreign influence on federally funded research. As a result, many federal funding agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), have revised what information they require from investigators to appropriately assess available resources, other sources of support, and overall risk. DoD recently issued their “Policy for Risk-based Security Reviews of Fundamental Research” This updated guidance from DoD outlines and clarifies requirements of what is required of applicants and awardees. The DoD and subsequent components (Departments of Army, Navy, Air Force, etc) are evaluating for the following:
- Conflict of Interest
- Conflict of Commitment/Available effort
- Scientific Overlap
- Participation in malign foreign talent programs
- International Collaborations
The DoD has also provided a list of “foreign institutions that have been confirmed as engaging in problematic activity” and “caution is advised for any researcher or institution engaging with institutions on this list.” The list also identifies “the foreign talent programs that have been confirmed as posing a threat to the national security interests of the United States.” The DoD will update the lists as necessary.