VI. The Inquiry Report

1. Elements of the Inquiry Report

   A written inquiry report must contain the following elements:

   • the names and titles of the committee members and experts, if any
   • the allegations
   • the funding source (if applicable)
   • a summary of the inquiry process used;
   • a list of the research records reviewed
   • summaries of any interviews
   • a description of the evidence in sufficient detail to demonstrate whether an investigation is warranted or not
   • the committee's determination as to whether an investigation is recommended and whether any other actions should be taken if an investigation is not recommended.

     Prior to distribution institutional counsel will review the report for legal sufficiency.

2. Comments on the Draft Report by the Respondent and the Whistleblower

   The Research Integrity Officer will provide the respondent with a copy of the draft inquiry report for comment and rebuttal and will provide the whistleblower, if he or she is identifiable, with portions of the draft inquiry report that address the whistleblower's role and opinions in the investigation.

   1. Confidentiality

      The Research Integrity Officer may establish reasonable conditions for review to protect the confidentiality of the draft inquiry report.

   2. Receipt of Comments

      From the day they receive the draft inquiry report, the respondent and whistleblower will have 14 days to submit comments (if any) to the inquiry committee. Any comments that the whistleblower or respondent submit on the draft inquiry report will become part of the final inquiry report and record.^ix Based on the comments, the inquiry committee may revise the report as appropriate.

3. Inquiry Decision and Notification
   1. Decision by Deciding Official

      The Research Integrity Officer will transmit the final report and any comments to the Deciding Official, who will make the determination of whether findings from the inquiry provide sufficient evidence of possible research misconduct to justify conducting an investigation. The inquiry is completed when the Deciding Official makes this determination, which will be made within 60 days of the first meeting of the inquiry committee. Any extension of this period will be based on good cause and recorded in the inquiry file.

   2. Notification

      The Research Integrity Officer will notify both the respondent and the whistleblower in writing of the Deciding Official's decision of whether or not the inquiry will proceed to an investigation. If yes, then the Research Integrity Officer will remind them of their obligation to cooperate in the event an investigation is opened. The Research Integrity Officer will also notify all appropriate institutional officials of the Deciding Official's decision.

4. Time Limit for Completing the Inquiry Report

   The inquiry committee will normally complete the inquiry and submit its report in writing to the Research Integrity Officer no more than 60 calendar days following its first meeting,^x unless the Research Integrity Officer approves an extension for good cause. If the Research Integrity Officer approves an extension, the reason for the extension will be entered into the records of the case and the report.^xi The respondent also will be notified of the extension.