Federal Compliances and Assurances

Faculty should be aware that federal restrictions limit the extent to which personal financial interests can be related to the conduct of federally funded research. NIH and NSF have issued rules governing the disclosure of potential conflict. The University has developed a policy which will provide further advice and systematic review of potential conflict issues. (See Policy #2203 Conflict of Interests for Sponsored Programs)

In submitting applications to the federal or state government, the faculty member certifies that he/she is not currently debarred or suspended from conducting business with the government.

The faculty member certifies that he/she is not currently delinquent in federal debt, including outstanding student loans or IRS delinquencies.

To comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Commonwealth of Virginia has developed a "Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs." In addition to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the University, as an institution of higher education receiving federal funds, must comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. (See Policy #1110 Alcohol and Other Drugs)

The faculty member certifies that he/she has not attempted to influence any member of Congress in support of the proposed activity, nor has paid another party to lobby on behalf of the proposal.

The faculty member certifies that he/she did not engage in any impediment of access to educational facilities or otherwise impede academic personnel from performance of their duties after August 1, 1969. This policy is the so called "sit-in" legislation that prohibits individuals from receiving federal funds if they have actively engaged in "sit-in's" after the August date.

Research data must be permanently recorded and appropriately authenticated by the investigator at the time the research is conducted. These data will be retained by the investigator for at least ten years (or for a longer period, if specified in a federally funded project). When the investigator leaves the institution, a copy of the research data records will be retained by the institution; the records to be kept will be those considered appropriate by the investigator and the department head or school director.

Institutional committees meet regularly to review and approve projects that conduct research involving animal subjects, biohazards, or recombinant DNA. 
(See Policy #2204- Institutional Biosafety)

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) provides oversight for all projects involving research with human subjects. It is important to note that the IRB reviews all projects, not just externally supported activities. These reviews include student research as well. (See Policy #1104- The Institutional Review Board on the Use of Human Subjects in Research)

All federal funding must be acknowledged in publications, press releases, and any other external distribution of information concerning federally funded projects. Please contact Sponsored Programs for assistance or clarification.

Federally funded projects are restricted by law to comply with purchasing standards. These standards may include documentation of bid, Fly American, Buy American, utilization of women/minority owned businesses, compliance with Labor Standards, etc. While the principal investigator is the first line of review for expenditures, the compliance requirements of purchasing are best reviewed by Procurement Services. Likewise, any contractual work should be approved by Procurement.