Freedom of Information Requests under the revised Federal Circular A-110
OMB's revised Circular A-110 includes a provision requiring the disclosure of certain information from federally sponsored projects through freedom of information requests. The provision has many special conditions under which compliance is required.
Investigators receiving requests for information under the revised Circular A-110 are advised to contact the Office of Research Compliance (2-9036) for guidance. Do not provide any information yourself.
Freedom of information requests under the State Freedom of Information Law should continue to be referred to the Office of the Vice President for Administration in accordance with campus policy P501.
NIH has published a complete description of its implementation of this new provision, including a valuable series of questions and answers that highlight the conditions under which compliance is required. The implementation by other federal sponsors is expected be similar and interested individuals are encouraged to examine the NIH document.
The Research Foundation has issued an advisory with guidance regarding this issue.