Objectivity of DOD's Senior Scientific Advisory Committees Can Be Better Assured
GGD-83-76
Published: Sep 21, 1983. Publicly Released: Sep 22, 1983.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the operations of the Defense Science Board, the Army Science Board, the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, and the Naval Research Advisory Committee to determine: (1) whether the Department of Defense (DOD) is following appropriate legal procedures and ethical standards in operating the committees; (2) whether members of the advisory committees appear to have conflicts of interest; (3) whether all relevant points of view are represented in the advisory groups and their panels; (4) the degree to which the same individuals participate in multiple advisory groups within DOD; and (5) the full cost of such committees.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should require the services to: (1) document the review of financial disclosure information when members are selected for specific panels; (2) document the resolution of potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of such conflicts; (3) comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act's requirements relating to announcing meetings and preparing minutes; and (4) document the steps followed in selecting individuals for panels. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD provided guidance to all components utilizing advisory committees and established a program to periodically review the records of each committee to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should require the Secretary of the Navy to: (1) appoint Naval Research Advisory Committee panel members as special government employees and make them subject to the same conflict of interest standards as other committee members; and (2) apply the same standards of balance, independence, and openness to the Naval Research Advisory Committee panels that apply to the advisory committee panels of the other services. |
Closed – Implemented
A senior DOD official has been appointed to ensure that the Naval Research Advisory Committee follows appropriate orders and regulations.
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Topics
Conflict of interestsFederal advisory bodiesFinancial disclosureMilitary research and developmentPersonnel managementMilitary forcesAdvisory committeesCompensationEngineeringMilitary personnel