(b) Individuals at research institutions who suspect research misconduct at the institution should report allegations in accordance with the institution's research misconduct policies and procedures. Anyone else who suspects that researchers or research institutions performing Federally funded research may have engaged in research misconduct is encouraged to make a formal allegation of research misconduct to OIG.

1. (1) OIG has established a hotline for USDA employees and the general public to report fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in USDA programs including allegations of research misconduct. Complaints, which may be submitted anonymously, must be filed with the OIG by submitting a complaint via the hotline on OIG's public website, sending a fax, or writing a letter.

   1. (i) The OIG hotline may be accessed at https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline.
   2. (ii) Complainants who submit to the hotline on OIG's public website and who wish to provide additional documentation may fax them to (202) 690-2474.
   3. (iii) Letters may be mailed to: United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, P.O. Box 23399, Washington, DC 20026-3399.
2. (2) The USDA RIO may be reached at: USDA Research Integrity Officer, 214W Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-0745. Email: researchintegrity@usda.gov.

(c) To the extent known, the following details should be included in any formal allegation:

1. (1) The name of the research projects involved, the nature of the alleged misconduct, and the names of the individual or individuals alleged to be involved in the misconduct;
2. (2) The source or sources of funding for the research project or research projects involved in the alleged misconduct;
3. (3) Important dates;
4. (4) Any documentation that bears upon the allegation; and
5. (5) Any other potentially relevant information.