Inquiries from Government and Regulatory Authorities: What to Do
Like all large organizations, the university receives requests for information or site visits from government regulatory and investigative agencies. Sometimes, the inquiry involves a matter in which the university is directly involved (e.g., a pre-award audit by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs). In other instances, the university is not directly involved, but possesses relevant information (e.g., a request by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for information concerning an employee regarding a criminal investigation unrelated to the employee's work). In either case, it is important that ALS be notified immediately of all non-routine requests for information or site visits by government agencies. In addition to determining whether the request is legally valid, ALS can assist in assuring that the university responds satisfactorily and in notifying the appropriate people within the institution. You should also refer all attorneys representing regulatory authorities or the government to ALS.