Legislature
National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33) is a policy directive that guides how the U.S. government handles controlled unclassified information (CUI) throughout the research and development lifecycle. CUI is defined as information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls but doesn't meet the criteria for classified information. NSPM-33 is an important framework for university research as it affects how federal agencies share information with academic institutions and researchers.
NSPM-33 aims to ensure that sensitive information is appropriately protected during research, while also promoting collaboration between government agencies and academic institutions. It provides guidance on identifying CUI, implementing safeguards for such information, and sharing CUI with external partners. Universities conducting research that involves CUI must adhere to the policies and guidelines outlined in NSPM-33 to ensure that they are protecting sensitive information appropriately.
At Old Dominion University, the Office of Secure Research is responsible for ensuring compliance with NSPM-33 and other relevant regulations related to research security. We provides guidance to university researchers on identifying CUI and implementing the appropriate safeguards to protect it. This includes implementing physical and electronic security measures, such as secure data storage and access controls. We also work closely with federal agencies to ensure that ODU is meeting their requirements for handling CUI in research projects.
The CHIPS and Science Act is a federal law signed by President Joe Biden in August 2022 that provides approximately $280 billion in funding to boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors in the United States. The act aims to address the shortage of semiconductors in the country and to strengthen the United States' supply chain resilience. The funding will support research and development of new semiconductor technologies and the construction of new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the country.
The CHIPS and Science Act is expected to have a significant impact on universities and their research efforts in the semiconductor field. With the increased funding for research and development of semiconductor technologies, universities are likely to see an increase in funding opportunities for research in this field. Additionally, the act may spur the creation of new university-industry partnerships to develop and manufacture new semiconductor technologies, which could provide new opportunities for university researchers and students to work on cutting-edge projects.
Additionally, the CHIPS and Science Act recognizes the importance of supporting the education and training of the next generation of semiconductor professionals, including those in universities. The act provides funding for programs that will help train a diverse and skilled workforce in the industry, including initiatives focused on increasing participation by underrepresented groups. This support for education and training aligns with the mission of universities to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers, while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
Federal Agency Actions
Federal agencies have provided a combination of comprehensive and specific guidance regarding foreign activities and the associated obligations for disclosure. These include:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH regularly updates its guidance on this subject matter and has developed a useful table, which can be accessed on their official website at the following URL: https://grants.nih.gov/policy/foreign-interference/requirements-for-disclosure
National Science Foundation (NSF)
NSF consistently updates its guidance on this university research and has developed an informative table. For detailed information and access to the table, please visit the official NSF website at the following URL: https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/disclosures_table.jsp
Federal Agency and Congressional Resources
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NIH: Brief Summary of NIH Foreign Interference Cases (as of March 15, 2022)
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NSF: Jason Report “Protecting Research and Facilitating Collaboration”
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DOD: Basic Research Office Academic Research Security webpage