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Open Recommendations

Small Business Innovation Research: Better Data and Clarity on Eligibility of Venture Capital-Owned Businesses Are Needed
GAO-24-107004
Feb 13, 2024
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2 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the DOD SBIR/STTR Program Office in OUSD(R&E) or other appropriate entity monitors the effectiveness of the recent efforts to improve the quality of the data used to identify its SBIR awards to "qualified small businesses" (awarded under 15 U.S.C. § 638(dd)), including through periodic evaluations of the accuracy of DOD's data in identifying awards to such businesses. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Small Business Administration The Administrator of the SBA should take steps—such as clarifying the SBIR policy directive or eligibility guide or suggesting model language for SBIR solicitations—to ensure that all agencies participating in the SBIR program fully understand the eligibility of small businesses with differing levels of ownership by VCOCs, hedge funds, or private equity firms. (Recommendation 2)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

National Institute of Standards and Technology: Strengthening Disclosure Requirements and Assessing Training Could Improve Research Security
GAO-24-106074
Dec 14, 2023
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3 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
National Institute of Standards and Technology The Director of NIST should, consistent with applicable statutes and regulations, collect and review disclosures from domestic associates—including information on positions and appointments, current and pending research support, and participation in foreign talent recruitment programs—and require updates to these disclosures, as appropriate. (Recommendation 2)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
National Institute of Standards and Technology The Director of NIST should, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce as appropriate, evaluate the effectiveness of research security training courses for NIST staff. For example, this could include collecting and analyzing employee feedback. (Recommendation 3)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Office of Science and Technology Policy The Director of OSTP should expedite the development and issuance of guidelines on foreign talent recruitment programs as required by section 10631 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

National Science Foundation: Additional Steps Would Improve Cost Estimate for Antarctic Research Infrastructure Project
GAO-24-106380
Dec 05, 2023
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1 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
National Science Foundation The Director of NSF should ensure that the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernization for Science cost estimate meets the well-documented characteristic of a reliable cost estimate, as defined in GAO's cost guide. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Science and Engineering Statistics: Improved Communication Needed with Stakeholders on Data Needs
GAO-23-106361
Sep 27, 2023
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1 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics The Director of NCSES should update the agency's communication plan to identify appropriate methods and tools for communicating with stakeholders regarding data collection efforts, agency strategic priorities, and learning agendas. (Recommendation 1)
Open
As of March 2024, NCSES had taken some actions toward addressing this recommendation. NCSES has consulted with NSF's Office of Public and Legislative Affairs on plans to implement new strategic communication activities in fiscal year 2024. Based on feedback it receives from these activities, the agency will update its Strategic Communication Plan and then annually thereafter. According to NCSES, the updated plan will ensure that future strategic priorities and learning agendas reflect the needs of NCSES's data stakeholders. Once finalized, the Communication Plan will be posted on the NCSES website and shared with stakeholders. We will continue to monitor NCSES's actions to address this recommendation.
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