About the Division of Program Integrity
The Division of Program Integrity is responsible for reviewing allegations involving NIH programs and activities. DPI is responsible for conducting reviews of allegations involving (1) misuse of NIH grant or contractor funds, (2) grantee or contractor conflicts of interest, and (3) other misconduct or misuse of NIH resources by NIH employees or others doing business with NIH.
OIG Office of Investigations
DPI is also responsible for collaborating with the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG). DPI liaises and collaborates with HHS OIG Investigations and the OIG Hotline as follows:
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Reviews cases that the OIG refers to NIH for administrative action when the Department of Justice (DoJ) declines prosecution.
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Refers cases to the OIG for investigation when there are indicators of possible criminal violations.
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Participates in providing advice to the OIG and DoJ regarding False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733) cases that involve NIH programs.
- Coordinates responses to information requests for OIG investigations of NIH programs or employees.
- Has lead responsibility for cases received through the OIG Hotline.
Authority to Conduct Reviews
The following regulations and policies provide DPI with the authority to conduct reviews:
Section 402(b)(1) of the Public Health Service Act,
42 U.S.C. 282 (b)(1), which provides authority for the Director of NIH to establish and implement general policies for management and operation of programs and activities within NIH.
45 C.F.R. 74.53(e) provides authority for OMA to obtain access to records on NIH grantees and to interview grantee personnel.
Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 C.F.R.
Sections 15.209(b)(1) and
52.215-2, which provide authority for OMA/DPI to access records of contractors.
NIH Manual Chapter 1754 policy provides an overview of how the OMA reviews allegations involving NIH employees, NIH grantees and contractors, and others doing business with NIH
NIH employees or components shall not attempt to investigate matters that fall within the exclusive purview of OIG or DPI/OMA. It is the responsibility of OIG or OMA to review issues over which they have appropriate authority and to refer other issues to the appropriate component for investigation.