SENSITIVE AREAS OF RESEARCH

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: STARGATE
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP96-00788R001100040007-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: November 4, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 18, 1998
• Sequence Number: 7
• Content Type: MEMO

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SRI INTERNATIONAL
TOPIC NO. 826
PAGE NO. 1
SRI must maintain its ability to carry out projects for clients of
divergent views and in areas of public interest and controversy. The
following procedures are established for.that purpose.
Sensitive areas of research are defined as those involving contro-
versial subjects of public concern. The findings-and conclusions of
these projects, and sometimes the mere existence of such projects, are
of great interest to and subject to interpretation by the press and the
general public. For example, much of our work on enviromental impact
and the impact of regulations may fall within this definition. Also, any
project proposed to be undertaken by SRI for gambling interests, whether
public or private, must always be classified as sensitive.
Research management is responsible for bringing sensitive areas to
the attention of the Research Council as early in the proposal planning
process as possible--preferably before deciding to bid on such projects.
. The Research Council will decide on the following alternatives:
(1) The proposed work needs no special attention other than
normal project and line management supervision.
Sensitive Areas of Research
(2) The proposed work is, indeed, sensitive and will require
special assistance to line management-as described below.
(3) The proposed work should not be undertaken because it has
a high potential of seriously damaging SRI's stature or
ability to continue in program areas of major interest.
Sensitive proposals must reflect in their pricing any special project
costs attributable to "sensitive" classifications, such as outside consult-
ants. Proposals must. be approved by the Senior Vice President, Research
Operations.
For each sensitive project undertaken, a committee will be established,
reporting to the Senior Vice President, Research Operations, consisting of
the Vice President, Programs and Administration, the senior executive in
charge of public relations, and the group executive responsible for the pro-
ject. The committee's function is to ensure that SRI's reputation for objec-
tivity is preserved and that the project enhances, or at least does not de-
tract from'. SRI's ability to support its diverse clients. It will not con-
cern itself directly with the technical and managerial aspects of sensitive
projects. These remain line management functions. Particular functions of
the committee are 'to:
ENCLOSURE 4 ;
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(1) Be top management's repository of understanding of the project.
(2) Ensure the consistency and objectivity of project outputs.
(3) Guide project management in dealing with political and public
relations problems.
(4) Counsel SRI's president on problems requiring his attention.
(5) Advise the Senior Vice President, Research Operations on any
matters raised by the project that might seriously affect the
future operations of SRI.
To ensure impartiality, accuracy, completeness, and acceptance,
sensitive projects will often require the services of experts in various
fields, both within and outside SRI. These consultants can be called upon
by the committee. Costs of such consultants will, in general, be a direct
charge to the project. The work of the committee itself is viewed as part
of managerial functions and will be charged to overhead.
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