J_ T\ r approved For Release 2000108/07 4 jlq 4 J`* I T1, SRI INTERNAITIONAL TOPIC TOPIC NO. Sensitive Areas of Research 826 PAGE NO. .Topic - "4-78 1 New ?r ~.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 ~)f 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. 7he Research Council will decide on the following alternatives (1) The proposed work needs no speci al attention other than normal project and line management supervision. (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: INCLOSURE 4 ,iApproved For Release 2000108/07 : CIA-R60~6'dbt8g 6~4400040007-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/07 CIA-RDP96-00788RO01 100040007-0 TOPIC NO 826 . PAGE NO. 2 (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. Approved For Release 2000/08/07 CIA-RDP96-00788RO01 100040007-0