(a) Small institutions may file a Small Institution Statement with ORI in place of the institutional policies and procedures required by §§ 93.300(a), 93.301, and 93.304, upon approval by ORI.

(b) The Small Institution Statement does not relieve the institution from complying with any other provision of this part.

(c) By submitting a Small Institution Statement, the institution agrees to report all allegations of research misconduct to ORI. ORI or another appropriate HHS office will work with the institution to develop and/or advise on a process for handling allegations of research misconduct consistent with this part.

(d) If a small institution has or believes it has a conflict of interest during any phase of a research misconduct proceeding, the small institution may contact ORI for guidance.