Briefing on Data Access

Welcome

Mark S. Frankel
American Association for the Advancement of Science

We had two goals in mind when we began to organize this event. One was to inform the research community of the issues related to the proposed revision of OMB (Office of Management and Budget) Circular A-110 and the processes by which those issues could be addressed. The second goal was to provide an opportunity for the research community to voice its concerns directly to staff from Capitol Hill, as well as from the OMB, both of which are represented in today's program. We hope that when the briefing has concluded, you will have considered it time well spent. When we initially invited, Senator Shelby, or his representative to participate, they were not able to do so. However, last Fridaythe indicated a desire to be part of the program, and we wanted to accommodate them. We have with us today Ms. Kathy Casey from the Senator's staff. In addition, on Wednesday, Daniel Mendelson of the OMB called to indicate that he would be unable to attend. Instead, we have a very able substitute who has worked with him on developing the proposed revision, Mr. Marc Garufi.

I think it is quite obvious why the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) would be interested in organizing such an event, but why Federal Focus, Inc.? In 1995, Federal Focus organized an international seminar of scientists, where one of the issues that arose was data access. Although they did not focus on that in particular, the recommendation of the scientists was that Federal Focus should return to this issue to examine it more closely. Jim Tozzi, the Chairman of Federal Focus, saw the legislation passed late last year that prompts our being here as an opportunity to revisit the issue from the organization's perspective, and in this particular case, our mutual interests merged. We are happy to have Federal Focus as a partner.

I want to introduce the moderator, Milton Goldberg, who is President of the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR). COGR comprises approximately 141 research universities and focuses its energy and resources on the impact of government regulations, policies, and practices on the performance of colleges and universities. As you might imagine, the federal rulemaking process is very central to its mission.