Gold Standard Science (GSS) Compliance and Disclosure Form.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (AFRL)

711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW)

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

ATTACHMENT 4

GOLD STANDARD SCIENCE (GSS) COMPLIANCE AND DISCLOSURE FORM

Solicitation Number: FA2384-24-S-2334 (Open Period 1)

Parent Announcement: FA2384-24-S-2233 (CHEERS MAA)

Program Title: Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS)

I. Background and Authority

This document is a mandatory submission requirement for any institution, university, nonprofit, or commercial entity applying for federal financial assistance (e.g., Grants, Cooperative Agreements, or Technology Investment Agreements). Its purpose is to ensure that all applicants understand, certify, and commit to the principles of "Gold Standard Science" (GSS) as mandated by the following federal authorities:

1. Executive Order 14332: "Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking" (August 7, 2025)

2. Executive Order 14303: "Restoring Gold Standard Science" (May 2025)

3. Department of the Air Force (DAF) Implementation Guidance Regarding EO 14332

(March 18, 2026)

Per EO 14332 and DAF policy, applicants seeking federal funding through a discretionary financial assistance program must certify their commitment to complying with all administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting GSS. Failure to execute and provide this signed disclosure form with the proposal package will result in the immediate rejection of the application without further evaluation.

II. Definition of Gold Standard Science (GSS)

As defined in Executive Order 14303, Gold Standard Science is scientific research conducted in a manner that is:

Reproducible;

Transparent;

Communicative of error and uncertainty;

Collaborative and interdisciplinary;

Skeptical of its findings and assumptions;

Structured for falsifiability of hypotheses;

Subject to unbiased peer review;

Accepting negative results as positive outcomes; and

Without conflicts of interest.

III. Institutional Acknowledgment and Certification

By signing below, the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) of the proposing institution, in coordination with the designated Principal Investigator (PI), hereby certifies and agrees to the following statements:

1. Understanding: Our institution has read and thoroughly understands the definition and tenets of Gold Standard Science as outlined above and articulated in EO 14303 and EO

14332.

2. Operational Adherence: Our institution, the Principal Investigator, and all senior/key personnel supporting the proposed project will strictly adhere to all administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting Gold Standard Science in the design, performance, data management, and reporting of this project if funded.

3. Benchmarks & Progress: The associated technical proposal includes clear, measurable benchmarks for tracking progress toward project goals and achieving GSS principles, including the objective disclosure of both positive and negative experimental findings.

4. Mandatory Condition of Eligibility: We understand that providing this signed consent is a mandatory threshold prerequisite for proposal consideration under the CHEERS MAA, and that omission of this form or failure to adhere to GSS principles during award execution may result in proposal disqualification or award termination.

IV. Applicant, Project, and Signatory Information

Proposal Title:

Principal Investigator (PI) Name:

Proposing Institution / Organization Name:

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): ________________________ CAGE Code:

Institution Type: [ ] Higher Education [ ] Non-Profit Research [ ] For-Profit / Industry [ ] Other:

Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR):

Printed Name:

Title:

Email Address: _____________________________________ Phone:

Signature: _________________________________________ Date:

(Must be signed by an official authorized to legally commit and represent the proposing institution)