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Office of Research and Innovation
Research Administration and Compliance

Organizational Conflict of Interest

Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCOI) disclosure is a requirement, often at the time of proposal,  of many governments and some industry sponsors that fund NC State University research. The purpose of OCI assessment is to ensure objectivity in federal contracting.

What is Organizational Conflict of Interest?

Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCOI) means that because of activities or relationships with other entities, the institution is unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the government, cannot perform the federal contract work in an objective way, or has an unfair competitive advantage compared to other entities.

Types of Organizational Conflict of Interest

Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCOI) could result when the nature of the work being performed on a federal contract creates an actual or potential conflict of interest on a future award, which could result in restrictions on that award. There are three basic categories where OCIs may be found when NC State has the benefit of :

  • Biased ground rules (FAR 9.505-2): Example – preparing/writing specifications or work statements that are used in a funding opportunity;
  • Impaired objectivity (FAR 9.505-3): Example – evaluating or assessing the performance of products/services of others within the same organization; and
  • Unequal access to information (FAR 9.505-4): Example – gaining access to non-public information (i.e., budget(s)/budget information, statements of work, evaluation criteria, etc.) through the performance of a federal contract.

Proposals that may contain an OCOI requirement and attestation (including specific details, requested documentation, and the relevant solicitations) by a sponsor should be sent to the COI Office for a more detailed analysis and review.