Investigation of Alleged Research Misconduct by Lincoln Laboratory Members of the 1998-5 POET Study Team
Abstract
The accompanying report summarizes an investigation into alleged research misconduct relating to the Phase One Engineering Team (POET) evaluation of aspects of the IFT-1A ballistic missile defense flight test. The investigation itself was conducted by Dr. Brendan B. Godfrey. My role, in response to a request by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, was to opine on the thoroughness and impartiality of the investigation and to serve as advisor and consultant to the investigator. In this capacity, and as a Special Government Employee, I was granted full access to all available information, including classified information, pertaining to the subject investigation. I actively participated in interviews of all but one of the 49 individuals questioned in connection with the allegations and reviewed over 100 documents. In addition, Dr. Godfrey and I conducted frequent informal discussions and communications related to our respective responsibilities. It is important to note what the subject investigation was not. It was not an assessment of the overall feasibility of ballistic missile defense, nor was it an examination into the overall efficacy of exoatmospheric discrimination. It was an investigation into six specific items identified during an inquiry conducted by Professor Edward Crawley as part of the MIT internal review of the allegations which had been levied. The present investigation was complicated by the substantial passage of time since the events of interest occurred, with eight years having transpired since the subject POET analysis was conducted and four years since the Inquiry Report was completed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 29, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA627344
Entities
People
- Brendan B. Godfrey
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory