Purpose and Nature of Preliminary Assessment.

The Preliminary Assessment is a preliminary process whose purpose is to cull out a clearly erroneous, unsubstantiated, or Bad Faith Allegation before the Respondent is subjected to an Inquiry or an Investigation. Hence, in conducting the Preliminary Assessment, the RIO is not obligated to do any interviews on the Allegation or to engage in an exhaustive review of all Evidence relevant to such
Allegation.

Preliminary Assessment - Standard for Determination.

The RIO shall determine that an Inquiry is warranted if, in his or her judgment, (1) the Respondent's alleged conduct could constitute Misconduct or Unacceptable Research Practices, and (2) there is credible Evidence to support further review of the Allegation.