South Florida Afro Pride Federation Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) Policy

 

1. Purpose*

The purpose of this policy is to promote transparency and integrity in research and organizational activities conducted by the South Florida Afro Pride Federation (hereinafter referred to as "SFAPF"). This policy aims to prevent financial conflicts of interest (FCOI) that may affect the integrity of our research and programs funded by Public Health Service (PHS) agencies.

 

2. Scope*

This policy applies to all employees, board members, consultants, and any individuals involved in the design, conduct, or reporting of research or other activities funded by PHS at SFAPF.

 

3. Definitions*

- *Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI):* A situation in which an individual's financial interests could directly and significantly affect their research or program activities.

- *Significant Financial Interest (SFI):* A financial interest that could reasonably appear to be affected by the research or program activities, including but not limited to:

  - Income exceeding $10,000 from a single entity in the past 12 months.

  - Equity interests in publicly traded or non-publicly traded entities.

  - Intellectual property rights and interests.

 

4. Disclosure Requirements*

- All covered individuals must disclose any SFI related to their role in PHS-funded research or activities. This disclosure must occur:

  - Prior to the submission of an application for PHS funding.

  - Annually, during the term of the funding.

  - Within 30 days of discovering or acquiring a new SFI.

 

5. Review and Management of FCOI*

- SFAPF shall establish a designated committee to review disclosed SFIs and determine if they constitute an FCOI. The committee will assess the potential impact on the research or activities and decide on appropriate management strategies, which may include:

  - Modifying the research plan.

  - Monitoring the research activities by an independent party.

  - Disclosing the FCOI to relevant stakeholders, including participants.

  - Divesting the financial interest.

6. Training*

- All covered individuals must complete FCOI training prior to participating in PHS-funded research and at least every four years thereafter. Training will include information on the FCOI policy, disclosure requirements, and the importance of transparency.

 

7. Record Keeping*

- SFAPF will maintain records of all FCOI disclosures and actions taken for a minimum of three years from the date of the final expenditure report for the PHS-funded project.

 

8. Public Accessibility*

- SFAPF will make information about FCOIs available to the public, including the name of the investigator, the nature of the FCOI, and the approximate dollar value of the FCOI, in accordance with PHS regulations.

 

9. Compliance*

- Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract, and may affect eligibility for future funding.

 

10. Policy Review*

- This policy will be reviewed at least every two years and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with PHS regulations and best practices.

 

11. Contact Information*

For questions regarding this policy or to submit disclosures, please contact SFAPF’s FCOI Officer:

 

Damon Jones

Executive Director

South Florida Afro Pride Federation Inc

President@afroprideflorida.org

(954) 636-6633