Study is Requested: It can be initiated by Congress, federal agencies,
state and local governments, private organizations, and the institution itself.
Committee Selection and Meetings: The membership selection process assures that committees are well balanced
and free from conflicts of interest, and can provide the range of expertise required.
Oversight and Report Review: Supervisory boards and commissions oversee the study process to ensure its
integrity. Reports are released only after outside reviewers, anonymous to the committee that prepared the
report, agree that the findings are fully supported by the evidence presented.