THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN 
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78712 
Department of Chemistry 
Clayton Foundation Biochemical Institute 
October 28, 1982 
Dr. William J. Gartland, Jr. 
Public Health Service 
Dept, of Health & Human Services 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, MD 20205 
Dear Dr. Gartland: 
My response to your recent memorandum is as follows: 
What are the problems with the revised Guidelines? 
No serious problems. A brief summary of information required for 
review would be helpful. A copy of the preliminary information we 
are requesting is enclosed. 
What things are taking large amounts of time? 
(1) Explaining requirements to prospective principal investigators 
who wish to do recombinant DNA experiments. 
(2) Preliminary screening of grant applications. 
What things are taking inappropriate amounts of time? 
Same as above. 
In what areas do you disagree with the RAC with regard to containment 
for a particular experiment? 
None. 
In what ways are the Guidelines too stringent or too relaxed? 
No complaints. 
How frequently does your IBC meet? 
As required for consideration of proposals, usually about the time of 
deadline for NIH grant application; more frequently as needed. 
Does your IBC have other responsibilities at your institution? No. 
Is it a general biosafety committee? No. 
If not, is it because of the way in which the NIH Guidelines are written, 
or is it because your institution has chosen to function this way? 
The latter. 
Sincerely , 
Chairman, IBC 
BH :mep 
Enc. 
cc to O.S.P. 
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