Human Research Protections Group Services

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Compliance Assurance Program Office’s (CAPO) Human Research Protections Group (HRPG) works to ensure that the rights and welfare of human subjects are adequately protected in research via its regulatory oversight and compliance activities, as well as through its issuance of policies and guidance.

The HRPG upholds the basic ethical principles of the Belmont Report in the review of all research activities, including informed consent, risk/benefit analysis, and the selection of human subjects for research. As an oversight and compliance entity, the HRPG conducts audit and compliance monitoring activities, that include departmental and operational inspections, testing, monitoring, assurance mapping, record-keeping, enforcement, and reporting.

Further, the HRPG provides educational opportunities to the DHS research enterprise, overseeing required human subjects protections training, and coordinating with ancillary committees, groups and individuals on the conduct of human subjects research (HSR) sponsored by the Department. The contractor will support the operations of the HRPG, to be managed within DHS Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate.

The support services and expertise the HRPG requires to ensure that all activities conducted or sponsored by the Department shall comply fully with federal regulations, standards, policies, and guidelines for the protection of human research subjects; and other legal and/or policy initiatives or developments. In fulfilling these oversight functions, HRPG also ensures compliance with associated DHS policies and procedures.