NUMBER 2.5 | INFORMS ELIGIBILITY

Revision Dates: Fall 2024  

PURPOSE

INFORMS is an organization incorporated in the United States and is required to comply with the letter and spirit of applicable governmental policies in the United States. Additionally, INFORMS has a responsibility to its members, volunteers, employees, and other stakeholders to protect its reputation and standing within the global community.  As part of this responsibility, this policy establishes eligibility criteria for individuals, companies, and organizations to participate in INFORMS and INFORMS-related activities, including—but not limited to—volunteering, awards, speaking engagements, donations, and other activities. 

POLICY

INFORMS is committed to complying with all applicable laws regarding the participation of individuals and entities on sanctioned lists designated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, and other US federal and state government agencies. In addition, INFORMS reserves the right to evaluate and, if necessary, prohibit participation in INFORMS-related activities based on legal, ethical, and reputational considerations. These criteria ensure that INFORMS complies with all applicable laws, and upholds its commitment to integrity, compliance, and professionalism in all its programs and engagements. 

Applicability

This policy applies to all INFORMS activities (excluding membership and certification), including but not limited to, participation related to the following contexts: 

  • INFORMS Awards and Recognitions
  • Conference and Event Speaking Engagements
  • Volunteer Participation
  • Publications
  • Sponsorships and exhibits
  • Donations
  • Any other activities where an association with INFORMS may be publicly visible

Eligibility Criteria

In general, INFORMS accepts participation, submissions, applications, and nominations from individuals, companies, and organizations unless they meet one or more of the following criteria: 

  1. Non-Compliance with U.S. and International Regulations:
    INFORMS will not accept participation from individuals or entities that are:
    • Listed on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List.
    • Listed on the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Entity List or Denied Persons List.
    • Included in any U.S. Department of Commerce or Department of State lists restricting participation in U.S.-based programs.
    • Subject to any other applicable sanctions, trade restrictions, or regulatory prohibitions.
    • Identified by a U.S. government agency as posing a significant risk, or subject to warnings or advisories related to compliance or reputational considerations.
  2. Ethical Violations and Professional Misconduct:
    Participation may be denied to individuals or organizations that are found to have engaged in unethical behavior, including but not limited to: 
    • Violations of academic or professional standards.
    • Harassment, discrimination, or misconduct in a professional context.
    • Misrepresentation of qualifications or credentials.
  3. Criminal History or Investigations:
    INFORMS may exclude individuals or entities if they have a history of serious criminal activity or are under investigation for crimes that could harm INFORMS’ reputation or impact the safety of INFORMS’ members. This includes, but is not limited to, violent crimes, fraud, and other offenses deemed incompatible with INFORMS’ values and mission. 
  4. Reputational and Ethical Considerations:
    INFORMS may, at its sole discretion, exclude individuals or entities from participating if their inclusion is deemed to present a reputational risk or is otherwise inconsistent with INFORMS’ values and mission. 

Decision Authority

Final decisions rest with the INFORMS Executive Committee, along with the Executive Director and the appropriate Vice President responsible for the activity or program, who will weigh, among other factors, the severity and timing of the conduct at issue. Such conduct must be more than an unsupported allegation. The Executive Committee may obtain assistance from outside counsel and the Board of Directors. The Board will be notified of any exclusion decisions, no later than the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting.  The decision to revoke INFORMS membership is stipulated in INFORMS Bylaw 1.6. Decisions related to certifications are handled in accordance with rules governing the CAP program.  

Right to Appeal

If an individual or organization believes they have been excluded in error, they may submit a formal appeal. Appeals will be reviewed by the Board of Directors, who will make the final determination. The INFORMS President will decide whether the Board convenes to address the appeal before the next scheduled meeting or if the discussion is delayed until the next meeting. During the appeal process, the exclusion decision remains in effect.