VA Electronic Determination Aid for Conflict of Interest (VAEDA-COI)

The VA Electronic Determination Aid for Conflict of Interest (VAEDA-COI) is a secure, web-based application developed to help VA investigators and research personnel comply with federal conflict-of-interest requirements governing participation in VA research. Implemented on October 1, 2026, VAEDA-COI supports compliance with 18 U.S.C. § 208, a federal statute that restricts government employees from participating personally and substantially in matters that may affect their own financial interests or those of certain affiliated organizations or individuals.

The tool provides a streamlined, user-friendly process that guides investigators through a tailored questionnaire using branching logic. Based on an individual's responses, VAEDA-COI asks only the questions necessary to assess potential conflicts of interest, determine whether a waiver may be required, and evaluate eligibility for that waiver. This approach reduces administrative burden while ensuring consistent application of federal ethics requirements.

VAEDA-COI assists researchers and research administrators by generating key compliance documents, including a determination summary letter, a completed and electronically signed VA Form Alt-450 conflict-of-interest disclosure, and, when applicable, a draft waiver package for further review. In situations where additional ethics analysis is needed, the system directs users to seek consultation with VA ethics officials.

The tool primarily supports investigators serving in key research roles, including Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), and other senior or key personnel whose responsibilities involve substantive participation in the scientific development or execution of a research project. By facilitating early identification and resolution of potential conflicts, VAEDA-COI helps investigators obtain necessary approvals before engaging in research activities, promoting integrity, transparency, and public trust in VA's research enterprise.

The following are available internally. If you have VA network access, copy and paste the links below into your browser.

• VAEDA-COI site
  https://vaeda-coi.va.gov


• Conflict of Interest and VA Research
  https://tinyurl.com/financial-coi


• Flowchart - Do I Need a VAEDA-COI Determination?
  https://tinyurl.com/VAEDA-COI-Determination


• Financial Conflict of Interest and 208 Waivers
  https://tinyurl.com/FCOI-208-waivers

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