; (2) specifically address what is and what is not permitted or recommended under that policy, including procedures; (3) be specifically designed for the covered agency; (4) be applied uniformly throughout the covered agency; and (5) be publicly accessible and widely communicated to all employees, private contractors, and grantees of the covered agency. (h) Contents In addition to the requirements in subsection (g), each scientific integrity policy under subsection (g) shall, at a minimum, ensure that— (1) scientific conclusions are not made based on political considerations; (2) the selection and retention of candidates for science and technology positions in the covered agency are based primarily on the candidate’s expertise, scientific credentials, experience, and integrity; (3) no covered individual shall suppress, alter, interfere, or otherwise impede the timely release and communication of scientific or technical findings; (4) personnel actions regarding covered individuals, except for political appointees, are not made based on political consideration or ideology; (5) covered individuals cannot intimidate or coerce others to alter or censor scientific findings; (6) covered individuals adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards in conducting their research and disseminating their findings; (7) the appropriate rules, procedures, and safeguards are in place to ensure the integrity of the scientific process within the covered agency; (8) scientific or technological information considered in policy decisions is subject to well-established scientific processes, including peer review where appropriate; (9) procedures, including any applicable whistleblower protections, are in place as are necessary to ensure the integrity of scientific and technological information and processes on which the covered agency relies in its decision making or otherwise uses