OSI

Acronym for Office of Scientific Intelligence. Established in 1948, the OSI served as the CIA's focal point for the analysis of foreign scientific and technological developments. In 1980, the OSI was merged into the Office of Science and Weapons Research.

The UFO flap of 1952 prompted the CIA to form a special study group within the OSI and the Office of Current Intelligence ( OCI ) to review the situation. Edward Tauss, acting chief of OSI's Weapons and Equipment Division, reported for the group that most UFO sightings could be easily explained. Nevertheless, he recommended that the Agency continue monitoring the problem in coordination with ATIC. He also urged that CIA conceal its interest from the media and the public.