On 2 June 1999, the NATOarts board of directors requested a public records search on Scott Lizama, an action it deemed necessary considering the nature of his submissions. The search yielded a significant criminal record. After some debate, the NATOarts board determined that such a record would have no bearing on Mr. Lizama's capacity as a NATOarts artist, and the evidence was set aside.

In his submission to NATOarts, Mr. Lizama included pieces of identification which he claimed would prove his relevance to the NATOarts mission.