Key Dates

Related Announcements

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Issued by

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Purpose

This Request for Information (RFI) invites feedback on topics the National Institute on Aging (NIA) should consider as it prepares to revise and update the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework (the Framework). NIA intends to publish a revised version of the Framework in 2025.

Background

The Framework was published in 2015 and showcases priorities and investments in aging research. The integrated conceptual Framework is intended to promote research that covers different levels of analysis related to disparities research such as environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and biological. As the topic of health disparities among older adults from populations that experience health disparities are considered, the Framework aims to assess which areas are most in need of additional research resources. Developing aging research studies that reflect the levels of analysis described in the Framework may also shape evidenced-based interventions to help address, understand, and possibly end structural-level and other forms of discrimination and health inequities. 

Information requested

NIA requests input from all interested members of the public, including from researchers. Researchers may include those who have used the Framework in their research or those who simply have knowledge of the Framework. The feedback will inform planning and revision of the Framework. 

Specifically, NIA encourages input on:

• Additional proven or promising frameworks, resources, and approaches used to eliminate health disparities or advance health equity research that could inform NIA’s efforts to clarify the Framework
• Advancements from other fields of research that may be innovative and applicable to aging
• Perspectives on the following issues as they relate to the Framework:
  • Usability, including clarity of concepts and domains
  • Relevance to the current state of science reflected in aging
  • Research topics reflected in the Framework that should be modified or removed because of progress made in aging research over the last ten years  
  • Emerging areas in aging research to inform what should be included in a revised version of the Framework
  • Recommendations relevant to the following:
    • Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
    • Health disparities
    • Factors that may influence health outcomes differently for some populations
    • Improving health outcomes across all populations, including populations identified by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as experiencing health disparities.
    • Cross-cutting themes or topics that encourage researchers to consider how various factors may intersect and influence the aging process
    • Any topic related to the Framework 

NIA encourages concise ideas to facilitate the review process. Submissions should focus on broad concepts rather than detailed descriptions.

How to submit a response

All responses must be submitted electronically on the response form.

Responses must be received by 11:59:59 pm (ET) on January 17, 2025.

Response to this RFI is voluntary. Responders are free to address any or all the topics listed above and/or to provide feedback on any relevant issues. The submitted information will be reviewed by NIA staff.

This request is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Federal Government. The NIH does not intend to make awards based on responses to this RFI or pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the Government's use of such information.

The NIH will use the information submitted in response to this RFI at its discretion and will not provide comments to any responder's submission. The information provided will be analyzed and may appear in presentations and reports. The NIH may use the information gathered to develop grants, contracts, or other funding priorities and initiatives. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

[email protected]