May 8, 2024
NOT-AG-24-024 - Notice of Changes to NOT-AG-24-011, "Request for Information (RFI) for the NIA Data Linkage Program (LINKAGE): Linking Research Data with Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other Federal Sources"
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit comments and suggestions that the National Institute on Aging (NIA) will consider as strategies to make linked data - combining Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data and data from other Federal sources with data from NIA-funded studies - available to NIA grantees and other researchers in a secure environment (enclave) for the purposes of data analysis and sharing.
NIA seeks input on six areas listed below, specifically regarding approaches and associated costs.
This RFI supports NIAs goals to advance data sharing, accelerate access to Federal data, and improve NIA Data Linkage Program (LINKAGE) services for Studies and Researchers.
Note: Individuals/entities that respond to this RFI are ineligible from participating in a future contract competition of the NIA Data LINKAGE Program (NIA Data LINKAGE Program (LINKAGE) | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)).
Background
LINKAGE is supported by an NIA service contract that provides linkage services, a secure enclave for data analysis and sharing, and technical assistance resources. These services are primarily available to two audiences: NIA-funded grantees (known within the Program as Studies) and Researchers. Studies can use the LINKAGE program to link their datasets with CMS data and make their linked datasets available to interested Researchers via the secured enclave. Additional information about the program and audiences are available on the Access or Share LINKAGE Data page.
Information Requested
Through this RFI, NIA invites feedback from academia, industry, health care professionals, scientific or professional organizations, Federal agencies, and other members of the public. Organizations are strongly encouraged to submit a single response that reflects the views of their organization and membership on any or all components of this RFI.
1. Identifying additional Federal datasets for data linkage
2. Enhancing data linkage methodologies and services
3. Improving enclave infrastructure for NIA-funded Studies and Researchers
A. Provide feedback on the following topics regarding features of enclave infrastructure:
B. Provide feedback on the following topics regarding costs for enclave infrastructure:
4. Streamlining required documentation/form and processes for accessing linked datasets to reduce data request burden
5. Identifying meaningful training, website resources, and technical assistance for Studies and Researchers
Describe the following:
6. Targeting key audiences to for data utilization
Explain the following:
How to Submit a Response
Responses to this RFI must be submitted via email to linkage@nih.gov. Responses must be received by 11:59:59 pm (ET) on June 21, 2024, 2024.
Responders are free to address any or all the topics listed above. All submitted information will be reviewed by NIH staff and contractor support personnel. Responses to this RFI are voluntary and may be submitted anonymously. You may voluntarily include your name and contact information with your response. If you choose to provide NIH with this information, NIH will not share your name and contact information outside of NIH unless required by law.
The information provided will be analyzed and may appear in reports. 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 NIH may use the information gathered to develop grant, contract, or other funding priorities and initiatives.
This RFI 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 general, the NIH, or NIA specifically. The NIH does not intend to make any awards based on responses to this RFI or pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the Governments use of such information.
Please direct all inquiries to:
Office of Data Resources and Analytics (ODRA)
Division of Behavioral and Social Research (DBSR)
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Email: linkage@nih.gov