Request for Information (RFI) on the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2015-2019

Notice Number: NOT-AR-14-020

Key Dates
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Response Date: July 31, 2014

Related Announcements
NOT-AR-14-010
NOT-AR-14-011

Issued by
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Purpose

Background

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has updated its Long-Range Plan to help guide the research it supports over the next five years. The Institute solicited initial comments on how the long-range plan should be updated via a Request for Information (NOT-AR-14-010) and gathered additional input through listening sessions with the community.

The previous RFI was posted on the NIAMS website and in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, and encouraged feedback from researchers, professional and patient advocacy organizations, health care providers, and patients and their families. The comment period spanned 90 days. Respondents were asked to provide input on the research needs and opportunities that should be modified because of progress over the last five years, and emerging research needs and opportunities that should be added to the Long-Range Plan. General comments were also encouraged. A total of 68 responses were received through the RFI, with many of the responses consisting of more than one comment. NIAMS leadership and staff reviewed and considered all of the input when preparing the Institute's draft Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2015-2019. NIAMS also solicited input via listening sessions and the annual roundtables. Information about the Institute's annual planning process can be found at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Meetings_and_Events/Roundtables/ and http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Meetings_and_Events/Sci_Retreats/default.asp.

Information Requested

Through this RFI, NIAMS invites feedback from researchers in academia and industry, health care professionals, patient advocates, representatives of health advocacy organizations, members of scientific or professional organizations, and other interested members of the public on the draft NIAMS Long-Range Plan for FY 2015-2019. Organizations are strongly encouraged to submit a single response that reflects the views of their organization and membership as a whole.

Please provide your comments and feedback. The final Long-Range Plan will be presented at the September 2014 meeting of the NIAMS Advisory Council and posted on the NIAMS website.

How to Respond

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically using the web-based form at www.niams.nih.gov/About_Us/Mission_and_Purpose/long_range_form.asp. Responses will be accepted until July 31, 2014.

Responses to this RFI are voluntary. Please do not include any personally identifiable or other information that you do not wish to make public. Proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should not be included in your response.

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 United States Government. The NIAMS or the NIH will not make any awards based on responses to this RFI, nor will the NIAMS or the NIH otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the Government's use of such information.

The NIAMS will use the information submitted in response to this RFI at its discretion and will not provide comments to any responder's submission. 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. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Anita M. Linde, M.P.P.
Director, Office of Science Policy, Planning and Communications
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Telephone: 301-496-8190
Email: lindea@mail.nih.gov