Notice Number: NOT-MH-09-013
Key Dates
Release Date: July 23, 2009
Response Date: August 21, 2009
Issued by
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (http://www.nimh.nih.gov)
Description
On behalf of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) (http://www.iacc.hhs.gov/), the NIMH is seeking comments to inform the annual update of the IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research (http://www.iacc.hhs.gov/reports/2009/iacc-strategic-plan-for-autism-spectrum-disorder-research-jan26.shtml) as required by the Combating Autism Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-416).
Background
The IACC was established as a result of The Combating Autism Act. The act requires that the IACC develop a strategic plan for autism research and update the strategic plan annually. The IACC is composed of both Federal and public members. The first IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research was developed through an extensive process engaging a wide range of Federal agencies and public stakeholders. The Strategic Plan is organized around six questions that are important for people with ASD and their families:
- When should I be concerned?
- How can I understand what is happening?
- What caused this to happen and can this be prevented?
- Which treatments and interventions will help?
- Where can I turn for services?
- What does the future hold?
The purpose of this RFI is to solicit input from ASD stakeholders to inform the next update of the Strategic Plan.
Information Requested
For each section of the IACC Strategic Plan, please provide input on new areas of research or areas in which additional research is needed. Please include suggestions regarding missing or underrepresented knowledge areas, new opportunities needed for advancing research and knowledge about ASD, and suggestions for prioritizing research objectives.
The information that you provide will become part of the public record. You have the option of posting your responses anonymously or you may choose to have your name associated with your response.
How to Submit a Response
All comments must be submitted electronically via this web-based form (http://www.acclaroresearch.com/oarc/rfi/). Responses to this RFI are optional and will be accepted through August 21, 2009. You will receive an electronic confirmation acknowledging receipt of your response, but will not receive individualized feedback on any suggestions. Please do not include any personally identifiable or confidential information that you do not wish to make public. No basis for claims against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to this request for information or from the Government’s use of such information.
All responses will be made publicly available on the IACC website (www.iacc.hhs.gov) following the closing deadline for this notice.
Inquiries
Specific questions about this RFI should be directed to:
Attention: RFI on Updating the Strategic Plan for ASD Research
Office of Autism Research Coordination
Office of the Director
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8235, MSC 9669
Bethesda, MD 20892-9669
Email: [email protected]
and Human Services (HHS)
