Freedom of Information Act Office
IC Directors' Meeting Highlights
October 31, 2011
| To: | IC Directors |
| Subject: | IC Directors' Meeting Highlights — January 6, 2011 |
Diversity Update—Dr. Larry Tabak
The NIH recognizes the need to strengthen the operation of its diversity-related programs. As such, there is a need to develop a legal framework for its operation. A revision to the "Minority Supplement Program" back in 2004 broadened the eligibility criteria, and as Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) have come up for renewal the criteria has also been broadened.
The Diversity Policy Framework Working Group oversees numerous projects in regard to diversity both intramurally and extramurally. Accomplishments include workshops on the principles of diversity and engaging in NIH-wide strategic planning. A Diversity Task Force was also developed and is a part of the NIH governance structure.
Individual awards will continue to progress as FOA language becomes more aligned as they come up for review. This does not include RCMI (Research Centers in Minority Institutions) as they are institutional awards. FOA language for institutional awards will be updated starting in 2012.
FY11 Budget Planning—Dr. Sally Rockey and Mr. Neil Shapiro
NIH is currently functioning under a Continuing Resolution (CR) at the FY10 level until March 4, 2011. The incoming House majority has announced its intention to reduce the FY11 appropriations to the FY08 level. Until the level for FY11 is known, there will need to be spending restraint across the institutes and centers. The final appropriation may remain at the FY10 level, but it is extremely possible that it would decrease to FY08.
If FY11 appropriations are indeed set to reflect levels at FY08 there would fewer competing Research Project Groups (RPGs) and reductions to non-competing RPGs and other mechanisms in order to fund the competing RPGs would have to be considerable. The fact that only half of the fiscal year remains could double the impact.
Training stipends have been flat over the past few fiscal years and stipend funding levels are decided at the institute level. The IC Directors decided that they would support a 2% increase in training stipends. They also agreed to a 0% increase for non-competing research grants and a 2% average cost increase to competing RPGs.
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