NIH adheres to the HHS FITARA Implementation Plan. The HHS Plan relies heavily on the HHS Directive for Acquisition Strategy that requires tailored strategies for programs using any contractor services (i.e. IT and non-IT acquisitions). Programs with minimal IT acquisitions (purchases of IT goods/services that are incidental to the purpose of the program*) are asked to use the HHS Acquisition Strategy and work through your OA to satisfy their requirements. The FITARA Clearance is only used for IT acquisitions and the approval process for IT acquisitions is facilitated by OCIO.
HHS IT Acquisition Review (ITAR) Process
FITARA Clearances with thresholds above $100M lifecycle costs require an ITAR review with the HHS OCIO. NIH OCIO will facilitate the ITAR review and help the program prepare.
HHS/Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR)/Office of Acquisition Policy (OAP)
FITARA Clearances with thresholds above $150M lifecycle costs require an OAP review. Once an IC/Program has completed the FITARA Clearance Review Process, the IC program should work with DAPE to facilitate this review. ICs/Programs should contact their Office of Acquisitions to inform them of the activity.
*See our FAQs for more information on minimal IT acquisitions