NIH IT priorities are driven by scientific program needs as guided by NIH’s governance and planning processes which include extensive input from key stakeholders through multi-layered advisory structures. The NIH IT governance process has resulted in a high-level, trans-NIH strategic approach to IT management
NIH Steering Committee
The NIH Steering Committee was established by the NIH Director to provide advice and recommendations on trans-NIH governance issues. Among other things, this includes long-term issues such as strategic planning and budget strategy as well as short-term issues such as resources allocations. The NIH Director makes the final decision on budget allocations based on the advice of the NIH Steering Committee. The NIH Director serves as the Chair of the NIH Steering Committee and appoints IC Directors as members.
NIH Administrative Data Council (ADC)
The NIH ADC was established by the NIH Director as an advisory group to the NIH Steering Committee to recommend policies and strategies for trans-NIH information and information technology supporting extramural, intramural, and administrative functions. In support of these responsibilities, the ADC provides recommendations for Capital Investment Funding (CIF) and provides oversight of investments in NIH’s IT Infrastructure and in enterprise-wide systems, applications, and tools that are of strategic importance, high dollar value, or high impact on the NIH mission. The ADC is complementary to the role of the Scientific Data Council (SDC). The NIH Chief Information Officer (CIO) serves as the Chair of the ADC. The ADC members are appointed by the NIH Director and consist of senior executives representing the intramural, extramural, and administrative stakeholder communities as well as the IC IT management community.
NIH IT Budget Advisory Council (ITBAC)
The ITBAC was established by the NIH Director as a budget advisory group to the NIH Management and Budget Working Group (MBWG), with a focus on centrally funded enterprise systems and IT services. The ITBAC makes budget recommendations and provides advice supporting the MBWG resource allocation recommendations for these investments that are usually short-term and tactical in nature and do not meet the criteria for NIH ADC review. The Co-Chairs of the ITBAC are the NIH Chief Information Officer and a Deputy IC Director. Members represent the intramural, extramural, and administrative stakeholder communities as well the IC CIO community.
NIH Management and Budget Working Group (MBWG)
The MBWG was established by the NIH Director as an advisory group to the NIH Steering Committee to facilitate decision making on corporate management and resource issues, including human resources. Among other things, they make recommendations to the NIH Steering Committee on management, resource, and organizational policies and strategies; funding for centrally funded organizations; and analyses information about the strategic administrative IT Initiatives funded via the Capital Investment Fund (CIF), as recommended by ADC. The Co-Chairs of the MBWG are IC Directors. Members are appointed by the NIH Director and consists of several IC Directors and other senior level members of the ICs that are representative of the larger NIH. Ex-officio members include the NIH Principal Deputy Director, Director of the Office of Financial Management, Director of the Office of Budget, and Director of the Office of Human Resources.
Information Technology Management Committee (ITMC)
The NIH ITMC is established by the NIH Chief Information Officer (CIO). Composed of the senior IT officials from each IC, the ITMC advises the NIH CIO on IT management and planning and serves as a communication vehicle between the IC and the CIO on IT issues. Further information can be found on ITMC SharePoint.
IC Governance Processes
The ICs establish IT governance processes that support IC planning and management of their IT resources as well as meet the requirements of Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) and the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA).