Why conduct the NIH-wide acquisition-related assessment? The NIH Senior Assessment Team for Risk Management (the SAT) has directed the Office of Management Assessment (OMA) to lead NIH-wide risk assessment activities in partnership with NIH subject matter experts. Risk management is not new; NIH programs have always managed risks. But what is new is that we are examining our operations and processes using a standardized risk management approach and leveraging our best practices across all ICs. This standardized approach allows us to identify commonalities and solutions across our programs and consistently document program results. How might I be affected by this assessment? In support of this acquisition assessment, OMA plans to work with NIH leaders, acquisition process owners, and other stakeholders. These areas of focus are: Funding of Contracts with a Period of Performance in Excess of 1 Year, Research and Development (R&D) Contracts, and Vendor Pay. OMA will hold meetings with members of the acquisition community and review supporting information to document the key processes and internal controls. Following the assessment, you will have data to make program decisions and develop strategies for reducing program vulnerabilities. All of us play a significant role in the success of this assessment. We should continually: assess the work we perform and suggest ways in which the agency can be more effective and efficient, share our best practices with others who operate similar programs, and work to ensure and validate that the programs are operating as intended. What is the value of this assessment to NIH? If NIH does not execute acquisition requirements effectively, then NIH may not be able to obtain required services or get the best value for its money. As with all federal agencies, NIH is a steward of public funds. The assessment of acquisition processes will provide IC Office of Acquisition Directors, Executive Officers, OALM leadership, and other NIH leaders with assurance that the processes in place are operating as intended. In conducting the risk assessment, we will: determine whether processes and internal controls are operating as intended; provide risk management data and information to program stakeholders, including the NIH Steering Committee; and assure program efficiency and effectiveness. What are the potential outcomes of this assessment?
Why conduct the NIH-wide acquisition-related assessment? The NIH Senior Assessment Team for Risk Management (the SAT) has directed the Office of Management Assessment (OMA) to lead NIH-wide risk assessment activities in partnership with NIH subject matter experts. Risk management is not new; NIH programs have always managed risks. But what is new is that we are examining our operations and processes using a standardized risk management approach and leveraging our best practices across all ICs. This standardized approach allows us to identify commonalities and solutions across our programs and consistently document program results. How might I be affected by this assessment? In support of this acquisition assessment, OMA plans to work with NIH leaders, acquisition process owners, and other stakeholders. These areas of focus are: Funding of Contracts with a Period of Performance in Excess of 1 Year, Research and Development (R&D) Contracts, and Vendor Pay. OMA will hold meetings with members of the acquisition community and review supporting information to document the key processes and internal controls. Following the assessment, you will have data to make program decisions and develop strategies for reducing program vulnerabilities. All of us play a significant role in the success of this assessment. We should continually: assess the work we perform and suggest ways in which the agency can be more effective and efficient, share our best practices with others who operate similar programs, and work to ensure and validate that the programs are operating as intended. What is the value of this assessment to NIH? If NIH does not execute acquisition requirements effectively, then NIH may not be able to obtain required services or get the best value for its money. As with all federal agencies, NIH is a steward of public funds. The assessment of acquisition processes will provide IC Office of Acquisition Directors, Executive Officers, OALM leadership, and other NIH leaders with assurance that the processes in place are operating as intended. In conducting the risk assessment, we will: determine whether processes and internal controls are operating as intended; provide risk management data and information to program stakeholders, including the NIH Steering Committee; and assure program efficiency and effectiveness. What are the potential outcomes of this assessment?
acq_assessmnt_factsheet_508.docx