This was the second session about GMLOB, and while the majority of the time in this session was spent looking at NSF’s Research.gov, it also included representatives from Education and NIH.
Erika Rissi, NSF
Erika gave a potted history of GMLOB, summarizing its origins and the justifications that were used to establish it. She noted that GMLOB is more than just an IT solution. She summarized the discussion I blogged about earlier regarding the new strategic landscape.
Next steps for the initiative is to support the consortia leads to implement solutions. This includes prioritizing and beginning development of common standards, and continuing communications and outreach to the Federal community.
Kim Deutsch, NSF — Research.gov
In May 2007, plans were set for Research.gov. Went live in January. And now NSF has additional partner agencies: DOD and NASA.
David Saunders, NSF Program Manager for Research.gov
Services will be migrated from FastLane to Research.gov, using a new technology platform. FastLane and Research.gov will use the same NSF ID and password. Research.gov services will be continually updated, with a philosophy of “DO fewer things well, rather than many things quickly.”
Kim talked about anticipated benefits to the research community and where the program is right now (see notes from earlier). Grants Application Status is now in beta testing, as is Institution and User Management. Kim invited anyone interested in participating to contact them.
Stacy Boyd, Program Manager for Marketing & Communications
Stacy talked about the partnerships that are already in place, and also noted that NSF is talking with NIH about other ways in which to collaborate.
Jamiel Commodore, NASA
NASA intends to implement he Federal Spending & Results functionality by the end of this year, and will use the Policy LIbrary and News & Events modules. Also looking at the Financial Progress Reports in the future.
Sharon Capra, DOD, AFOSR
Stacy noted that NSF is partnered with DOD at the DOD level, starting with AFOSR, ARO, and DTRA, piloting the Grants Application Status module.
Rick Howington, PM for CSREES
CSREES is piloting the Grants Application Status module, and working with develop requirements for implementing Research Spending and Results, Policy LIbrary, and Research Headlines.
James Graham, Program Manager for the Portal
James gave a walkthrough of the system. Any user can go to Research.gov and click around the system, except for the beta services currently being developed. If you want to sign up to participate in the beta, you can sign up on the site. Some suggestions for additional features:
- Current contact information for the Grants Officer for a particular program.
- A copy of the application as it was received by the government.
Future services for Research.gov are InCommon Pilot, PI/Review Profile Update, Federal Financial Report, Research Performance Progress Reports, Research Spending and Results Sub-award Search, Payments and Cash Requests, and Program Officer Service.
Comments:
- Payments and Cash Requests should be a high priority, and G5’s payment module should be a model.
Megan Columbus, NIH
eRA supports receipt of applications through closeout, and is used by AHRQ, CDC, FDA, SAMHSA, and VHA.
iEdison, meanwhile, supports 27 Federal components.
OMB granted NIH’s GMLOB waiver appeal, and needs to report regularly to demonstrate activities and progress.
NIH has begun to talk with NSF to explore joint efforts to better serve grantees. Looking for input on what would be high-impact collaborations. Suggestions voiced: award information; status; profile data (including consolidated biosketch standards); electronic peer review.
Tony Cavataio, Education — G5
Payment Functions (Phase 1) of G5 went live in December 2007
Pre-Award Functions (Phase 2) will be deployed in December 2008
Post-Award Functions (Phase 3) will be deployed in December 2009
Partners include DOJ/COPS and DOI
The Grants Policy Committee, Grants Executive Board, GMLOB, and OMB met last week to synchronize up on activities in grants management around the government. This signifies a major shift in collaboration and communication among Federal agencies.