Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program (The PHIT Workforce Development Program)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has created the Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Workforce Development Program. This program aims to increase the number of public health professionals trained in informatics and technology, with an emphasis on improving public health reporting through modern standards and computing. ONC anticipates awarding $75 million to train individuals to help modernize the nation’s public health data infrastructure, with a focus on recruiting participants from minority serving institutions (MSIs). MSIs will receive funding priority for this opportunity. Through an interdisciplinary approach to data science and managing public health information, the program will build capacity of MSIs to educate and diversify the public health workforce of the future.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Public nonprofits
- Private nonprofits
- State governments
This funding opportunity is open to accredited colleges and universities with terminal degrees in the United States. Only consortium-based approaches will be considered for this program, and applications must include letters of intent from proposed consortia members. In order to diversify the public health informatics and technology workforce and to increase the number of underrepresented minority professionals, the lead applicant in the consortium should be an MSI with an existing computer science, information science, biomedical technology, public health, health informatics, or similar program. Non-MSI institutions with a strong track record of graduating underrepresented minority students may also apply, but must include at least one MSI as a consortium member. Funding priority will be given to consortia that have an MSI lead
Beneficiaries
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Through the PHIT Workforce Development Program, selected recipients will create new programs or expand existing programs to altogether train a total of at least 4,000 individuals in public health informatics and technology to advance the nation’s public health workforce.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Applicants are expected to provide an application that address all of the requirements as described in the NOFO, a proposed timeline, budget proposal on how they intend to use the award money, all credentials and documentation as identified in (083), and a list of key personnel, including a CV.
Award Procedure
The award review process will include award review panels comprised of subject matter experts and at least one federal employee. The awarding agency will inform all applicants in writing the status of their application (awarded, not awarded). Recipients will be provided with the terms and conditions of their award, and will commence working with the awarding agency to implement their project. The awarding agency will provide oversight of the awards, including but not limited to quarterly reporting. These awards will be issued as Cooperative Agreements
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 30 to 60 days
Program details & compliance
Description
ONC will provide funding in the form of cooperative agreements under the PHIT Workforce Development Program to institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) to establish or expand public health informatics education programs, creating a diverse and inclusive health information technology (IT) workforce, with a focus on engaging MSIs. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and other MSIs often have strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, comprised of untapped talent. Over the last two years, ONC and other federal partners across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have made a concerted effort to recruit top talent from MSIs. Further investments in developing health IT informatics curricula and programs at these institutions will enrich the talent pipeline for future recruitment by state and local public health organizations, public health-focused non-profits, public health-focused private sector organizations, clinical care providers, and state, local or federal government entities.
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Sub recipients,Contract, Subcontracts
Required Documentation
This funding opportunity is open to accredited colleges and universities with terminal degrees in the United States. Only consortium-based approaches will be considered for this program, and applications must include letters of intent from proposed consortia members. In order to diversify the public health informatics and technology workforce and to increase the number of underrepresented minority professionals, the lead applicant in the consortium should be an MSI with an existing computer science, information science, biomedical technology, public health, health informatics, or similar program. Non-MSI institutions with a strong track record of graduating underrepresented minority students may also apply, but must include at least one MSI as a consortium member. Funding priority will be given to consortia that have an MSI lead.
Non-profit applicants must submit proof of non-profit status. Any of the following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
• A statement from a state taxing body, state attorney general, or other appropriate state official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
• A certified copy of the organization’s certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements