Division of Resource Development and Analysis (DRDA)

The mission of the Division of Resource Development and Analysis (DRDA) is both:

• to employ resources (databases, analytic tools, and methodologies), and
• to develop specifications for new resources, when needed, in order to conduct assessments based on NIH and other databases in support of portfolio analyses and priority setting in scientific areas of interest across NIH. DRDA will also be a resource for portfolio management at the programmatic level, should individual ICs request the Division’s expertise or tools.

New analytic tools and support systems, developed by DRDA in coordination with other organizations, will comprise part of an improved executive decision support system to enhance the management of the NIH’s large and complex scientific portfolio. The improved system will allow NIH to be more effective in addressing important areas of emerging scientific opportunities and public health challenges.

Division of Strategic Coordination (DSC)

The Division of Strategic Coordination (DSC) within the Office of Portfolio Analysis and Strategic Initiatives (OPASI) is responsible for integrating information and managing the process by which recommendations are developed to inform the priority-setting and decision-making processes of the NIH in formulating trans-NIH strategic initiatives. These initiatives will address exceptional scientific opportunities and emerging public health needs (akin to the NIH Roadmap, Obesity Initiative, and Neuroscience Blueprint).

DSC will provide the NIH Director with the information needed to allocate resources effectively for trans-NIH efforts. Although OPASI will not have grant-making authority, the DSC will provide an “incubator space” for trans-NIH initiatives, and support priority projects on a time-limited basis (5 to 10 years). This turnover will ensure that sufficient funds are available for continuous development of new, trans-NIH efforts. Support will come from pooled resources (the Common Fund). In addition, IC-level budget allocations could be informed by OPASI’s work, in that promising initiatives may be identified that are more appropriately supported at the IC level.

Division of Evaluation and Systematic Assessments (DESA)

The Division of Evaluation and Systematic Assessments (DESA) will plan, conduct, coordinate, and support program evaluations, including but not limited to:

• Institute and Center-specific program and project evaluations;
• Trans-NIH evaluations, including NIH Roadmap initiatives;
• Systematic assessments such as those required by the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and the OMB Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART).

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