National Institutes of Health Central Services Organizational Assessment

NIH, OFM

BACKGROUND

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the largest biomedical research agency in the world tasked with the mission of “seeking fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.” In order to fulfill its mission, the NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a unique research agenda and focus. Due to the complex factors necessary to manage its numerous mission activities, the NIH has developed a Central Services model that consolidates certain business operations.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The NIH contracted the National Academy of Public Administration (the Academy) to assess its Central Services mission as a shared service provider and its organizational capacity to meet its mission requirements efficiently and effectively.

The Academy:

• Developed a comprehensive listing of Central Services offerings.
• Analyzed and evaluated Central Services governance and finance structures, supporting technology systems and processes, internal organization and infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement.
• Developed actionable recommendations/ options to address technical problems and gaps in the Central Services model to advance efficiencies and effectiveness.

Study Fellows