Fair Act Overview
The HHS inventory must be submitted to OMB by June 30 of each year, which requires the NIH inventory to be submitted to HHS early May for review and consolidation with other agencies in HHS.
The NIH Office of Management Assessment (OMA) coordinates the update of the FAIR Act Inventory and works through FAIR Act coordinators located in each Institute and Center, and the NIH Office of the Director (ICO) to gather information. In addition, OMA has created an automated system, Commercial Activities Tracking System – Inventory (CATS-I) to review and manage the inventory.
The NIH Inventory process is as follows:
OMA holds a kickoff meeting with the FAIR Act Coordinators to discuss timeframes, provide guidance and documentation, clarify changes from previous year, and assist new contacts.
FAIR Act Coordinators use CATS-I to review and edit their inventory.
OMA assists with questions and concerns.
Each Executive Officer certifies their respective ICO inventory through CATS-I.
OMA reviews each ICO’s inventory and works with FAIR Act coordinators if adjustments are needed.
OMA prepares the final report to HHS.
OMA submits the inventory to HHS.
HHS may work with OMA to finalize the submission.