This notice solicits applications for the Rapid Response Rural Data Analysis and Issue Specific Rural Research Studies program. The purposes of this program are to assist rural communities with (1) conducting rapid data analyses, and (2) short term issue-specific rural research studies to help communities and policymakers understand the impact of current and proposed policies and regulations as well as provide information that will improve access to health care and population health in rural America.
Due to the nature of rural policy analysis and formulation, rural organizations and health care providers often require timely information that is available only through specialized analysis of databases of information compiled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), other federal and state agencies, or private organizations. The awardee is responsible for collaborating with HHS agencies to compile and analyze the data that is requested in a timely manner. The awardee will also collaborate with rural stakeholders to determine what data sets are needed. These collaborative efforts are vital as most rural groups and individuals do not have the capacity to store the data sets, the staff expertise to refine and analyze the data nor the technology necessary to run statistical analyses.
The awardee will be required to staff a rapid-response data analysis team capable of responding within 1-2 days to an estimated one-to-two requests per month from rural health stakeholders; the awardee will also be expected to design and complete one-to- two (depending on scope) 9-12 month short term issue-specific rural health studies per year of funding received. Findings from these analyses will be used to help inform rural health care providers and stakeholders such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Congress, states, and for-profit and non-profit entities (such as insurance companies and professional associations, respectively) that set policies impacting rural communities.
