The CDC Foundation has opened the request for proposals for the Data Modernization Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI). The goal of WAI is to strengthen public health agencies' (PHA) capacity to deliver information system improvements that are of top priority to each PHA by adding technology and data experts to their teams. The WAI's support of diverse PHAs in improving their information systems is anticipated to also accelerate progress toward CDC's Public Health Data Strategy (PHDS) goals. This initiative aims to increase the ability of PHAs serving state, tribal, local or territorial jurisdictions to leverage modern technology and interoperable data for public health action.
Application for Cohort 2 of the Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI) will be posted on Monday, June 3, on https://www.cdcfoundation.org/request-for-proposals, and submissions will be due 11:59 PM PST Friday, June 28.
You can refer to materials from the Cohort 1 RFA below as you consider and prepare a possible application to Cohort 2. Please note that the eligibility criteria and information requested within the Cohort 2 RFA are subject to change.
- Unlike Cohort 1, Cohort 2 will not require that applicants already have planned systems improvement project(s) on which the WAI placements would work. WAI placements might be assigned to a more general role or might be assigned to develop a project. Applications from agencies with planned systems improvement project(s) are welcome in Cohort 2 but having planned systems improvement project(s) will not be required.
- Unlike Cohort 1, Cohort 2 will not require that applicant have already have an individual overseeing information systems improvement to direct the work of the WAI placements. Cohort 2 applicants may request that such an individual be recruited as one of their requested WAI placements. Applications from agencies with an existing individual overseeing information systems improvement are welcome in Cohort 2, but having an existing individual overseeing information systems improvement will not be required.
- For clarity, specific questions in the Cohort 2 application may vary from those in the Cohort 1 application and some questions may be added. The general content requested from PHAs will be similar, along with the content of the required letter of support.
Questions can be directed to the POC at WAI@cdcfoundation.org
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Sean Hannigan
Specialist, Informatics
sean.hannigan@aphl.org240-485-2713
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