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Financing Research in VERA

Financing Research in VERA. 2009 ORD Local Accountability for Research Meeting January 14, 2009 Baltimore, MD. Overview. Special Work Group created to: Perform a comprehensive review of financial issues Review current practices in the field Clarify areas of ambiguity in current guidance

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Financing Research in VERA

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  1. Financing Research in VERA 2009 ORD Local Accountability for Research Meeting January 14, 2009 Baltimore, MD

  2. Overview • Special Work Group created to: • Perform a comprehensive review of financial issues • Review current practices in the field • Clarify areas of ambiguity in current guidance • Catalog issues & questions needing resolution • Identify areas for improvement & simplification • Key concern is need for field input & suggestions • Break-out sessions provide a forum for more feedback • We need understand the practical operational issues 2

  3. Sources of Funding • VHA appropriations • Other Federal / State / Local governments • Non-Profit Corporations / charitable organizations / corporations • Gifts & donations • Reimbursements

  4. Sources of VHA Funding • Direct Research 101 funds • Medical & Prosthetic Research appropriation • VERA Research Support funds • 3 Medical Care appropriations • Specific Purpose / QUERI funds • 3 Medical Care appropriations • IT Systems appropriation funds • All information technology & telecommunications equipment & software

  5. Challenges - 1 • What funds must / may be used for certain items • The “clear-cut” decisions (little, to no flexibility) • The “grey area” decisions (a lot of flexibility) • The historical approach versus the need to simplify, rationalize, & streamline • Problem of “one-size” fits all • Large Research programs / Medium ones / Small ones • Law of “Unintended Consequences” • Try to make the situation better, not worse

  6. Challenges - 2 • 101 Research funds versus VERA Research Support • 101 based on 3-year average of VA funded projects (intra-mural) • VERA based on most recent year projects (intra & extra-mural) • 100% VA administered, 75% peer reviewed not VA administered, 25% non-peer reviewed not VA administered • Disproportionate impact of “fixed overhead” costs • 101 funds for Large programs / Medium ones / Small ones • Impact of Research Program dynamics • Growing programs, level programs, & declining programs

  7. Challenges - 3 • VERA Research Support amounts • Are a guide, not a mandate • Accurate DSS reporting of Research Support funding • Dependent on accurate station level input • Direct versus Indirect Costs • What funds are responsible / appropriate • Full-time Research Staff reporting to ACOS for Research • Full-time / Part-time oversight staff reporting to VAMC Director

  8. Conclusion • Need input to create a better future • Need to minimize “unintended consequences” • Need to ensure future viability of Research

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