NPIRS maintains an informal ‘wish list’ of new fields that have been requested for possible implementation in a future version of the NDW. If you would like something added to this list, send your request via e-mail to
support@ihs.gov. However, the formal process of getting the field added would require the following:
(1) Approval:
- The process for approving additions to the export will be directed by the NPIRS Investment Sponsor, Director of IHS Office of Public Health Support (currently Dr. Richard Church).
- With the concurrence of the NPIRS Investment Sponsor, the project would be submitted to the IHS Information Technology Investment Review Board (ITIRB).
- Adding data elements to the NDW exports will require tribal consultation.
- It will require those who use these data to provide information to convince Tribes, IHS sites, and IHS leadership of the critical importance of their having access to additional data.
- One of the most effective advocacy methods will likely be for programs (requestors) to demonstrate, with ‘real life’ examples, the value of the information these additional data elements could provide.
(2) Funding:
- Adding data elements to the data the NDW can accept will require changes to both the exports and internal NPIRS processes and databases.
- NPIRS/NDW is entirely outsourced to a contractor.
- Major changes to the NDW will require a task order and additional funding.
- Funding priorities within OIT are debated and established by the Information Systems Advisory Council (ISAC).