NIH Directory Project
Steering Committee Meeting Minutes
March 5, 1999

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Participants:

This was the initial steering committee meeting. Following brief introductions, there was a short discussion of the history and objectives of the NIH Directory Project after which Tom Bodine and Keith Gorlen gave an overview of the "Fast Track" database. Questions were raised regarding the type of information that would be included in the Fast Track database and how it would be populated (some information will be brought in from existing NIH databases, some will need to be entered directly by AOs and others). Following the meeting, Tom Bodine forwarded a short memo to committee members listing the attributes to be contained in the Fast Track database showing which ones will be pulled in from existing databases and those that will require manual entry.

The problem of ascertaining valid IC information for visiting scientists came up during the course of the discussion and a number of AOs indicated that NIH "CANs" provide a reliable way to track back to ICs. This information was very helpful to the Directory Project team as the notion of using CANs had not been contemplated previously. The committee also recommended that the HRDB, JEFIC or FPS database should be considered the authoritative source for an individual's IC. This will simplify the process of populating the Fast Track database

A discussion regarding business processes followed regarding the need to minimize duplicate data entry into the Fast Track. However, this must be balanced against the need for up-to-date information in the database. A couple of different approaches were kicked around in an effort to come up with the best solution. A final decision was not made, but at least the issue is on the table and will be discussed a future meeting.

It was agreed that the steering committee would meet every other Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Tom Bodine will distribute a meeting schedule with locations once final arrangements have been made.

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