This chapter transmits the NIH policy on the use of the NIH Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Program.

IRTA Traineeships are established for the principal benefit of the participant and to provide opportunities for developmental training and practical research experience in a variety of disciplines related to biomedical research, medical library research and related fields. Traineeships are designed to provide research training “for which fellowship support is not provided under Section 487 of the Public Health Services (PHS) Act, and which is not residency training of physicians or other health professionals.”  

Training must be carried out at a facility of the NIH but may be supplemented by additional training acquired at another institution if it is found by the Deputy Director for Intramural Research (DDIR), Office of Intramural Research (OIR) or the IC Director to be directly related to the purpose of the traineeship and necessary to its successful completion.  Such training outside NIH may not be for more than a cumulative 3 months out of a calendar year.  Training at international facilities may comprise a maximum of 3 months out of a calendar year and must be approved by OIR. Periods greater than this are only possible for trainees participating in an institutional partnership. In no case, may training outside of NIH comprise a majority of the training.

The IRTA Program encourages the participation of individuals from groups who are underrepresented in biomedical research:  women, persons with disabilities, and individuals of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. The NIH follows the guidelines for disadvantaged backgrounds as stated here: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html

Service is a by-product of the IRTA Program unlike Research and Clinical Fellowships where service is a dominant part of the training objective.  NOTE:  Trainees are prohibited from having any human subject/patient contact unless they are entirely under the direct supervision, at all times, by an appropriately qualified NIH employee (FTE).  See Section C.30. Tort Claims. Trainees may not be assigned official supervisory responsibilities, or sign documents (e.g., requisitions) on behalf of the Government.

(1) The Director, NIH, may conduct and support research training for which fellowship support is not provided under Section 487 of the PHS Act and which is not residency training of physicians or other health professionals [42 U.S.C. 282(b)(11)];  

(2) the Directors of the national research institutes may conduct and support research training for which fellowship support is not provided under Section 487, and which is not residency training of physicians or other health professionals [42 U.S.C. 284(b)(1)(D)];  

(3) the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NIH, may conduct research training as described in 42 U.S.C. 287c-21(a);  

(4) the National Library of Medicine (NLM) may conduct research training as described in 42 U.S.C. 286b-3 (NLM Traineeships limited to Postbaccalaureate students only);  

(5) 42 CFR Part 63, Public Health Service Regulations re: Traineeships

Delegations of Authority

• Program: General No. 53, NIH Administration of Intramural Training Award (IRTA) Program dated, 05/29/2021
• Program: General No. 54, IC Administration of Intramural Training Award (IRTA) Program dated, 05/29/2021

Approval by the Deputy Director of Intramural Research (DDIR) is required for all exceptions to program provisions.  Requests for exceptions to program provisions must be fully justified in writing, describing the nature and basis for the exception.

Trainees are not Federal employees, are subject to the availability of space, funds, and preceptors’ time, and are limited by the number of training assignments available within participating Institutes or Centers (IC).

Traineeships are contingent upon submission of acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship or resident alien status and a medical evaluation if applicable.  In addition, trainees must meet the requirements of one of the categories specified below:

Time spent on a Traineeship program within any IC counts toward the total Traineeship duration, regardless of the number of Traineeships granted by different ICs.  The duration of the award period and the original termination date may be extended due to periods (4-12 months) of excused absence without stipend. All renewals must be in writing and include beginning and termination dates.

Traineeship

Postdoctoral, the NIH policy is to limit the postdoctoral training period to 5 years. This will eliminate the need to unnecessarily extend training and delay employment. Appointments are typically renewed in one-year increments. The Research Fellow mechanism is available to extend the total time in training to 8 years: https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/personnel/ipds-appointment-mechanisms/research-fellow.

A short-term extension to the 5^th year of postdoctoral training can be awarded without seeking approval outside the Institute/Center (IC). This short-term extension period, not to exceed 3 months, is permitted only for individuals leaving the NIH, if requested instead of an exceptional 6th year (described below). A Postdoctoral Fellow will not be permitted both a 6^th year and a terminal extension.

An exceptional 6th year of training within the IRTA postdoctoral mechanism is occasionally needed to complete training in-progress and/or to complete applications for jobs outside of the NIH. The terminal 6^th year extension requires a written justification requesting additional time, followed by a rigorous review that includes the Scientific Director’ (SD) approval. More information on the Postdoctoral IRTA Fellow 6^th year terminal extension can be found at https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/personnel/recruitment-processes-policies-checklists/exceptional-extensions-irta-visiting-fellowships-6th-year).  An individual who takes any part of an exceptional 6^th year at NIH as an IRTA may not remain or return to NIH within 2 years of their departure date.  The Office of Intramural Research (OIR) may grant exception to this for certain long-term NIH staff positions.

Pre-Doctoral IRTA appointments are generally renewed in one-year increments. A short-term extension to the 5^th year of graduate training can be awarded without seeking approval outside the IC. This short-term extension period, not to exceed 3 months, is permitted if requested instead of the exceptional extension request process (described below). A predoc will not be permitted both a terminal 3-month extension, and further time through the exceptional extension request process. 

Exceptional extension request process:  Beyond 5 years, renewal requires a written justification requesting additional time, followed by a rigorous review that includes the SD’s approval. The written justification memorandum must include (1) a summary of the student’s progress, (2) projected timeline for completion, and (3) specific dates of the fellowship renewal request. The memorandum must be signed by the Principal Investigator (PI) and Scientific Director (SD) indicating their support for the extension and submitted for approval to the Director of Policy and Analysis, Office of Intramural Research (OIR) and the Director of the Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP).  A current copy of the student’s CV must also be included. Submissions must be made at least 3 months in advance of the renewal date, and the student must be interviewed by the Director of the GPP as a part of the approval process. Extensions are generally requested in one-year increments, though less time may be requested depending on the circumstance.  No more than one year may be requested for each submission. Occasionally, extensions beyond six years are requested, but obtaining approval requires further justification and repeating this entire exceptional extension request process. 

Postbaccalaureate IRTA appointments will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.  It is expected that postbaccalaureate (postbac) will, and should, move on to graduate/professional education after two years.

A short-term extension to the 2^nd year of postbac training can be awarded without seeking approval outside the IC. This short-term extension period, not to exceed 3 months, is permitted if requested instead of an exceptional 3rd year (described below). A postbaccalaureate will not be permitted both a 3^rd year and a terminal extension.

Postbaccalaureates may request permission to remain at the NIH for an exceptional third year.  This will require (1) submission of a plan for the third year that demonstrates that the trainee will make good use of the time and (2) signatures of the PI and SD indicating their support for the plan and belief that the postbaccalaureate possesses the talent and potential to make good use of the time in terms of both science and career development.  Plans must be submitted to the Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE), OIR for approval at least six months in advance of the requested third year extension. Under no circumstances will a postbaccalaureate be permitted an extension at the NIH beyond the third year.

• IRTA Trainees do not incur a service payback obligation.
• Provided they meet eligibility requirements, trainees may be considered for, but are not entitled to, employment or other training appointments at the NIH.

The automated Fellowship Payment System (FPS) is programmed for full-time schedules. For full-time schedules less than one year in duration, the system will calculate the correct amount of pro-rated funds to obligate. However, for part-time schedules, ICs must compute the percent of time and enter the annual prorated stipend in the Fellowship Payment stipend screen.

Scheduling policy for the different Traineeship programs is as follows:

Schedules 

Stipends are established based on relevant research experience after receipt of the degree that determines program eligibility, or completed education level (i.e., degree is not conferred, and university comptroller certifies that all degree requirements are met). Stipend ranges and/or fixed stipend levels are periodically reviewed by the Office of Intramural Research (OIR) in consultation with the NIH Scientific Directors.  See appendices for detailed information. The Trainee must be paid within the stipend range for experience and degree earned.

Stipends will be paid in arrears on a 30-day monthly basis, i.e., the stipend payment received for a given month will reflect the amount owed from the preceding month.

All Trainees are strongly encouraged to immediately establish (or correct) an electronic file transfer in the NIH Administrative Database (ADB) via the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) Vendor miscellaneous payment enrollment form (Form SF 3881) in the ADB vendor database. Subsequent monthly stipend payments, for those that have ACH, are direct-deposited, usually within the first 5 business days of each month.   Trainees who do not have established electronic file transfers to their bank accounts will receive stipend payments by check on or about the 10th business day of each month.

Advance Payment for Trainees 

Any advance payment will reduce the annual stipend payment.  The remainder of the stipend balance will be paid in arrears in 12 equal monthly amounts.  

If the Trainee leaves within 12 months of the initiation of the award, the final check may NOT be for the 1/12th amount because it will have been offset by the balance of the advance.   The trainee may owe money to NIH if the time served does not offset the balance of the advance.   A personal check covering a stipend overpayment must be submitted to the Office of Financial Management “Fellowship Payment Office” with a copy of the FPS-generated termination notice. Any un-recovered overpayment will be treated as a debt owed to the U.S. Government.

Stipend payments will be certified monthly and authorized in the FPS by the IC Designated Program officials between the 20th and 25th of the month so the Office of Financial Management (OFM) may authorize payments.   If the IC does not certify and authorize payment for a trainee, no stipend payment will be issued for that month until certification is received.

Supplemental funding should be granted to Trainees who wish to come to NIH for a period of research training under the auspices of traineeships or grants awarded by outside (non-extramural NIH) organizations or institutions, when the outside funding fails to provide a stipend in the established range for Trainees as described in the appendices below.  

Supplemental Funding should be granted:

• ONLY to Trainees who have already been approved for or currently receive outside (non-extramural NIH) support;
• ONLY to Trainees NOT receiving support under the National Research Service Award (NRSA) Program;
• ONLY to Trainees that have NO employment relationship with the outside (non-extramural NIH) sponsor: other issues, e.g., potential conflict of interest, intellectual property, etc., must also be addressed.

The amount of the NIH IRTA supplement will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will vary depending on the level of support provided by the outside (non-extramural NIH) sponsor. The supplement will be fixed at such a rate that the combined level of support will match the stipend rate for a similarly qualified Trainee. Supplemental funding that would result in a combined amount from NIH and the outside (non-extramural NIH) sponsor that is either less than or in excess of the authorized stipend rate for the relevant trainee level and Traineeship program may not be approved. Supplemental funding must be terminated when outside (non-extramural NIH) support ceases.

An IC cannot provide a supplement solely to cover health insurance – a stipend of at least $1 per month must also be authorized.

Postdoctoral IRTA applicants should apply directly to one or more specific Principal Investigators.

Pre-doctoral IRTA applicants must follow the procedures outlined on the Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) page, https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/gpp. This will include an online application to the NIH and may include requests to complete additional university applications.

Postbaccalaureate and Student IRTA applicants must submit online applications via the Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE) website, https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/postbac_irta  

Student IRTA appointment can be used for two types of internships, Summer Internships and Academic Internships. The application process depends on both the type of internship and the educational level of the applicant as follows.

Most Student IRTAs come to the NIH as Summer Interns. All applicants for Summer Internships must complete Summer Internship Applications on the OITE website. Individuals who are in college or graduate/professional school will apply to the Summer Internship Program https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/sip. Individuals who are in high school at the time of application will apply to the High School Summer Internship Program, https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/hs-sip.

All individuals who wish to come to the NIH during the school year will apply directly to the Academic Internship Program. Those who are enrolled in master’s degree programs will, in addition, follow the procedures outlined on the OITE webpage at, https://www.training.nih.gov/programs.

Trainees must provide documented evidence of their U.S. citizenship or resident alien status before their Traineeships may be activated. Citizenship or resident alien status can be established by providing one or two documents, as indicated on the following list: Originals or copies are acceptable.

List Identity and IRTA Eligibility

• United States Passport (Current or Expired)
• Certificate of United States Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Lawful Permanent Resident Card (green card) with photograph
• A State-issued driver’s license or I.D. card with a photograph, or information including name, sex, date of birth, height, weight (if on license), and color of eyes AND birth certificate
• School ID card with photograph AND birth certificate
• U.S. Military Card AND birth certificate
• Other Officially issued identifying document that provides proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status may be acceptable at the discretion of the IC designated program administrative official.

Individual Principal Investigators select their own Postdoctoral IRTAs, Postbaccalaureate IRTAs, Academic Interns at all educational levels, and Summer Interns. Applicants to these programs are encouraged to contact investigators with whom they would like to work directly.

High School Summer Interns are selected by committees in the ICs, not by individual Principal Investigators. Therefore, applicants to the High School Summer Internship Program should not contact PIs directly.

The mechanism for selecting Predoctoral IRTAs depends on whether they have applied to a GPP Institutional Partnership (selections are made by admissions committees), to be in a GPP Individual Partnership (selections are made by individual Principal Investigators), or to the Medical Research Scholars Program, administratively housed within the NIH Clinical Center.

Candidates may not be excluded from consideration or evaluation on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, national origin, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor. Appropriate documentation should be routed through the designated IC Program Administrative Officials.

Each IC is responsible for establishing its own policy on the granting of Traineeships to students who are relatives of IC employees. Please note the nepotism policy at https://policymanual.nih.gov/2300-310-1. In no case may trainees receive a training assignment in a Lab/Branch where a relative has authority for resource allocation decisions. Furthermore, the NIH Policy Statement on Personal Relationships in the Workplace, which goes beyond nepotism, must be strictly followed https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/civil/nih-policy-statement-personal-relationships-workplace.

For minors under 18 years of age, if required by State or local government law, work permits must be obtained.  A written agreement of a parent or guardian is also required. In addition, restrictions published by the Department of Labor (DOL) must be followed regarding assignments that may be hazardous or detrimental to the health and well-being of minors.

The principal responsibility of scientific mentoring rests with training preceptor; other assistance is available from IC Lab/Branch Chiefs and Scientific Director and the NIH OITE.

The NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education Career Services Center is available for career counseling, https://www.training.nih.gov/career_services

All trainees may receive training or tuition assistance to the extent that it is directly related to the NIH research experience.

Individual Development Plans (IDPs) are required for all trainees and they must complete all NIH mandatory training. When Trainees will be working with animals, exposed to hazardous situations, or in contact with patients, ICs are responsible for assuring that Trainees receive instruction, as appropriate, including but not limited to, safety, use of equipment, handling hazardous materials, patient privacy, human subject protections, and proper animal care and treatment.

Trainees are prohibited from having any human subject/patient contact unless they are entirely under the direct supervision, at all times, by an appropriately qualified NIH employee (FTE).  Also see Section C. 30. Tort Claims.

Generally only one rotation of 3 months or less in a science-related office (science policy, communications, grants, center for scientific review, technology transfer, etc.) is permitted when such activity can be justified as an integral part of the NIH training experience.

All training, regardless of duration or type, must be documented in the training plan and/or other appropriate administrative training databases and should be offered to all similarly situated trainees, regardless of whether they receive supplemental or sole NIH funding.

Travel cost to NIH for a postdoctoral trainee (including dependents, movement of household goods, and temporary storage of household goods) not to exceed (NTE) $3,000 is permitted at the discretion of the IC; no allowance for return travel is authorized. A personal check covering a travel advance overpayment must be submitted to the Cashier’s Office attached to a copy of the travel voucher. Any un-recovered overpayment will be treated as a debt owed to the U.S. Government.

Payment of travel to scientific meetings or training at a remote site is at the discretion of the IC and is subject to availability of funds.

IRTA trainees may accept payment only on an “In Kind” basis to cover travel and per diem expenses from an outside entity while attending an “official duty” type event for the purpose of teaching, speaking or writing (such as presenting a paper at a scientific meeting), provided there is no conflict of interest in the source of the funds.  No honorarium, or compensation for services rendered, may be accepted. Reimbursement must be from non-Federal funds.  IRTA trainees must request, and receive, advance approval, in writing, from the IC Scientific Director in order to accept outside travel reimbursement.  The HHS Form 348 is not to be used since IRTA Trainees are not Government employees.  However, IC administrative staff, on behalf of an IRTA Trainee, must complete an Acceptance Letter and a Certification Checklist indicating that the funding source is non-Federal.  For additional information, see NIH Policy Manual 1500, Chapter 08-03). Also see guidance at https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/ethical-conduct/government-ethics/guidelines-non-ftes-trainees-nih-related-activities-outside-activities

When a separate travel allowance is available through an outside sponsor, at its discretion, an IC may supplement that allowance only to the extent that outside funding is insufficient to pay authorized travel costs.

A personal check covering a travel advance overpayment must be submitted to the Cashier’s Office attached to a copy of the travel voucher. Any un-recovered overpayment will be treated as a debt owed the U.S. Government.

Use the FPS to process terminations of all trainees. Termination of the traineeship may be made prior to specific expiration date upon request of the trainee, or for scientific or other forms of misconduct or failure to comply with terms of the traineeship or to carry out or satisfy the purpose for which it was made. All termination proposals for cause must be in writing and provide the trainee with an opportunity to make a reply before a decision is rendered.  In the case of personal incompatibility or any unforeseen programmatic circumstances, and absent any conduct issues, the IC should arrange for transfer of the trainee to another laboratory. 

Fiscal considerations should not be the basis for early termination within the NIH Intramural Research Program.

Termination of Traineeship

Trainees must reimburse Office of Financial Management (OFM), OM, OD, NIH, for any and all stipend overpayments prior to OFM clearance. When a Traineeship is terminated prior to its normal expiration date, the trainee is no longer entitled to a stipend and any stipend checks received or deposited to the trainee’s account inappropriately after the termination date are inadvertent and do not belong to the trainee but are the property of the United States. Trainees should reimburse the U.S. Government for any overpayment that may occur. Knowingly cashing, depositing, or converting any such check to the Trainee’s use could result in criminal penalties. In addition, any un-recovered overpayment will be treated as a debt owed to the U.S. Government. A personal check must be submitted to the OFM “Fellowship Payment Office” with a copy of the FPS-generated termination notice. In addition, if the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) (301-496-8063) is handling the trainee’s health insurance, it must be provided a “Notification of Termination” form, obtained from the IC’s Administrative Officer.  The FPS-generated “Notification of Termination” form must be submitted to FAES, which will provide advice and answer questions on Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (C.O.B.R.A.) benefits.  The form must be signed by an FAES representative before the end of the month in which the fellowship is terminated to avoid overpayment.

If a trainee is transferring to another IC within NIH, the losing IC must indicate this in the FPS module and notify the gaining IC. The gaining IC must accept and retrieve the trainee’s record.   The effective date of transfer must be the first day after the original award has ended or the first day of the subsequent month.

Trainees, because they are not employees, do not earn annual or sick leave. However, they should be excused for Federal holidays and any other time the government is closed. Trainees should be given 20 days per year for illness, personal emergencies, and vacations when awards are for more than 90 days. The number of days should be prorated for Traineeships less than one year. These excused absences do not accrue year-to-year and reset every year on the date of renewal. Preceptors should also provide flexibility for travel for interviews, and these absences should not be counted towards the 20 days of leave. Preceptors may exercise discretion in granting additional short absences (less than a week per year) as they deem appropriate.  More extended absences must be approved by the IC Scientific Director.

Twelve weeks of excused absence will be granted for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child or other family health care. In addition, ICs must excuse absences to accommodate a trainee’s military obligations, i.e., active duty, active duty training, and inactive duty training Not to Exceed (NTE) six weeks per year.

Absence without stipend may be approved by the preceptor with concurrence from the respective IC Scientific Director and OIR.   Through the FPS, the IC must enter the effective date to temporarily stop payment and must reactivate the award in the FPS to resume payment. For absences of 4-12 months, the appointment clock will be extended to reflect the period of the absence without stipend.  Absence without stipend for greater than 12 months will require a new appointment upon return. The “Keep the Thread Policy” outlines some of these options:  https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/personnel/recruitment-processes-policies-checklists/keep-thread-policy

FAES Elected Health Insurance:  Should a trainee with FAES health insurance plan to be absent without stipend for less than 60 days, NIH requires the trainee to maintain continuous health insurance coverage.  Specifically, trainees must personally complete a Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (C.O.B.R.A.) Application through FAES and begin to pay health insurance coverage premiums on the 1st day of the month following the start date of the unpaid absence and continue to pay for any month when trainee is not in a pay status on the first day of the month.  For example, if the trainee is absent without stipend effective June 15th through August 15th, the trainee must pay health insurance premiums beginning July 1st (1st day of the month following the start date of unpaid absence) and pay the premium for the full month of July and August (any full month when trainee is not in a pay status on the first day of the month)  

Should the trainee plan to be absent without stipend for more than 60 days, the trainee may choose to stop coverage and not pay the premium.  Upon return to NIH, the trainee may then re-enroll as a new subscriber. Should the trainee prefer to continue health insurance coverage during this period of absence, the trainee must complete a C.O.B.R.A. application through FAES.  Generally, C.O.B.R.A. coverage is limited to 18 months.

Regardless of total time spent in unpaid absence, respective ICs must provide to FAES written notification generated from the FPS to include start and end date of unpaid absence.  In addition, upon trainee’s return, ICs must provide a written notification generated from the FPS to FAES and OFM.

All trainees may use the Occupational Medical Service for injuries sustained and emergency care on the training assignment. Workers' compensation and benefits under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, 5 U.S.C. 8101(1)(B) may be applicable in the event of a work-related injury.

All trainees must have adequate health insurance coverage to receive training in NIH facilities. This requirement may be satisfied by a policy held either in the Trainee's name or in another's name with the Trainee identified as a family member. Verification of health insurance enrollment is required.

An approved plan of health insurance is available through the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES). Insurance coverage requires that Trainees be on a training schedule of at least 30 hours per week and a minimum duration of 60 days.

Should a trainee elect FAES health insurance, they are responsible for enrolling in FAES health insurance before the start date of the award or the day of arrival.  FAES health insurance enrollment will be effective as of the start date of the award. On the start date, the trainee must meet with FAES to complete, sign, and submit all required health insurance forms. If the trainee does not elect and enroll in FAES health insurance within 30 days from the award start date, the trainee will not be able to elect FAES health insurance until the next open enrollment period for the FAES plan or until a qualifying life event occurs, whichever occurs first. Trainees must maintain an existing policy or purchase a personal policy until they have met with FAES and elected FAES health insurance.

The enrollment data that reflects the FAES effective date must be entered into the FPS by the Fellow’s IC Administrative Officer (AO). The effective date of FAES health insurance is the date recorded on the FAES Election of Health Coverage form. This date will typically be the start date of the award and is reflected in the effective from date of the first insurance rate line of the award. If the date provided by FAES is later than the start date of the award, the first insurance rate line in FPS must be changed to “Declined”, and a second rate must be entered with the effective from date equal to coverage start date provided by FAES.

Fellows must notify the IC Administrative Officer (AO) and FAES of qualifying life events to change health insurance coverage; e.g., marriage, birth, divorce, loss of other health insurance coverage. A change in health insurance coverage due to a qualifying life event must be reported within 30 days of the event. The change in insurance coverage will be effective as of the date of the qualifying life event. If a change is not requested within 30 days of the qualifying life event, the trainee will need to wait to make any changes to coverage until either the following open enrollment period for the FAES health insurance plan or until another qualifying life event occurs, whichever occurs first. Evidence of the qualifying life event must be presented to FAES.

NOTE: Both initial insurance enrollment with FAES and qualifying life events thereafter necessitate a visit to FAES for a signature by FAES confirming the insurance effective date (page three of Election of Health Coverage form).

Funds for individual or family FAES fee-for-service health insurance are provided to FAES by the sponsoring IC at the direction of the trainee. For a non-FAES policy, NIH will pay or reimburse for a policy issued in the Trainee's name in an amount not to exceed that of the FAES fee-for-service health insurance, individual or family coverage, as appropriate. Alternatively, NIH will reimburse for any additional health insurance cost, if incurred, as a result of being covered under a spouse's plan and identified as a "family member" in an amount not to exceed the cost of the FAES fee-for-service health insurance. Documentation verifying health insurance coverage and documenting health insurance costs is required when using a non-FAES policy. If a trainee separates from NIH; terminates his/her FAES health insurance coverage; subsequently returns to NIH; and wants to enroll again in the FAES plan; the trainee must personally pay the premiums for each of the months since termination of coverage if there was less than a 60-day break in the training period. If more than a 60-day break in the training period occurs, the trainee may drop coverage and re-enroll again upon return to NIH as if a new subscriber.

If a trainee separates from NIH, health insurance will continue for 30 days after the award end date (if extension is elected in FPS by the Fellow’s Administrative Officer). No changes to health insurance coverage (e.g., individual to family) are permitted during this final 30 days of coverage. 

When the outside sponsor provides insufficient funding for the purchase of health insurance coverage, the IC may provide supplemental funding to permit the purchase of a policy equivalent in cost to the FAES fee-for-service health insurance, individual or family coverage, as appropriate. An IC cannot provide a supplement solely to provide health insurance coverage – a stipend of at least $1 per month must also be authorized, even when the outside funding is greater than the applicable stipend.  See Section C.25, “Excused Absence without Stipend” above if applicable.

Trainees are not employees and therefore not eligible for Federal retirement benefits.

Stipends are subject to Federal, state, and local income tax; however, NIH does not withhold taxes from the trainee’s stipend. The Office of Financial Management (OFM) annually prepares and sends appropriate income information to the IRS and to trainees. Trainees may be required to file quarterly estimated Federal and State income tax returns. Since interpretation and implementation of the tax laws are the responsibility of the IRS and courts, trainees should consult their local IRS office and/or tax advisor if they have questions about the applicability of the current tax code to the taxability of Traineeships, the proper steps to be taken regarding tax obligations, and concerns regarding their own situations.

Since IRTA traineeships are considered awards for training and not wages for services, neither Social Security nor Medicare taxes are deducted from stipends. Although definitive determinations regarding Social Security obligations and coverage must be made by the Internal Revenue Service and the courts, it is the opinion of the NIH Legal Advisor that trainees would not be considered self-employed for purposes of coverage under the Social Security Act and, therefore, cannot make Social Security or Medicare payments on their own behalf. Trainees are encouraged to consult their local IRS office and/or tax advisor.

IRTAs will likely be covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. 2671 et seq.) and under section 224 of the PHS Act (42 U.S.C. 233(a)), from personal liability for damages or injuries that arise from actions occurring within the scope of their Federal assignment so long as the IRTA is under the direct control and supervision of a Federal employee.  However, the ultimate decision on issues of coverage is made on a case-by-case basis by HHS Office of General Counsel, Department of Justice (DOJ), and, ultimately, the courts, and depends on the circumstances (e.g., including the activities of the IRTA and the proximity of the supervision).

Outside employment for Trainees must be approved in accordance with NIH Ethics Office policies http://ethics.od.nih.gov/. Guidelines for Outside activities can be found in the NIH sourcebook: https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/ethical-conduct/government-ethics/guidelines-non-ftes-trainees-nih-related-activities-outside-activities.

The NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE) will periodically evaluate the training program for representation of women, minorities, and disabled persons; to assess its relationship with other NIH Traineeship Programs; and to determine whether it is functioning effectively and accomplishing the purpose for which it was designed. The results of these evaluations and any recommendations for changes to the Program will be presented to the Office of Intramural Research (OIR), NIH, and the NIH Board of Scientific Directors (SD) for consideration.

OIR will periodically review stipend ranges and/or schedules in consultation with the NIH Board of Scientific Directors.  Recommended adjustments by OIR and the SD subcommittee of trainee stipends will be submitted to the Scientific Directors for review and concurrence and then to the Director, NIH, for final approval.

The publication and presentation of scientific research by Trainees are governed by the same policies as applied to other scientists, either employed by or in training at NIH, as described in Policy Manual, Chapter 1184 – Preparation and Clearance of Scientific, Technical, and Public Information Presented by NIH Employees or Produced for Distribution by NIH. Additional guidance on authorship and publications may be found in the “Guidelines and Policies for the Conduct of Research” and https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/submitting-research-publications.

Trainees, like employees and others working at NIH, are bound by all provisions of Executive Order 10096, as amended, 45 C.F.R. Part 7 and any orders, rules, regulations or policies issued thereunder for inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice while at the NIH, as well as by HHS Technology Transfer Procedure Manual, Chapter 203.1, "NIH Procedures Related to Disposition of Rights in Inventions by Non-Employees Working at NIH, Receiving NIH Intramural Training Support or Working On-Site under Research Collaborations (NIH-Access only).  Trainees will disclose promptly, to the appropriate NIH technology transfer officials, all inventions which they conceive or first actually reduce to practice during their assignment, and will sign and execute all papers necessary for conveying to the government the rights to which it is entitled by virtue of Executive Order 10096, as amended.

Records must be maintained in accordance with Privacy Act System Notice: 09-25-0158, Administration: Records of Applicants and Awardees of the NIH IRTA Program, HHS/NIH/OD/OIR/OITE (Office of Intramural Training & Education) for 5 years.

Activation and Renewals:

Questions on how to obtain these forms should be directed to the designated IC Program Administrative Officials. These documents should be retained by the ICs as official system records for the IRTA Program.

• NIH 2590-1, Verification of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency Status 
• Fellowship Activation (FPS-generated)
• Election of Health Insurance Choice 1, 2, or 3 (FPS-generated)
• Absence without stipend and reactivation (FPS-generated)

Terminations:

• Fellowship Termination Notice (FPS-generated)

1. Deputy Director for Intramural Research, OIR:
   1. To coordinate the administration of the NIH IRTA Program including the establishment of new programs to meet evolving training needs and modifications of individual IRTA Traineeship program provisions NIH-wide
   2. To coordinate and approve stipend levels, adjustments, and changes for all Traineeship programs of the NIH IRTA Program
   3. To coordinate & consider approval of any and/or all exceptions to the NIH IRTA Program provisions
   4. To approve initial, renewal, transfers or revocation of Traineeships within the NIH IRTA Program provisions for all IRTA Traineeship programs
   5. To approve part-time schedules on a case-by-case basis for trainees within all IRTA Traineeship programs
   6. To approve supplemental funding in accordance with NIH-wide established Program provisions
   7. To approve training/tuition and/or a rotation to the extent it is directly related to the NIH research experience
   8. To approve extended absences with stipend (see section C.24)
   9. To assure trainees have proper instruction in ethics of scientific research and the safety, use of equipment, handling hazardous materials, proper animal care and treatment, and patient contacts
2. Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE), OIR:
   1. To evaluate the IRTA Program effectiveness and determine if the Program is accomplishing its purposes
   2. To approve extensions for graduate students beyond the fifth year or post-baccalaureates who request to remain at the NIH for an exceptional third year
   3. Provide career counseling, wellness, resilience and other assistance to traineeships
3. Office of Financial Management (OFM), OM, OD:
   1. To maintain the traineeship stipend outlay, including processing financial documents to arrange for and assure the proper payment, adjustment, or termination of stipends and other authorized allowances
   2. To provide required financial information on individual trainees annually to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to the trainees
   3. To maintain required accounting information and generate necessary reports
4. Office of Human Resources (OHR), OD:
   1. To provide staff assistance to the DDIR, NIH and OIR, NIH as needed/required.
   2. To provide advice and/or guidance to designated IC program and/or administrative officials of the purposes and requirements of the NIH IRTA Program, as well as its relationship and appropriate usage to other NIH scientific mechanisms.
5. IC Directors:
   1. To support the intramural research program in providing a quality traineeship experience
6. IC Scientific Directors:
   1. To approve initial, renewals, or transfers of Traineeships within the NIH IRTA Program provisions for all IRTA Traineeship programs
   2. To approve part-time schedules on a case-by-case basis for trainees within all IRTA Traineeship programs
   3. To revoke Traineeships in whole or in part (only after consultation with OIR)
   4. To approve initial stipends and/or stipend increases within the NIH IRTA Program provisions
   5. To approve supplemental funding in accordance with NIH-wide established Program provisions
   6. To approve training/tuition to the extent it is directly related to the NIH research experience
   7. To approve extended absences with or without stipend (see section C.24)
   8. To ensure that their IC has developed Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and assure trainees have proper instruction in scientific ethics and the safety, use of equipment, handling hazardous materials, proper animal care and treatment, and patient contacts
7. IC Lab/Branch Chiefs:
   1. Provide a training environment in their Lab/Branch that assured quality mentorship, ethics, and safety training for all trainees.
8. IC Preceptors:
   1. To provide principal mentoring
   2. To work with their trainees to develop Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
   3. Assure instruction in scientific ethics, safety, use of equipment, handling hazardous materials, proper animal care and treatment, and patient contacts
9. Designated IC Program Administrative Officials for IRTA Program:
   1. To provide advice and guidance to IC scientific program officials on the purposes and requirements of the IRTA Program provisions
   2. To assure that: applicants meet eligibility requirements; necessary documentation is present and complete; Trainee schedules are determined; documentation to activate, renew, and terminate the Traineeships is distributed and signed, if appropriate; the completion of medical exams is arranged; U.S. Citizenship or resident alien status is verified; and orientation for each trainee, including advising on benefits available, is conducted
10. IRTA Trainees:
    1. Must develop Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
    2. Complete all NIH mandatory training
    3. Complete required responsible conduct of research training
    4. Complete proper training for instruction in safety, use of equipment, handling hazardous materials, proper animal care and treatment, and only have patient contacts while under direct supervision of an NIH employee (FTE)
    5. Trainees must reimburse Office of Financial Management (OFM), OM, OD, NIH, for any and all stipend overpayments
    6. All trainees must have adequate health insurance coverage to receive training in NIH facilities (See section C.27 for more information)
    7. Trainees will disclose promptly, to the appropriate NIH technology transfer officials, all inventions which they conceive or first actually reduce to practice during their assignment, and will sign and execute all papers necessary for conveying to the government the rights to which it is entitled by virtue of Executive Order 10096, as amended
    8. Trainees must abide by the Guidelines for Non-FTEs (Trainees) for NIH-Related Activities, Outside Activities, and Awards https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/ethical-conduct/government-ethics/guidelines-non-ftes-trainees-nih-related-activities-outside-activities