(ID: 2026-1834)
Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Axle is seeking a NIAID FOIA Support to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located in Bethesda, MD.
Benefits We Offer:
Position Information:
The purpose of this position is to produce work products and documents associated with FOIA case processing, which includes correspondence, researching, analyzing, and evaluating data for information request responses for NIAID.
Deliverables:
Monthly status reports to include information on current and completed activities; problems encountered; corrective actions taken; and recommendations for the next reporting period. - Monthly
Statement of Work Details:
Develops and assists staff implement policies and procedures related to the organization's scientific programs.
Collects, analyzes and creates scientific program information.
Coordinates workshops and reports their outcomes.
Independently process FOIA requests, including correspondence, memoranda, and redacting documents.
Evaluates current scientific programs and determines if changes need to be made.
Refer FOIA and PA requests to the appropriate NIAID or IC Service Center client divisions and offices for response documents.
Assists with analyzing current scientific programs and developing and proposing new initiatives.
Consult with members of the public, attorneys, congressional staffers, NIAID management and NIH intramural or extramural staff to resolve requests for sensitive documents which may involve proprietary commercial and financial information, invasions of personal privacy, ongoing investigations, or pre-decision and deliberative material.
Communicate with consumers, the public or special interest groups on behalf of NIAID. Collaborates with management and prepares reports to keep them updated on new and ongoing programs and activities.
Draft memoranda for NIH OD FOIA Office proposing a final determination on requests denied in part or full.
Coordinate information requests with other offices; maintain a record of information in case file as appropriate.
Coordinates staff responsible for developing, installing and maintaining scientific programs.
Conduct research on relevant disclosure laws, regulations, policies, and precedents in order to reach conclusions regarding the release of requested information, and document results.
Analyze regulations, case decisions, policies and procedures to determine whether private or confidential information can be released; draft memoranda based on findings.
Analyzes current policies and procedures and suggests and develops improvements.
Review documents and responses to ensure compliance with the Acts and the regulations and policies issued pursuant to them.
Negotiate informal agreements and support formal agreements to resolve conflicts between the requesters and providers of information; determine what is needed by a requester and assist the requester in formulating a request that will satisfy the requesters information needs.
Assists in preparing and developing future strategic plans.
Consult with the DHHS FOI Office and the Office of General Counsel in reviewing and arriving at recommendations regarding requests involving administrative appeals.
Prepares and provides educational materials to staff.
Review appeals for non-release of information or fees charged under the FOIA.
Analyze and provide written analyses of new regulations to determine their impact on existing policies and procedures.
Works closely with management to develop new initiatives that further scientific research.
Evaluate appeals considering applicable laws, regulations, and or additional justifications provided by the requester.
Use automated tracking systems to monitor requests for confidential information to ensure their timely resolution; extract information from multiple sources for use in writing reports.
Uses scientific expertise to review grant proposals and Interacts with potential grantees to obtain additional information.
Recommend approval or disapproval of the appeal and write responses to the HHS FOIA Officer who decides administrative appeals.
Respond to inquiries for the formal release of documents
Field of Study
Public Policy
Software
Demonstrates expertise with Microsoft MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
Skills
Extensive knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Strong oral and written communication skills, and should have extensive experience with policy briefs and writing.
Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.
The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com
This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.