HHS published their draft description of the proposed regional extension centers program in the “Federal Register “on May 28th. The notice seeks feedback and comments on setting up the centers so that clinicians and hospitals will have an easier time in adopting health IT as required by the HITECH Act.
The notice is not a solicitation for proposals but only seeks comments on the draft description. However, after the comments are reviewed, a solicitation will be published to provide further details on the requirements and the application process that applicants need to go through to receive an award.
HHS anticipates that the average award will be approximately $1 million to $2 million per center with the maximum award for any one regional center to be $10 million. HHS proposes to make initial awards for the regional centers as early as the first quarter of FY 2010 and to continue making awards through the fourth quarter of FY 2010.
HHS anticipates not requiring matching funds for awards made in FY 2010 due to the current economic situation, however, using matching funds will be encouraged but not required.
All comments on the draft plan are due on June 11, 2009. For information, send an email to onc.request@hhs.gov, or call (202) -690-7151.
