As you are aware, all federal agencies are facing funding constraints and are being challenged to find operating efficiencies in order to execute their missions within these limits. While NIH has fared relatively well with regards to our research funding, we face similar constraints in operations and must find ways to streamline our activities in order to continue to support NIH’s mission.

The NIH relies on its governance structure to make difficult funding decisions. The governance committees have worked hard over the past months to identify reductions to the FY 2012 Central Service budgets to live within the overall budgetary totals. The members spent many hours assessing operations, alternatives, and strategies to identify an acceptable level of support.

With respect to the Office of Research Services, the approved budget allowance includes acceptance of a few reductions that will directly impact the NIH community. The following list addresses each of these:

1. Gateway Center for Pedestrians (Building 66) - closure of the Gateway Center for Pedestrians on weeknights from 10PM to 6AM and on all weekends and observed holidays. Employees with badges will be able to enter through the pedestrian portal but visitors without badges should proceed to the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) for screening and entry. Please see campus map: http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/maps/Pages/Employee-Access-Map.aspx. (Effective Date: December 27, 2011) 
2. Building 10 Loading Dock - the security guard posted at the Building 10 loading dock will be removed. Dock masters will assume the guard’s responsibilities. (Effective Date: December 27, 2011)
3. Mail Services - reduction in mail service will result in a 2 hour delay in the afternoon delivery of mail. (Effective Date: December 27, 2011)
4. International Services – there will be an increase in the time it takes to process service requests. (Effective Date: The effect will not be immediate but will gradually occur as contractor support is decreased.)
5. Closure of Cafeteria Service in Building 1 - employees who usually patronize the Building 1 cafeteria will need to use cafeterias in other buildings. Other nearby options include: Building 31, Building 10 ACRF and B-1 Level, Building 12, and for primarily a coffee selection, Building 50. (Effective Date: December 27, 2011)
6. NIH Library - reductions to the budget will result in the loss of contractor staff positions, the cancellation of a limited number of journal and database subscriptions, and the purchase of fewer print and electronic books. Many of the print journal subscriptions that duplicate electronic subscriptions will also be canceled, including BMJ, JAMA, Lancet, Science, Cell and Nature. The loss of a limited number of electronic journal titles and the decrease in book purchases are expected to lead to additional inter-library loan requests. The elimination of the two contractor positions may increase the time needed to process inter-library loan requests. (Effective Date: Phased to end of contract period or when renewal of subscriptions are due.)

Any reduction in service is a difficult decision. The ORS worked very closely with our advisory committee to minimize the impact of budget decreases on the NIH mission by finding efficiencies and streamlining processes.

Protecting our vital research becomes even more important during tight budgetary times. To limit the impact on our research mission, budget reductions must be taken in non-research areas.

We deeply regret any inconvenience these changes may cause and understand they will impact our employees and visitors. Your support and patience is appreciated as we work through these difficult times.

For questions regarding this message, please contact the ORS Information Line at orsinfo@mail.nih.gov or (301) 594-6677. TTY is available at (301) 435-1908.