The Wic Research Information Network

ATTACHMENT 3
THE WIC RESEARCH INFORMATION NETWORK
BACKGROUND
WIC Works Resource System 1 is an online data and information system which serves as an
education and training resource center for staff of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), USDA and State and local WIC Agencies, public
health professional and the public at large. This web-based system has been delivering services
since 2000. It began as a joint project between the National Agricultural Library/Food and
Nutrition Information Center, USDA/Food and Nutrition Service, and the University of
Maryland. The WIC Works mission is “to serve as an encompassing resource for WIC
nutritionists and other WIC professionals nationwide.” WIC Works has grown to become an
informative and thorough online resource for health and nutrition professionals.
PURPOSE
The WIC Research Information Network is envisioned as a new module to the WIC Works
Resource System that will facilitate rapid advances in WIC research and translation of research
into policy and practice through improved networking and access to information. The purpose is
also to facilitate use of research information by program managers, policy officials and the
public through access to reliable up-to-date summary information on WIC research findings and
progress. In addition, the WIC Research Information Network will support a web-based social
network for researchers to facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration and stimulate
innovative competition involving all aspects of WIC studies.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the grant will be create and maintain the WIC Research Information Network.
This is envisioned as requiring work to:
i.

Create and maintain a website providing a comprehensive easily searchable catalogue and
annotated bibliography of WIC studies (published, near publication, ongoing and planned)
with links to the publications, websites, presentations, authors and sponsors, providing
swift access to detailed information.

ii.

Develop and routinely disseminate through the web a monthly executive summary of new
developments in WIC research that is widely used and highly regarded by program
managers and other stakeholders.

iii.

Create and maintain an easily searchable data base of topic-specific executive summaries
of research findings on WIC for use by program managers, policy officials and the public.

1

http://wicworks.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=12&tax_level=1&tax_subject=642

iv.

Create and maintain an easily searchable data base of study design documents and
questionnaires used in WIC studies, with links to validation studies, data sets and computer
code used in analysis.

v.

Create, maintain and provide access to a monitored, refereed social network that enables all
people interested in WIC research to register, provide contact information, and use the
network to efficiently facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration and stimulate
innovative competition involving all aspects of WIC studies.

Evaluation Factors and Criteria Total Possible = 100%
The evaluation criteria and weights are detailed below:
Research Merit – Suggested work is likely to enhance the ability of previous, ongoing and
future WIC-related research to improve WIC program management, service delivery and policy
development. (25%)
Overall Approach – Quality of proposed plans for developing and maintaining a secure and
robust web-based WIC Research Information Network as envisioned as a module attached to the
WIC Works Resource System, or an alternative that will better facilitate rapid advances in WIC
research and translation of research into policy and practice through improved networking and
access to information. (25%)
Feasibility – Overall approach is reasonable and appropriate while demonstrating experience
and ability in the areas of: web-based development and research; supporting a social network for
researchers to facilitate ongoing communications and collaborations. (25%)
Staffing/Budget/Timeline – The budget should be consistent with objectives and timelines. The
amount of funds allocated for staffing and activities should be reasonable based off the
procurement strategy. (25%)