The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-17-08, that amended M-12-12, requires agencies to publicly report all conferences hosted by the agency during the previous FY where the net expenses exceeded $100,000. This report addresses HHS STAFFDIVs within the Office of the Secretary and is submitted to promote efficient spending on conferences and meetings in support of agency operations as required by law, regulation, and policy. In FY25, HHS STAFFDIVs hosted one conference with expenses exceeding $100,000.
STAFFDIV: Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
Name of the Conference: ONC Annual Meeting
Location: Washington, DC
Dates: 12/4/2024-12/5/2024
How the conference advanced the mission of the agency: ONC's Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for ONC, the health IT standards and technology community, developers, policymakers and industry experts to meet and discuss successes, challenges, emerging trends/innovations, and the future of health IT interoperability.
Total conference expenses incurred: $515,867.86
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses or other conference expenses were paid by the agency: 40
Rationale noting the expense is the most cost-effective option to achieving a compelling purpose: ONC hosted its first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2024. Venue costs remained elevated, with higher cancellation fees. Additionally, changes in workforce posture increased travel expenses, as more staff remained outside of the DC metropolitan area for tour of duty. While the cost exceeded $500,000, ONC received conference approval for $587,271.97.
Questions related to this report can be directed to the Office of Acquisitions (OA) at HHSConferencePolicy@hhs.gov.