The NIH Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program offers a convenient and practical way to temporarily exchange skilled personnel between the NIH and various eligible organizations, including U.S. colleges and universities, State and local governments, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and eligible non-profit organizations.

The IPA program is designed to help NIH participants gain valuable experience and knowledge from the assigned environment, which is mutually beneficial for the employee and the NIH upon their return from the outside organization.

These assignments have proved helpful in transferring and using new technologies, attracting and utilizing difficult-to-obtain talent, and offering a valuable experience that enhances the assignee's and the home organization’s future effectiveness when working with the NIH. Additionally, the program allows the NIH to benefit from the valuable insight and expertise of eligible employees from outside organizations.

If you have any questions regarding the NIH IPA Mobility Program, please contact the NIH Office of Human Resources, Compensation and Policy Division, Title 5 Staffing and Accountability Team at T5PolicyTeam@od.nih.gov.