Strategic workforce planning is essential for the advanced health research agency, according to the watchdog's recent statement.

As per the GAO report, ARPA-H, as of July 1, 2024, did not employ any scientists from the Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander communities.

, and Administrator

2025 September 27 . 4:28 AM

2 min read

A strategic workforce blueprint is essential for a leading healthcare research organization,... — A strategic workforce blueprint is essential for a leading healthcare research organization, according to a regulatory body's recommendation.

Strategic workforce planning is essential for the advanced health research agency, according to the watchdog's recent statement.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), established in 2022 and modelled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has been making strides in health-related research with a focus on high-risk, high-reward projects. As of July 1, 2024, ARPA-H has hired 118 individuals, with plans to reach 205 employees by the end of fiscal 2026.

In a bid to attract and retain top talent, ARPA-H has utilised multiple hiring authorities and pay incentives. The agency's director sets base pay for staff, up to the president's salary. However, a recent report published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Dec. 26, 2024, expressed concern about ARPA-H's lack of a strategic workforce planning process.

In response, ARPA-H has agreed to track progress towards maintaining a diverse workforce and assess data on the use of pay flexibilities. The GAO's report also highlighted that among scientific hires, 80% are white, and no scientific hires are individuals who are Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or of two or more races. To address this, ARPA-H officials have visited historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and participated in events with minority-serving institutions and multicultural organizations to recruit individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

In a positive note, regarding scientific hires, 66 individuals have been recruited, with an even gender split. Ten of these scientific hires received a pay incentive. ARPA-H has also concurred with the GAO's recommendation to develop and implement a strategic workforce plan. As part of this plan, ARPA-H will start assessments on such matters before the end of fiscal 2025.

The GAO's report also recommended that ARPA-H develop a process for reviewing and justifying the use of expedited hiring procedures, as most of the scientific hires at ARPA-H occurred under an expedited process. ARPA-H has agreed to these recommendations and has initiated a review process, prompting the agency to announce measures to address and implement improvements in health-related research funding and oversight.

In conclusion, while ARPA-H has made significant strides in its research efforts, the agency acknowledges the need for improvement in its workforce planning and diversity strategies. With the implementation of the GAO's recommendations and ongoing efforts to recruit from underrepresented backgrounds, ARPA-H is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce to drive innovative health research.