NAVREF Mission: NAVREF’s mission is to promote high quality management and communication among the VA-affiliated nonprofit research and education corporations and to pursue issues at the government level that are of interest to its members.

1. Achieved final passage of legislation that provides Federal Tort Claims Act coverage for NPC employees on the same basis as salaried VA employees. As a result, subject to certification by the Attorney General, NPC employees with a departmental appointment (with or without compensation) who perform VA-approved research or education under the supervision of a VA employee are protected against personal liability.

2. Retained retired VA attorney George Tady to develop an updated sample clinical research agreement for studies with pharmaceutical companies and comprehensive guidance for each clause. Engaged members of the OGC Corporations Panel in reviewing and concurring with the content. Coordinated presentation of these materials, along with practical guidance on negotiating agreements and budgeting for studies, during a well attended and highly informative fall workshop on Best Practices in Clinical Research Agreements conducted by Mr. Tady, members of the OGC Corporations Panel and NAVREF members.

3. Collaborated with VA to expand board members’ understanding of their NPC responsibilities. This was accomplished by conducting a well-attended interactive session for medical center directors and associate directors during the VHA Senior Management Conference and collaborating with ORD and a consultant to develop a comprehensive manual on NPC governance that is the basis for an eight-hour workshop being held for NPC boards across the country.

• Established the Government Affairs and Non Government Grants board advisory committees to assist the board in identifying initiatives and developing positions; to draw on the expertise of members beyond the board; and to broaden involvement in NAVREF activities.
• Added two new “at large” positions to the board of directors to increase the depth and breadth of representation on the board.
• Formed an Audit Committee and underwent NAVREF’s first audit. The accompanying management letter contained only one recommendation. That is, the secretary should sign the approved board meeting minutes.
• Held four board of directors meetings, each hosted by a NAVREF member foundation to allow interaction between the host board and the NAVREF board.
• Conducted ongoing governance training for the board that resulted in a commitment to develop and prioritize written goals and objectives.

• Despite only a modest increase in the FY 2004 research appropriation, successfully championed a $25 million earmark for research facility improvements in the FY 2004 appropriations legislation.
• Achieved final passage of legislation that clarifies the executive director’s annual report ethics certification and extends the authority to establish new NPCs through December 2008. NAVREF’s success in fulfilling its legislative objectives was due in part to the positive view of the NPCs and their role in supporting VA research presented by Chairman Lennon during a hearing in April 2003 before the Health Subcommittee of the Committee on Veterans Affairs.
• Vigorously opposed draft legislation that would have allowed VA to provide infrastructure support only for VA-funded research. NAVREF has worked to counter the perception that supporting extramurally funded research detracts from funds available for veterans’ care.
• Met regularly with House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee staff to counter negative IG findings in reports about two NPCs and aspersions cast on all NPCs as a result of the report on the IG’s administrative investigation of practices by the CRADO and ORD during 2003. Corresponded and met with VACO staff for the same purpose.
• With the theme “You don’t have to come to Washington to lobby,” encouraged NAVREF members to work with researchers to engage legislators in their home state and district offices. Developed sample correspondence and conducted training during the 2004 annual conference.

• Developed a business continuity plan for NAVREF. Revised portions of the plan following implementation during the extended power outage caused by hurricane Isabel.