Help Topics

To register for a new user account, follow the steps outlined below or follow our video tutorials:

• View InCommon Video Tutorial 
• View Login.gov Video Tutorial

Step-by-Step Guide to Registration

Step 1: Access the Registration Page 

Navigate to our website homepage and click the Register button located in the top-right corner of the page. This will take you to the User Account Request page. 

Step 2: Enter Your User Information 

On the User Account Request page, you will be asked to complete the following sections: 

• Personal Information 
• Institution Information 
• Contact Information 
• Optional Information

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) in the form are required. Please ensure all details are accurate before proceeding. 

Note: Your next steps depend on whether your institution is registered with InCommon: 

• If your institution is part of InCommon: You will be directed to Contact Information Page A (below) and must enter the email address used for your institution’s single sign-on (SSO). Watch the InCommon video tutorial for details.

• If your institution is not part of InCommon: You will be directed to Contact Information Page B (below) and must use the email associated with your Login.gov account. If you don’t have one, create a Login.gov account. Watch the Login.gov video tutorial for details.

Step 3: Submit the User Account Request 

Before hitting submit, review all information carefully, especially your email address. Click Submit to complete your request. You will see a confirmation message on screen and receive an email verifying submission.

Step 4: Wait for Approval 

After submission, you will receive a confirmation email from Jira with your support ticket number. You will be notified once your account is activated after approval by your Hub Administrator.

To Log In to your CCOS account for the first time, follow the steps outlined below:

Step-by-Step Guide to Logging In

Step 1: Select Login Button on the Homepage

Click Log In from the menu bar on the top right corner of the Homepage.

Step 2: Select your Sign-on Service

The available sign-on services are:

• InCommon
• Login.gov
• NIH

Step 3: Enter your Login Credentials

After you enter your login credentials, a successful log in redirects you to the CCOS Homepage and your user icon will appear in place of the login button.

Additional Support: If you encounter login issues, email CCOS Support. A team member will respond within one business day.

If you’re having trouble with creating a new account, logging in, or remembering the sign-on service associated with your account, please email CCOS Support. A member of our team will respond within one business day.

For hub administrators needing help approving user requests or reviewing their hub membership, refer to the Guidance for CTSA User Management.

Your User Profile allows you to manage personal information, account security, and group memberships. Follow the steps outlined below to update your User Profile:

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating your User Profile

Step 1: Log In to CCOS
Log in with your account credentials, once successfully logged in you'll be redirected to the CCOS Homepage.

Step 2: Access Your Profile
From the Homepage, click View Account under your name in the top-right corner. This will take you to your User Profile.

Step 3: Explore Your Profile
Your User Profile contains several sections:

• Personal Information, Contact Information, Institution Information, and Optional Information: Review and update your basic account details. Account deactivation instructions are included.
• Memberships: View, join, leave, or rejoin groups. Sort memberships and verify affiliations. For detailed instructions, see the Group Membership Guidance Document.
• Security: Review connected sign-on services and permissions. To learn more about what each role allows, see the Understand User Account Permissions Help Topic.

Step 4: Edit Your Profile
From your User Profile page, click the Edit Profile button in the top-right corner. Most fields can be edited directly. The following fields cannot be changed by users and require CCOS Support assistance:

• Email
• Hub/Agency/Center
• Affiliated Institution
• Primary CTSA Role

Additional Support: If you need further assistance or have any questions, email CCOS Support.

There are four roles CCOS uses to manage User Account Permissions. You can view your permissions on your Account Security page. 

• General: Users can access private CCOS content such as meeting materials but have no advanced permissions.  
• Hub Account Request Approver: Users with this permission have access to the Manage Hub Users portal where they review and approve or reject CCOS account requests for users from their hub. They also have permission to view/edit/confirm their hub’s EC voting members during the confirmation/election cycle. This permission is typically assigned to Hub Administrator or their designee. 
• Pod Form Submitter: Users with this permission have access to the Pod Feedback submission feature. This permission is typically assigned to Pod Lead or their designee. 
• SC Voting Member: Users with this permission have access to the Working Group Proposals Review workflow. This permission is assigned to the voting members of the CTSA Steering Committee. 

The CCOS website includes an enhanced search feature allowing quick look up across various sections. Follow the steps below to utilize the search feature:

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Search Feature

Step 1: Locate the Search Feature 

The Search button is located in the top-right corner of the CCOS website, regardless of what page you are on. Click it to open a box labeled Search by Keywords. 

Step 2: Enter your Keywords

• Type a keyword or phrase (up to 500 characters).
• Press Enter or click the Search button again.

Step 3: Search Results 

Results are shown in categorized tabs. Each tab shows the number of matching items and results appear as cards with title and short description: 

• CTSA Groups & Meetings
• Resources
• News
• Help

Search Behavior / Tips

• All words in your search are used, and word order does not matter.
• Exact or close matches are ranked higher.
• If a search returns too many results, try using more specific terms.

Limitations

Pages that are not searchable include: 

• Homepage
• About Page
• Forms/submission-related pages
• Direct external links or files
• Account/submission/user data.

If no results are found, the message No results found for [Keyword] will appear, with suggestions to try different keywords or return to the Homepage 

Note: You can modify the query after seeing results without needing to re-navigate to Search.

The CTSA Hub Directory and CTSA Member Directory are features available under the Resources menu of the CCOS website. These directories provide structured information about CTSA hubs and members, offering users a convenient way to locate relevant institutions and individuals within the consortium. 

Note: These directories are found under the Resources menu and the CTSA Member Directory is only available upon login.

CTSA Hub Directory 

The CTSA Hub Directory lists all hubs receiving NIH funding during the current fiscal year. To access this list, navigate to the CTSA Hub Directory under the Resources menu. To learn more about the Hub Directory, watch the Hub Directory Tutorial Video.

CTSA Member Directory 

The CTSA Member Directory, allows CCOS Members to view CTSA hub members. To access this list, navigate to the CTSA Member Directory under the Resources menu. Information within the Member Directory includes each member's: 

• Name (linked to profile) 
• Institution 
• Hub 
• CTSA Groups 

Important tools to help search for members: 

• Email and member name search bar above the table 
• Sort tool in between the search bar and table to sort by:
  • Name
  • Institution
  • Hub. 

Note: Hub members can only edit their own profile. Membership lists cannot be exported at this time. 

Additional support: If you need further help with the directories, please email CCOS Support. A team member will respond within one business day.

Follow the steps outlined below to Join a Discussion Forum:

Step-by-Step Guide on Joining a Discussion Forum 

Step 1: Log In to Your CCOS Account 

Ensure that you are logged in to your CCOS account. If you don't have one, request a CCOS user account by completing the user account request form. Choose an identity provider (NIH, InCommon, or Login.gov) for logging in. 

Step 2: Navigate to the Discussion Forums Page 

On the CCOS website, under the CTSA Groups and Meetings menu, find and click on Discussion Forums.

Step 3: Select the Desired Discussion Forum 

Scroll through the page to locate the specific discussion forum of interest. Click the View Forum button next to the desired forum.

Step 4: Choose Your Login Option 

On the selected discussion forum page, you'll be redirected to the NCATS Google Login page. Choose between New User or Returning User based on your status. 

Step 5: Log In

• If you are a returning user: Log in using your institution login credentials through InCommon, your Login.gov account, or your NIH login credentials. 
  • You will then be directed to the CTSA Login page. Log in again with your selected identity provider to access the Discussion Forum page. 
• If you are a new user: If it's your first time accessing the discussion forum, click on the Apply to Join button.  
  • You will receive an email notification confirming the administrator's approval or denial of your request. 

Additional Support: If you encounter any issues, refer to the Discussion Forums Access and Features Guide or email CCOS Support. A team member will respond within one business day.

The Collaborative Space is a powerful tool within the CCOS platform designed to facilitate seamless collaboration among members of working groups. With the Collaborative Space, working group members can easily share files, collaborate on documents in real-time, and engage in discussions to drive forward the group's objectives. Follow the steps outlined below to Access a Collaborative Space:

Step-by-Step Guide on Accessing a Collaborative Space

Step 1: Login to CCOS

Login to the CCOS website and navigate to your working group's landing page. 

Step 2: Navigate to Collaborative Space Section

On the Working Group page, you'll find a convenient Collaborative Space button that will direct you to your designated suite.

Step 3: Login to the Collaborative Space 

Login using an identity provider such as NIH, InCommon, or Login.gov. Choose New User if this is your first time logging in, or Returning User if you’ve previously set up access to the collaborative space.

• If you are a new or returning user: You can find detailed instructions in the Guidance for Accessing and Using Collaborative Spaces Document or watch the Collaborative Spaces video tutorial.
• If you are a Working Group Chair: You can find guidance on how to review, approve, and manage member requests within their designated space in the Reviewing + Approving Member Requests in CTSA Collaborative Space document 

Note: While CCOS serves as the platform for accessing the Collaborative Space, it is managed by NCATS. For any account-related issues or inquiries, please contact the NCATS Support Team.

Additional Support: Should you have any questions or encounter any issues while using the Collaborative Spaces, please email CCOS Support. A team member will respond within one business day.

Follow the steps outlined below to Subscribe to the Ansible:

Step-by-Step Guide on Subscribing to the Ansible

Step 1: Fill out Request Form

Fill out the Ansible request form. Enter your email address, first name, and last name

Step 2: Subscribe

Once you have filled out the request form, click the Subscribe button. 

Step 3: Receive Email Confirmation

After you click Subscribe, you will receive an email confirming your subscription.

Note: Be sure to mark communications@ccos.ctsa.io as an approved sender so upcoming Ansible issues are not sent to your spam folder.

Follow the steps outlined below to Subscribe to a Listserv:

Step-by-Step Guide on Subscribing to a Listserv

Step 1: Send an Email to the Desired Listserv Request Account

To subscribe to a CTSA Listserv, you must send an email to: 

• NAME OF LISTSERV-request@LIST.NIH.GOV
  • Example: CTSA_COMMUNICATIONS-request@LIST.NIH.GOV
  • Example: CTSA_ADMINISTRATORS_LIST-request@LIST.NIH.GOV

Note: PLEASE email from the email account you wish to add to the listserv.

Step 2: Request Review

Your request to be added will be reviewed by NCATS NIH Listserv owners.

Step 3: Confirmation

Once your request is approved, you will be added to the requested list.

Note:

• If you wish to subscribe to more than one listserv, you will have to send separate, individual emails for each subscription.
• Email from the email account you wish to add to the listserv.
• For optimal results, please remove your signature block from the body of the email.

Below are the names of and list of membership for the CTSA Listservs:

• CTSA_ADMINISTRATORS_LIST: Open to all administrators and/or staff administration at the hubs.
• CTSA_COMMUNICATIONS: Open to communications staff at the hubs.
• CTSA Evaluators listserv: Please email CCOS Support.
• CTSA_PI_LIST: No requests accepted; NCATS manages this internally.
  • CTSA Principal Investigators (PIs) named in the official Notice of Grant Award (NOA)
  • Trial Innovation Network (TIN) PIs
  • CTSA Center Grant PIs
  • CTSA Program Coordinating Center Contractors

Note: To unsubscribe from any CTSA listserv, use the Unsubscribe link located in the footer of any email communication from the listserv. Below is an example from the Communications Listserv of where the unsubscribe link is located within a Listserv email.

Additional Support: Should you have any questions or encounter any issues while trying to join a listserv, please email CCOS Support. A team member will respond within one business day.

Use the Group Membership Guidance Document to learn how to:

• Join or depart from a group
• View and sort your memberships
• Rejoin a group
• Understand restricted groups
• Find other members’ group affiliations

What is a Working Group?

Working Groups consider and develop solutions around specific clinical and translational science issues. Working Groups propose, and with CCOS programmatic support, deliver CTSA Program Steering Committee-approved projects that fill translational gaps and/or further CTSA Program objectives in high priority areas in clinical and translational science. Projects may result in outputs like consensus papers, white papers, publications, and/or plans for workshops, symposiums, meetings, and/or conferences. Working Groups may pursue funding for activities stemming from those deliverables through the CTSA Program Collaborative and Innovative Acceleration Award (CCIAs) or supplements; development of applications must take place outside of supported CTSA Program Groups. 

How do I join a Working Group?

Follow the steps outlined below to join a Working Group:

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining a Working Group

Step 1: Navigate to the Working Groups Landing Page

To join any of the active Working Groups, navigate to the Working Groups landing page. 

Step 2: Find the Working Group you want to Join

From here you will be able to view and click on any currently active Working Group to learn more about their mission, eligibility and requirements to join, upcoming meetings, and contact information for the Group Coordinator. 

Step 3: Contact the Group Coordinator

To join a Working Group, use the link below to email the group coordinator with a request to join:

• Advancing Dissemination and Implementation
• Engaging Individuals with Disability in the Research Process
• TL1 Visiting Scientists 
• Translational Science Competency-Based Assessment
• Translational Case Studies in Commercialization
• Overcoming Barriers to Women’s Health Research
• Learning Health Systems-CTSA Partnerships
• Pediatric Clinical Trials
• Principles for AI Translation in Healthcare 

Note: For more information about working groups, please review the CCOS Guidance for CTSA Program Groups document on the Governance and Guidance page.

What Is an Enterprise Committee?

Enterprise Committees provide CTSA Program hub members opportunities to engage and connect across the national consortium. The Enterprise Committees advance the field of translational science through open discussions, project planning, and metrics assessment. CCOS coordinates the administrative framework for these strategic, project-driven groups.

Participation in Enterprise Committees also connects CTSA Program hubs to Working Groups that collaborate on white papers, workshops, and harmonization efforts across the CTSA Program and cultivate new multi-disciplinary, multisector collaborations.

Enterprise Committees are led by a Lead Team elected by the voting members of each respective Committee. Each can have up to two associated Working Groups, and each Working Group is charged with Enterprise Committee-related, short-term deliverables. Structure and governance information is available in the Guidance for CTSA Program Groups. 

How do I Join an Enterprise Committee?

Follow the steps outlined below to join an Enterprise Committee:

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining an Enterprise Committee

Step 1: Navigate to the Enterprise Committees Landing Page

To join any of the active Enterprise Committees, navigate to the Enterprise Committees landing page. 

Step 2: Find the Enterprise Committee you want to Join

From here you will be able to view and click on any currently active Enterprise Committee to learn more about their mission, eligibility and requirements to join, upcoming meetings, and contact information for the Group Coordinator. 

Step 3: Contact the Group Coordinator

To join an Enterprise Committee, use the link below to email the group coordinator with a request to join:

• Collaboration and Engagement
• Biostatistics, Biomedical Informatics and Data Science
• Integration Across the Lifespan
• Workforce Development

How Does the Enterprise Committee Voting Process Work? 

To learn more about the EC Voting Process and how Hub Administrators assign and confirm their hub’s Enterprise Committee (EC) Voting Members and support the annual EC Lead Team election process via the CCOS website, please read the EC Voting Process Guide.

Note: For more information about Enterprise Committees, please review the CCOS Guidance for CTSA Program Groups document on the Governance and Guidance page.

What Is a Consortium Group?

Consortium Groups consist of individuals who possess specialized knowledge in a particular field within translational science. These Groups facilitate communication between each other, their respective CTSA Program institutions, and with NCATS to allow open, bidirectional conversations around strategies, approaches, and best practices for addressing challenges to advance translational science.

How do I Join a Consortium Group?

Follow the steps outlined below to join a Consortium Group:

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining a Consortium Group

Step 1: Navigate to the Consortium Groups Landing Page

To join any of the active Working Groups, navigate to the Consortium Groups landing page. 

Step 2: Find the Consortium Group you want to Join

From here you will be able to view and click on any currently active Consortium Group to learn more about their mission, eligibility and requirements to join, upcoming meetings, and contact information for the Group Coordinator. 

Step 3: Contact the Group Coordinator

To join a Consortium Group, use the link below to email the group coordinator with a request to join:

• CTSA KL2/KI2 PI Directors Group 
• CTSA TL1/T32 PI Directors Group 

Note: For information on how to join the listservs for the Communicators, Administrators, or Evaluators Groups, see the listservs section.

Note: For more information about Consortium Groups, please review the CCOS Guidance for CTSA Program Groups document on the Governance and Guidance page.

What Is the Steering Committee?

The NCATS CTSA Program Steering Committee provides leadership for sharing of policies, practices, and resources and discussion of opportunities, impediments, joint agreement on broad issues impeding clinical research, and other topics. The Committee identifies and recommends best practices and policies to advance clinical and translational research as a discipline and facilitates collaboration and sharing among CTSA Program and non-CTSA Program institutions, and with partners in clinical and translational research, including industry, laboratories, and hospitals. For more information on Steering Committee roles and responsibilities, view the Steering Committee Roles & Responsibilities document, noting this is a living document subject to change.

What Are Steering Committee Pods?

A “Pod” is a subgroup representing five to six CTSA Program hubs led by a “Pod Lead,” a current member of the CTSA Steering Committee. Pod members include each CTSA hub’s primary PI and optionally the hub administrator. Pod groupings vary year-by-year to reflect Steering Committee membership rotation. Current Pod assignments can be found on the CTSA Steering Committee Pod Overview page.

Why Do We Have Pods?

The primary purpose of the Pod structure is to facilitate bidirectional communication between NCATS, the Steering Committee, and the local hubs. The Pod Lead communicates updates, activities, and important information from NCATS and the Steering Committee directly to their respective Pods. At the same time, Pod members have a dedicated forum to voice concerns or suggestions, ask questions, and relay local issues to NCATS and the Steering Committee via the Pod Lead.

When Do Pods Meet?

Pods connect at least once every two months via teleconference. The Pod Lead sets the cadence and agenda for each meeting. Topics range from CTSA Program updates to targeted discussions on topics of special interest to hub-level feedback, questions, and concerns.

How Do Pods Communicate?

Pods communicate meeting summaries, feedback, and questions to NCATS and the Steering Committee using the Pod Submission Form on the CTSA Steering Committee Pod Overview page. Following each Pod meeting, the Pod Lead submits meeting notes containing a summary of items reviewed and/or discussed during the meeting. The Pod Lead can also submit questions, share ideas, respond to requests for information, and provide other feedback via the Pod Submission Form. Detailed information on how to complete Pod submissions can be found in the Pod Submissions SOP.

Where Can I Get More Information About the Pods?

More information can be found on the CTSA Steering Committee Pod Overview page. Please also refer to Section 3.1, Program Pod Leadership, of the CTSA Program Steering Committee Roles & Responsibilities document for detailed information about the Pods.

Note: For more information about the Steering Committee, please review the CCOS Guidance for CTSA Program Groups document on the Governance and Guidance page.

How Do I View Events on the Calendar?

To view all events on the CCOS Calendar, navigate to the Calendar page accessible from the Resources menu.

How Do I Find the Meeting Schedules for the Groups I Am a Member of?

Navigate to the CCOS Calendar from the Resources menu or the CTSA Groups and Meetings page to find meeting schedules and more information about upcoming meetings. You can also find information about upcoming meetings on Group pages. 

Note: You will need to be logged in to your CCOS account to view specific Group meeting information.

How Do I Register for a Webinar?

To register for upcoming webinars, fill out the form on the Zoom registration page. Add the series to your calendar by clicking the link provided in the confirmation email sent from Zoom. 

Additional Support: If you have any issues with registration, please email CCOS Support. A team member will respond within one business day.

Where Do I Find More Information About the CTSA Program Meetings?

To find more information about the CTSA Program Spring Group Meeting and CTSA Program Annual Meeting, select Program Meetings from the CTSA Groups and Meetings menu.

To share an upcoming event, meeting, or consortium news, please email the Communications Team. 

To access content on the CTSA Groups and Meetings pages, you will need to be logged in to your CCOS account. For help with logging in or signing up, please visit the Getting Started Help Topic. 

Note: To access content for any of the Discussion Forums, please visit the Community Help Topic.

If you are having issues accessing content on a webpage, first try refreshing the page in your browser or using a different browser. We recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox. 

Additional Support: If you are still experiencing issues, please email CCOS Support. A member of the CCOS Support Team will respond to your request within one business day.

To provide feedback on any content on the website, please email CCOS Support.

How to Submit a Working Group Proposal 

To Submit a Working Group Proposal follow the steps outlined below:

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting a Working Group Proposal

Step 1: Navigate to the Working Groups Proposal Cycle Landing Page

To submit a Working Group proposal or learn more about the timeline for the current cycle, navigate to the Working Groups Proposal Cycle Landing Page. 

Step 2: Learn about the Working Group Proposal Cycle

On the Working Group Proposal Landing Page you will find detailed information about proposal requirements, important dates

Step 3: Submit your Application

Use the Access Form button to submit your application. 

How to Submit Pod Feedback 

Pod Submission Forms serve as a key communication channel between Pods and CTSA Program leadership. After each Pod meeting, the Pod Lead submits meeting notes and any feedback, questions, or discussion points raised by Pod members. 

Pod submissions are posted on the CCOS website and reviewed by the Steering Committee monthly. When applicable, submissions may also be linked to reference meeting notes, webinars, or other related communications. 

To learn more about Pods, Pod submissions, and current Pod assignments, visit the Pod Overview Page. 

The CTSA Request for Information (RFI) process is designed to collect input from CTSA Program hubs to demonstrate the program’s impact and identify opportunities for collaboration.

To submit an RFI or view existing RFI submissions: Navigate to the RFI Landing Page.

For additional information on how to submit an RFI: Please refer to the Submitting a CTSA Request for Information Guidance Document. 

For Hub Administrators needing with the review and approval process: Please refer to the Reviewing and Approving CTSA RFI Submissions Guidance Document.

Additional Support: If you need additional assistance, please email CCOS Support. A team member will respond within one business day.

How to Submit an Element E Project 

The Element E: Clinical and Translational Science Research Program supports research addressing key challenges in clinical and translational science (CTS). 

Element E projects: 

• Tackle translational research questions on specific diseases or intervention contexts 
• Provide generalizable innovations or insights applicable to other research efforts 
• Prioritize translational research over basic discovery 

To Submit an Element E Project, follow the steps outlined below:

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting an Element E Project

Step 1: Login to the Website

To submit an Element E project, log into the website and navigate to the Element E Landing Page. 

Step 2: Find the Submit Element E Project Button

Select the Submit Element E Project button located along the right-hand side of the page. 
 

Step 3: Submit Element E Project

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and submit your project information. 

Additional Support: If you need additional assistance, please email CCOS Support. A team member will respond within one business day.

The CCOS Guidance for CTSA Program Groups document on the Governance and Guidance page provides detailed information on the governance and operational guidelines for the CTSA Program Groups.

Protecting your privacy is important to us. This privacy policy is designed for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Coordination, Communication, and Operations Support (CCOS) Center. The privacy policy pertains to the public website and private portal maintained by CCOS. This document will be amended as needed and can be accessed using the CCOS site footer. By using the CCOS public website and/or private portal, you acknowledge this privacy policy.

The following sections describe the process of how and why we might collect, store, and/or use your information when you use our websites. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please email CCOS Support.

The CCOS Center is responsible for managing the CCOS public website, private portal, and data submitted using the forms hosted on these sites. We are committed to preventing unauthorized access, providing reliable data submission processes, and ensuring the appropriate use of information provided. We have implemented security measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, loss, or alteration of the information provided. We use a variety of technologies to provide a secure environment and to protect our databases. We do not receive or share personal information with third parties. To help protect your privacy, we provide information in this policy about the online information practices of our websites and describe in more details the choices you can make to regulate your information.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo M-10-22, Guidance for Online Use of Web Measurement and Customization Technologies allows federal agencies to use session and persistent cookies. When you visit any website, its server may generate a piece of text known as a “cookie” to place on your computer. The cookie allows the server to “remember” specific information about your visit while you are connected. There are two types of cookies, temporary single session cookies and persistent multi-session cookies. Session cookies last only as long as your browser is open. Once you close your browser, the cookie disappears. Persistent cookies are stored on your computer for longer.

Session Cookies. We use session cookies for technical purposes, for example, to enable better navigation through our site. These cookies let our server know that you are continuing a visit to our site. The OMB memo 10-22 guidance defines use of session cookies as "Usage Tier 1—Single Session.” The policy says, “This tier encompasses any use of single session Web measurement and customization technologies.”

Persistent Cookies. We use persistent cookies to differentiate between new and returning CCOS site visitors. Persistent cookies remain on your computer between visits to our website until they expire. The OMB memo 10-22 guidance defines use of persistent cookies as "Usage Tier 2—Multi-session without Personally Identifiable Information (PII).” The policy says, “This tier encompasses any use of multi-session Web measurement and customization technologies when no PII is collected.”

When a user visits, uses, or navigates the CCOS public website, we may automatically store non-personally identifiable information depending on how you choose to interact with the website. This information does not reveal your specific identity but can include time, date, country, location, referring URL, pages visited, links clicked, language preferences, device name, browser type, IP address, domain name, and operating system used. The information regarding your website navigation is collected indirectly via the aforementioned session and performance cookies. This information can be further categorized into essential cookies for operation of the website and performance cookies for analytics purposes. CCOS uses the performance cookies collected to measure the number of visitors to our site and to help make our site more useful to visitors. CCOS collects cookies automatically and continuously from visitors who read, browse, and/or download information from this site by using Google Analytics. CCOS staff and contractors conduct analyses and report on the aggregated data from Google Analytics. The reports are only available to the website’s managers and other designated staff who require this information to perform their duties. CCOS retains the data from Google Analytics for as long as it is needed to support the CCOS mission. CCOS never collects PII or information for commercial marketing or any purpose unrelated to the CCOS Center’s mission and goals.

When accessing the public website for the first time, you can choose to accept or decline to provide performance cookies about your site navigation. If you choose to decline participation in performance analytics, only the essential information necessary to deliver the website’s content and services will remain. Your cookie preferences can be updated at any time by using the footer menu of the website.

If you do not wish to have session or persistent cookies placed on your computer, you can disable them altogether by using your browser’s settings. If you opt out of all cookies, you will still have access to all CCOS site information and resources. Note, by following the instructions to opt-out of cookies setup by your browser, you will disable cookies from all sources, not just those from our website.

How Personal Information is Protected by CCOS

We collect personal information from you when you submit an online form, signup for newsletters or groups, or submit a portal access account request. Registering for an account requires you to create an online profile containing information about your institution, name, email address, and other optional fields such as phone number, and title. The information provided to us is used to facilitate account creation with user account permissions after authentication. Additional uses to the information provided include:

• To send CTSA program communication to you such as newsletters or announcements.
• To deliver services within the portal to you such as group messages or content. 
• To respond to user inquiries or support requests.
• To protect private information within the portal from unauthorized access.
• To keep an audit trail of information submitted, edited, or deleted.

CCOS will maintain the information you provide only as long as needed to fulfill its mission. As such, CCOS will safeguard the information you provide in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. Section 552a). CCOS will retain collected data long enough to achieve the specified objective for which data were collected or for the duration of the Center unless otherwise specified by the user. We occasionally hire other companies and/or use external technologies to provide additional services such as answering customer questions, processing help desk tickets, and providing support. We will only provide those companies and/or technologies the information they need to deliver the service. When users send email messages containing personal information to the CCOS Support email, support@ccos.ctsa.io, CCOS responds to and files the messages. Only designated staff and contractors requiring access to the emails to respond may view or answer them. Your information will not be disclosed to third parties for any other purpose without your consent. However, CCOS may disclose your personal information without your consent if required to do so by law or in some exceptional cases such as:

• To protect and/or defend an individual at harm.
• To investigate fraud detection.
• To conform or comply with legal processes.
• To act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of individuals, users, products or services, or members of the public.

User account creations or deletions will be processed by support@ccos.ctsa.io. If you would like to unsubscribe from our newsletters, emails, and other correspondence please email CCOS Support. User account information will not be kept after termination of the user’s account. We do not knowingly solicit or store data from minors under 18 years of age. By using our services, you acknowledge that you are at least 18 years old. Any account created by a minor will be deactivated and promptly deleted from our records.

This website has links contained which direct users to third-party sites such as National Institutes of Health (NIH) sites, federal agency sites, and private organization sites. The links provided within the website are for user convenience and informational purposes only. The CCOS Center is not responsible for the content, accuracy of, or cookies set by the third-party sites linked within the website. The information provided within the links is not an endorsement by NCATS, or the CTSA Program and does not represent the views and/or opinions of the CCOS Center. You may wish to review the privacy policies and cookie preferences in use on the third-party sites before engaging with them.