We collect data to see how our programs are performing, what they are achieving, and what gaps remain. Discretionary awardees report performance information into our electronic data management system, DGIS, which resides in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHB).
What is a discretionary grant?
A grant is money, property, or direct help we award to a qualified non-federal entity (NFE). There are two types of grants:
- Mandatory – When the law requires the grant goes to a specific entity. Example: The Title V MCH Block Grant must go to state governments.
- Discretionary – When the grantor can decide which entities get the grant. We select the grantee based on their application.
Our discretionary grants address issues ranging from autism to emergency medical services for children to vision screenings. The State Title V MCH Block Grant is a mandatory grant for state governments.
What kind of information do awardees report?
They report a range of information from the goals of their program to the types of activities they conduct to how many people they reach.
The type of information we ask awardees to submit complements the information we gather about the State Title V MCH Program. That helps us measure the outcomes and impact between these two sets of programs.
All awardees report:
- Financial data
- Demographics
- Grant impact
- Quality improvement
- Health equity
Depending on the type of program, awardees will report additional data. That information will be specific to other things we measure such as health insurance coverage, scientific publications, and depression screening, to name just a few.
How do we use the data in DGIS?
We analyze the data that awardees report to DGIS. This information helps us make improvements to our programs’ policies and practices and allows us to monitor grantee progress toward goals. We report on the performance of programs, separately, as well as in aggregate.
Where can I access current DGIS forms?
Forms inside DGIS were updated on August 1, 2024. For a high-level overview of the updates, please see the short video following the form links.
Access the full package of approved updated forms (PDF - 1 MB)
Basic Forms (PDF - 348 KB)
Topical Forms (PDF - 238 KB)
Activity Forms (PDF - 586 KB)
Outcome Forms (PDF - 346 KB)
Program Specific Forms (PDF - 906 KB)
Form 10 (PDF - 301 KB)
Additional Data Elements (PDF - 590 KB)
Background: In 2022, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau piloted redesigned DGIS performance measure forms to select discretionary grantees who provided an estimated time burden and general feedback for each DGIS form they pilot tested. This informed the final set of forms that underwent 60- and 30-day public comment periods via the Federal Register and subsequently received OMB approval. This nine-minute video provides a high-level overview of the redesigned performance measure forms.
Read our frequently asked questions for more information.
To request DGIS data, including data prior to Fiscal Year 2017, please contact the HRSA Contact Center:
For non-HRSA users (such as grantees):
Contact: HRSA Contact Center
Time: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
Monday – Friday
Phone: 877-Go4-HRSA/877-464-4772
Contact us: EHB Contact Center
For HRSA users (such as project officers):
Contact: DGIS Tier 2 Support
Time: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
Monday – Friday
Closed all federal holidays
Phone: 301-443-2112
Email: HRSAEHBTier2Support@hrsa.gov
Note: If you use assistive technology, you may not be able to fully access information in these files. For assistance, contact HRSA Grants and Electronic Handbooks Contact Center or call 877-464-4772 (TTY: 877-897-9910), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday (except federal holidays).