The NIH Office of Management (OM) oversees critical administrative and operational functions, requiring efficient and modernized technology solutions. The Administrative Systems and Technology Officer (ASTO) within NIH/OM sought to advance the office’s administrative and technological capabilities by leveraging innovative tools and strategies. Ark, as a subcontractor to GDIT, contributed significantly to this effort by delivering a range of application development services.

Challenges

• Outdated systems lacked integration and scalability for modern administrative needs.
• Fragmented data sources and manual workflows impeded efficiency and decision-making.
• Limited tools for advanced analytics and automated processes.

Our Approach

Ark implemented a comprehensive set of application development tasks and services to address NIH/OM’s challenges, utilizing a modern technology stack and Agile methodologies.

Key Solutions Delivered:

1. SharePoint Development and Support:
   • Customized SharePoint sites to enhance collaboration and information sharing across the OM.
   • Designed robust SharePoint list structures to support backend data for Power Apps Canvas applications, ensuring scalability and reliability.
2. Dataverse Model-Driven Applications:
   • Built a Model-Driven App for data capture and management, streamlining operational and strategic processes.
3. API Integration:
   • Integrated disparate data sources into Dataverse using APIs, enabling seamless data flow and comprehensive reporting.
4. Workflow Automation:
   • Developed Power Automate workflows to automate routine business processes, reducing manual intervention and enhancing consistency.
5. Business Intelligence and Reporting:
   • Created advanced Power BI dashboards to provide stakeholders with real-time insights into operational data and improve decision-making.
6. Strategic Alignment:
   • Supported the NIH/OM’s Enterprise Content Management, Workflow Automation Analysis, and IT Governance Programs by aligning technology initiatives with strategic goals.

Results

• Enhanced Collaboration: SharePoint customizations improved transparency and team coordination across OM offices.
• Streamlined Operations: Power Automate workflows reduced manual tasks, saving time and minimizing errors.
• Actionable Insights: Power BI dashboards enabled data-driven decision-making, improving operational efficiency.
• Unified Data Management: Dataverse and API integrations centralized data, eliminating redundancies and improving reliability.
• Technology Modernization: Leveraged cutting-edge tools to ensure NIH/OM stays aligned with modern administrative practices.

Technology Stack

• SharePoint: Site development and data structures for backend support.
• Power Apps: Canvas and Dataverse Model-Driven applications.
• Dataverse: Centralized data integration and management.
• Power Automate: Workflow automation.
• Power BI: Real-time dashboards and analytics.
• APIs: Data integration and synchronization.
• Microsoft Office 365: Collaboration tools.
• Node.js: Advanced data management and integration tasks.

Conclusion

Ark’s expertise in application development was instrumental in modernizing the NIH/OM’s administrative systems, enabling improved efficiency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. By leveraging SharePoint, Power Platform tools, and robust data integration strategies, Ark delivered a scalable, innovative solution that aligned with NIH’s strategic goals.

This case study demonstrates Ark’s capability to transform operational challenges into streamlined, technology-driven solutions that empower organizations to achieve their mission objectives.