In some circumstances users may need to apply to obtain and use HRS restricted data on their own secure systems under what we call a traditional license. If you have determined that traditional license is required please follow these steps, many of which are identical to the VDI application process.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for access. If you already have access, see the Post Application Activities page for details on modifying or renewing your agreement.
Step 1. Submit Application
Submit the RDA Application (Traditional License) form to apply for a Restricted Data Agreement (RDA) to access HRS Restricted Data through a Traditional License. If you have not already done so, you will need to create a website account.
The application can not be saved before submitting, so make sure you have the following information and documentation before you begin:
- Project title and research abstract
- A short description of each of the following:
- The HRS Restricted data products and variables you intend to use in your research, including planned data analyses
- Why the public data are not adequate for your research purposes
- How the results you plan to export or publish will comply with the requirements of disclosure limitation review
- Proof of current U.S. federal funding held by the Principal Investigator. The Principal Investigator must hold a PI-eligible position within the receiving institution.
- Information on the study team. All study team members must have a formal affiliation with the receiving institution. Include the following information:
- name
- role on project
- business address, email, and phone number
- current CV, in .pdf format
- indicate if the team member requires access to the data
- A completed Data Protection Plan, in .pdf format.
- See Creating Your HRS Data Protection Plan for more information on creating your Data Protection Plan
- For Standalone Workstations:
Include a completed Traditional License Restricted Data Security Plan Checklist for each workstation, in .pdf format - For Networked Workstations:
Include a completed HRS-RDA User Tracking Spreadsheet, in .xlsx format.
- Obtain from your institution:
- Institutional Federalwide Assurance (FWA) Number
- Institutional Policies on data confidentiality, in .pdf format
- Documentation of Full Board or Expedited IRB review and approval of your research plan, in .pdf format
After the application is submitted, all team members will be asked to create an account on this website and submit the HRS Disclosure Limitation Review Policy Agreement form.
Step 2. HRS Reviews Application
HRS will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed, or with a preliminary approval to seek institutional signature (see Step 3). HRS will assign a restricted data agreement (RDA) number, which you will use in all future correspondence.
Step 3. Researcher Applies for IRB Approval and Institutional Contracting Authority Signature
Once you have preliminary approval, submit the HRS Confidentiality Agreement to your institutional Contracting Authority to review and sign.
Email the signed Confidentiality Agreement to hrsrdaapplication@umich.edu.
4. HRS Finalizes Application and Sends Data
The completed application is reviewed and approved and a counter-signed copy of the Confidentiality Agreement is sent to you by via email, and encrypted data is sent to you by courier.