Nearly all restricted data can be accessed through the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) system that allows users to remotely connect through a secure connection from their own desktop to a secure data enclave maintained by the Michigan Center for the Demography of Aging (MiCDA).
Follow the steps below to apply for access. If you already have access, see the Post Application Activities page for details on modifying or renewing your agreement.
Application Process
Step 1. Submit Application
Submit the RDA Application (VDI) form to apply for a Restricted Data Agreement (RDA) to access HRS Restricted Data through the MiCDA Enclave VDI. 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
- For each requested restricted data product, explain 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
- You must include a statement that you understand that all results obtained as a result of analysis with the restricted data must undergo disclosure review. In addition, if your request includes access to any restricted geographic data products, you must include a statement that you will not propose export of aggregated statistics at a level less than census region division
- If required for your research, a brief description of any external (non-HRS) data to be imported to the MiCDA enclave, including the name and source of each dataset
- Documentation of IRB review and approval of your research plan from your institution, in .pdf format
- If the project team includes members who do not have a formal affiliation with the receiving institution, IRB documentation from every additional represented institution is also required
- A completed HRS-RDA MiCDA Access Agreement, in .pdf format
- The agreement must be signed by the principal investigator and all members of the project team. After all team member signatures have been obtained, the MiCDA Access Agreement must be signed by an Accessing Agency representative. The accessing agency is your institution/university. The "Accessing Agency Representative" is a person at your institution/university who has the authority to enter into agreements/contacts on behalf of your institution/university, generally someone from your Office of Research or Contracts Office
- If the project includes team members from more than one institution, an agreement must be submitted for each institution
- The Principal Investigator's CV, in .pdf format
If the Principal Investigator is a student, the following is required:
- A faculty advisor must be included as a project team member with data access
For each additional project team member, you need:
- Name, address, phone number and institutional email address (Gmail, Yahoo, or other personal email addresses are not allowed)
- Role on project
- Indicate if the team member requires access to the data
Step 2. Team Member Submissions
Team members who require access to the data will be asked to create a website account and submit a Data Security Plan and a CV in .pdf format. They will also be asked to electronically review and agree to the MiCDA Data Enclave Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, the ISR Pledge to Safeguard Respondent Privacy, and the HRS Disclosure Limitation Review Policy Agreement form.
Team members who do NOT have access to the data will be asked to create a website account and submit the HRS Disclosure Limitation Review Policy Agreement form.
Step 3. HRS Reviews and Approves Application
HRS will review the application and team member submissions, and contact you if additional information is needed for approval.
Case Review meetings are generally held every Wednesday. Please submit materials by 5pm (EST) on Monday to ensure they are reviewed at the meeting that week. Please note, some Wednesday meetings may be cancelled or rescheduled due to holiday closures, lack of submissions, etc.
Step 4. Access Details
Once your application is approved, each data user will be contacted by HRS staff with the details needed to login to the enclave from their computer through the VDI. Note that all results of analysis completed in the enclave will be reviewed by HRS staff to ensure they adhere to criteria for disclosure limitation review.