The sun is setting on IMPAC I (now known as the Legacy system), and, as we prepare to retire IMPAC I in October 2002, it is fitting that the NIH pay tribute to this extramural information system that has served faithfully for more than 35 years. In many ways, the story of IMPAC I reflects the remarkable evolution of all computer technology during the same period. The improved functionality, usability, and performance of IMPAC II are built upon the solid foundation of its predecessor system.

First There Was EAM Even before IMPAC I, there was the Electronic Accounting Machine (EAM), an electro-mechanical device for producing reports using data provided by the ICs. The Information for Management, Planning, Analysis, and Coordination system was born in the late 1960s when the NIH identified a need to centrally track research applications from receipt through final grant closeout. Contractors from George Washington University programmed IMPAC in COBOL, Assembler, and RPG, storing the data in ISAM files.

From Honeywell to IBM The IMPAC system then was turned over to the Division of Research Grants (DRG, now the Center for Scientific Review or CSR) for maintenance and future development, and the hardware was converted from Honeywell to IBM. DRG’s Data Capture Unit was responsible for keypunching, which was the primary tool for inputting data.

IMPAC I Goes to ICs In the early 1970s, IMPAC I was opened to the other ICs and data retrieval routines were developed (including IRS queries, RAID, and Snapshot). The Committee Management Information System (CMIS) and the Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (CRISP) were implemented, and CRISP and contracts data were added to IMPAC.

Many Changes through 80s and 90s  VSAM replaced ISAM, and ANSI COBOL became the coding language.  Users could log on to WYLBUR or TSO on the CIT mainframe and access systems such as DRGINFO, S-CRISP, and Snapshot.  The Joint Funding File was created to accommodate awards funded by two or more institutes.  The ICD Mini Files allowed users to access IMPAC information by IC and reduced online time. Developers built interactive systems such as the IRG Interface, Simplified System for Reports (SSR), and the Interactive Award System (IAS) to enable the ICs and IRGs to input review data, recommendations, and council actions and to process awards.  DRG’s Receipt and Review Unit began inputting application assignments into the system.

Enhancements Added During the same period, enhancements enabled IMPAC data to be reconciled with data from the ICs, DFM, and other DHHS agencies. IMPAC data also was automatically transferred to the central accounting system and financial status information database.

Upgrades and Interfaces Upgrades continued into the mid-1990s, and new interfaces permitted the external community to view DRG’s committee rosters. Grantee organizations began submitting their financial status reports electronically. With system retirement one year away, the IMPAC I system will not be modified further; however, the database will be updated with IMPAC II data for the foreseeable future.

Thanks! IMPAC I definitely set the precedent. IMPAC II has some mighty shoes to fill. Congratulations to the developers and the caretakers of the Legacy system.