When a government shutdown is over, the questions and uncertainties regarding Operational Site Visits (OSVs) kick in full force!   “Will we still have our OSV that was scheduled before the shutdown?”, “Is our OSV cancelled now that the shutdown is over and our scheduled dates have expired?”, “What should we expect about our OSV now that the shutdown is over?” 

These are just a few questions that may come up among your senior leadership team and/or board members when a government reopens.  

There are many possible scenarios that may occur after a government shutdown ends.  One possible scenario is that all OSVs that were initially scheduled for dates that expired during the shutdown period may be prioritized and rescheduled to occur as soon as possible.  This could delay OSVs that were scheduled for dates that occur once the government reopens.   Alternatively, the OSV schedule will resume with visits that were originally planned for dates that occur following the government’s reopening.  HRSA/BPHC will identify factors such as project period end dates and the Service Area Competition (SAC) application timetable to determine when all impacted OSVs will be completed.  This information will be communicated in a timely manner…so make sure you are ready for your visit!