Third Party Websites and Applications (TPWA) are defined as web-based technologies that are not exclusively operated or controlled by a government entity, but which may involve significant participation by a non-government entity and can be incorporated into government websites. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allows federal agencies to use Third-Party Websites and Applications (TPWA) in support of open-government principles OMB Memo m10-23 provides guidance for agency use of TPWAs, and HHS' implementation of OMB Memos 10-22 and 10-23 (link is external) provides specific information and guidance in the implementation of TPWAs within the HHS. TPWA examples include social networking sites, online survey tools, crowdsourcing tools, and blogging sites.
TPWAs don’t require SA&A or written authorization to operate (ATO). However, only HHS-approved TPWAs may be used by NIH entities. If you wish to use a TPWA that has not yet been approved, you can request the appropriate HHS office to review your proposal and negotiate terms of service.
For more information about TPWAs, visit the HHS TPWA site (link is external).
