NARMS Laboratory Portal

Project Summary/Abstract EJH & Associates, LLC (Datastream Connexion) proposes the development and operations of a NARMS portal based on a collaborative suite of online tools called LabSUITE, which includes laboratory specific technology and functions. LABSuite is used successfully in other federal lab and can successfully facilitate NARMS needs, including cross agency information dissemination. The NARMS LABSuite portal capabilities would include customized working groups, web- based proficiency testing registration and management, and tools that support secure information sharing among animal and human health, retail foods, veterinary diagnostic and other stakeholders. Collectively, the LabSUITE & GovSuite combined platform tools is a sustainable model built and operationalized for secure communication, coordination, collaboration, education, and training among stakeholders charged with protecting the nation's critical infrastructures such as food and agriculture. This proposal focuses on two main objectives: · Develop tools that advance the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) laboratories’ capacity to respond events through eUicient online data capture and management of laboratory capabilities and proficiency testing results. · Facilitate secure information sharing and communication for enhanced animal and public health. LabSUITE tools allow professionals working in diUerent organizations (e.g. government, academia) to work together on essential missions and responsibilities despite diUerences in authorities, objectives, and roles. This robust platform connects the community stakeholders to a centralized online environment and houses databases of current information related to the mission of the NARMS to include but not limited to laboratory testing protocols, facilities, equipment and professional expertise and contacts. Current LabSUITE Information Sharing Environments (ISEs) include the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN- https://www.fernlab.org) and the APHIS Laboratory Portal (https://www.nahln.org), formerly called the National Animal Laboratory Network Portal, and Vet-LIRN (https://www.vetlirn.org). The work is critical as FDA, CDC, and USDA jointly monitors the capability and performance of state, and university diagnostic laboratories to respond to threats, Monitor trends in antimicrobial resistance among enteric bacteria from humans, retail meats, and animals at the time of slaughter; Conduct research to better understand the emergence, persistence, and spread of antimicrobial resistance; and Provide timely antimicrobial resistance data for outbreak investigations.