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International Reagent Resource (IRR) Web Portal

CDC required a system that would afford researchers, developers, and public health officials improved access to a repository of influenza viruses, as well as kits and reagents (certain substances used in the testing process), through a secure Internet Web portal for approved users.

In the event of an incipient influenza pandemic, the CDC-IRR will serve as a source of reagents for qualified laboratories to provide additional support. During a pandemic, laboratories will play a critical role in detecting and confirming initial cases, characterizing viruses, monitoring the progression of the pandemic, and selecting vaccine strains.

XPAND utilized its DotNetNuke expertise and an agile approach to design a new Web based system that will enable CDC to acquire, authenticate, and distribute reagents that scientists need to carry out basic research and develop improved diagnostic tests, vaccines, and detection methods.

This secure website is intended to improve the user experience and accessibility to influenza viruses, and to test kits and other reagents approved for laboratories. With this improved accessibility, it is expected that diagnostic tests, antiviral drugs, and vaccines will be made available through the commercial market more quickly.

XPAND Corporation performed the following activities in support of the IRR project:

  1. Performed requirements gathering and analysis to document functional requirements, including Section 508 compliance
  2. Designed and developed the IRR Website using Microsoft DotNetNuke (DNN) content management system
  3. Integrated the existing ATCC e-Commerce platform into the IRR Web application
  4. Implemented Google Urchin, a Website analytics tool, to provide analysis of Website visitor activity
  5. Designed and implemented a secure network infrastructure to host the IRR Web application
  6. Implemented necessary processes and procedures to successfully satisfy the Certification and Accreditation process in order to obtain an Authority to Operate (ATO)
  7. Obtained a "Medium-Impact" security Certification and Accreditation (C&A).