# Vet-LIRN Portal Continuation and Improvements

> **NIH FDA U18** · EJH & ASSOCIATES, LLC · 2024 · $150,000

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
EJH & Associates, LLC (dba Datastream Connexion), propose the continuing
development and operations of a Vet-LIRN portal based on a collaborative
suite of online tools called LABSuite, which includes laboratory specific
technology and functions. This is the current implementation of the Vet-LIRN
portal and has successfully facilitated Vet-LIRN needs over the previous
project period.
Capabilities include customized working groups, web-based proficiency testing
registration and management, and tools that support secure information
sharing among animal health and veterinary diagnostic 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:
1. Advance tools that currently operate the technology needs of the
 Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-
 LIRN) laboratories’ capacity to respond to animal food/drug related
 contamination through efficient online data capture and
 management of laboratory capabilities and proficiency testing
results.
2. Facilitate secure information sharing and communication for
 enhanced animal and public health.
LABSuite tools allow professionals working in different organizations (e.g.
government, academia) to work together on essential missions and
responsibilities despite differences 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 Vet-LIRN 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.
The work is critical as FDA monitors the capability and performance of state,
and university animal diagnostic laboratories to respond to threats; from past
intentional melamine contamination in pet food to emerging antimicrobial
resistance of bacterial pathogens.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11075629
- **Project number:** 2U18FD006863-07
- **Recipient organization:** EJH & ASSOCIATES, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Eric Hoffman
- **Activity code:** U18 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** FDA
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $150,000
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-09-05 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11075629

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11075629, Vet-LIRN Portal Continuation and Improvements (2U18FD006863-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11075629. Licensed CC0.

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