A--Online tool coordinating IRB research studies Enrollment and initial setup of VHAPHS Research Unlimited registration of associated users Approximately 55 studies per year

The Department of Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) intends to award a sole source research contract to Research Dataware, LLC doing business as IRBNet, P O Box, Lebanon, NH 03766-2813 to allow purchase of enrollment and initial set up of the VA Research Program into the IRBNet collaborative suite, plus registration of an unlimited number of associated VHA users for approximately funded 55 research studies per year. To support needed requirements of the VAPHS it is anticipated that IRBNet provides the best value for the dollar via: the cost and fee structure, ease of use of the system by Researchers, Coordinators and Committee members; availability of technical support provided, and the ability to adapt or transition from our current IRB management system. Benefits of this effort will allow the VAPHS to: " Streamline submission and review processes while increasing process transparency " Reduce paper, packets and mailings " Cut time wasted on redundant and clerical work " Reduce administrative tasks to allow staff to focus on complex issues and support the research community " Facilitate clear, coordinated communications and track correspondence " Enable Members, Researchers and Administrators to access data anytime or anywhere " Have better management of meetings and committees " Increase data security " Maintain a clear audit trail with appropriate documentation and versioning " Increase control and reinforce guidance and consistency throughout the process " Share information seamlessly and securely in real time, throughout our entire research community IRBNet is the most widely used web-based solution to manage federal ethics compliance board requirements governing biomedical and behavioral research, as well as other critical committees and boards. IRBNet's Member community includes universities, colleges, hospital networks, State and Federal agencies. In addition this system has met the requirements of Department of Defense medical research locations. IRBNet was selected to deliver, implement and manage the DoD Medical Research Network for multiple US DoD Medical Centers, including select Army, Navy, Air Force and DoD cross-branch operations, via a contract with the US Army Southeast Regional Medical Command (SERMC). Participating sites will implement and utilize IRBNet's unified compliance software solution for IRB, IACUC, IBC, Radiology, Scientific Review, Publication Clearance and other needs. Under this contract, all DoD medical research centers are qualified for enrollment. Finally, the DOD award was the result of a competitive 18-month review process and a collaborative evaluation effort including US Army, Navy and Air Force participation, considering collective research regulatory oversight automation needs. Review criteria included features and functionality, ease of use, flexibility, growth scalability, data analysis and reporting, multi-site capabilities and technical security.