Project Number: 1275-22000-239-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Aug 20, 2005
End Date: Aug 19, 2010

Objective:
Develop and maintain the SEL insect and mite identification service and its SELIS (SEL Identification System) database. Serve as the clearing house, sorting, and distribution center for specimens submitted to the SEL for identification. Create lots in SELIS for specimens submitted to SEL for identification, sort the specimens in each lot to specialist, and create assignments for each specialist in SELIS. When specialists have added their identifications to SELIS, generate reports on the assignments and send reports to submitters. Communicate with submitters on various issues such as the status of their submitted lots. Coordinate with APHIS, PPQ on various issues relating to identification of specimens intercepted at ports of entry or in domestic surveys and in particular concerning data exchange between SELIS and the Pest Identification Network (PIN) 309 system. Closely track and at the end of each day verify that reports have been generated for all specimens submitted by APHIS with URGENT priority (for the most part, instances in which shipments are being detained at ports of entry pending receipt of reports of identification from SEL). Objective 2 Network Resource Management. Manage, upgrade, and maintain the SEL Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and its online systematic resources about insects and mites for use in quarantine, pest management, biological control, conservation, and related activities. Coordinate bioinformatics activities for the science CRIS projects.

Approach:
This project provides support to laboratories scientists who produce thousands of identifications annually, along with associated biological information, of insects and mites to customers dependent upon these data for their research and regulatory programs. The geographic origin and host data from these identifications will be tabulated in the laboratory identification database system (SELIS) for future use. Plans for 2005 are to move the SELIS database and the SELIS application from the current Windows NT4 Servers to Windows Servers 2003, which were procured in 2004. The application and the database will be modified in early 2005 for receiving data from and reporting data to the new APHIS Pest ID database system, which is being designed to eliminate the deficiencies that have existed with the current APHIS PIN system in respect to automated importing of identification records reported by the SELIS database. Need for additional changes to SELIS are anticipated in connection with the implementation of the APHIS Specimen Collection and Tracking System (SCTS). Manage, upgrade, and maintain the LAN servers that comprise the backbone of the SEL MAN, using a LAN operating system that provides an optimal combination of security and ease of use. Oversee the SEL web server, its software, web pages, and data files. Work with SEL staff and any contractors they may hire on development of their data for web presentation and assist users of the SEL web site with issues impacting their ability to access information presented on the web site. Manage the periodic replacement of user workstations and see that critical security updates are applied and that currency of ant-virus and anti-spyware software is maintained. Assist staff as needed with workstation setup, installation of applications, connection of periperals, and resolution of hardware and software problems.