The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently launched the Online Technical Resource and Assistance Center (On-TRAC) to support state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) staff in preparing for public health emergencies related to medical countermeasure (MCM) distribution and dispensing. On-TRAC is a web-based resource and sharing center where SLTT staff can access resources, engage in peer-to-peer information exchange, and request technical assistance directly from CDC.

The portal is currently organized by Public Health Preparedness Capabilities and specifically addresses the 15 Preparedness Capabilities. Over the course of the next year, CDC will migrate the content from the MCM SharePoint Site and the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Extranet into On-TRAC to create one consolidated platform. In an effort to promote the use of this valuable resource, NACCHO put together this blog with a detailed overview of On-TRAC features, how to access the portal, provide feedback and where to seek technical assistance.

On-TRAC Features
On-TRAC is composed of two primary sections: the Assistance Center and the Resource Center. Features of each center are described in detail below.

Assistance Center

• Roadside AssisTAnce: This section allows SLTT staff to request technical assistance directly from CDC subject matter experts to support preparedness efforts. To request technical assistance, persons should first review the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). If the answer to the question is not found on the FAQs, SLTT staff can submit a technical assistance request form which is sent directly to CDC’s subject matter experts.
  • It is important to note that all SLTT preparedness staff can submit technical assistance requests using On-TRAC.
• Peer-to-Peer Information Exchange: This discussion board allows for conversation and sharing information, best practices, planning documents, and other resources among SLTT planners across the United States and its territories.
• Regional Workspaces: This section provides a space for SLTT staff to network with colleagues across their respective HHS Regions. In addition to the discussion board feature, the workspace includes a regional calendar to document upcoming events, a regional contact list, and a place to share documents specific to one’s HHS region.
• Email Alerts: This feature allows users to set up alerts to be notified when new activity occurs on the information exchange.

Resource Center

• Resource Library: This section provides access to relevant guidance documents and other nationally available resources that pertain to. The 15 preparedness capabilities resources are listed on the resource center landing page and other resources are contained within capability-specific folders. There is also a search feature to query resources based on keywords.
• Hot Topics: This section highlights specific tools and resources pertaining to common challenges that many planners encounter or resources that are frequently needed by planners.
• Public Health Preparedness Capabilities: This section contains additional information on the CDC Public Health Preparedness Capabilities.
• MCM Training: This section lists the current training opportunities and resources that support MCM distributions and dispensing (including both in-person and web-based training).
• Systems & Tools: This section contains information on using and accessing systems that support MCM planning such as RealOpt, TourSolver, and the Inventory Management Asset Tracking System (IMATS).

Accessing On-TRAC
The On-TRAC portal is housed on the CDC Join site but is accessible to those with and without previous CDC Join accounts. For existing CDC Join account holders, the On-TRAC portal was automatically added to each user’s workspace. Everyone without a current existing CDC Join account will need to complete a registration form to get access to On-TRAC.

To access On-TRAC:

• Registered CDC Join users: https://ontrac.cdc.gov
• New users: complete and submit the following form and be sure to check that you want access to the On-TRAC partner site.

Feedback and Questions
CDC is actively seeking feedback from individuals using the On-TRAC site, which will be used to improve its functionality and usefulness for all SLTT staff. To provide feedback and recommendations for improvement for the On-TRAC site or to complete an On-TRAC feedback form, please contact Stephanie Dopson at [email protected]. For additional information regarding On-TRAC, click to view the slides and recording of the October 2016 Second Wednesday Webinar for an overview and a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire site. Any additional questions about On-TRAC can be directed to [email protected].