eRAM: Request USDA Information

Animal Care and Use Office (ACUO) RCAs can submit a USDA Information Request for PI/Lab Personnel to complete on a protocols that are in a state of Approved, Canceled, Expired, or Suspended.  The PI/Lab Personnel will get an email alerting them to take action.

Step-by-Step Process

ACUO RCA Submit Request

1. From the Protocol workspace, scroll down past the Activities list and click USDA Information Request.
   
2. Verify that the PI, PI Email, and Protocol information is correct.
   Note  All information comes from the protocol. 
3. Click … (browse) to select the Species.
   Note Only USDA species in the protocol should display.
   
4. Enter the Request Description.
5. Click Finish.
   Notes
   • ​After completing the form, an Open Action Item is created and assigned to the PI/Lab Personnel.
   • The PI/Lab Personnel will receive an email notification notifying them of the request.
   • Then, the PI/Lab Personnel can complete the request or get back to the RCA with questions or changes.

PI/Lab Personnel Respond to Request

1. Open the USDA Report Information Action Item (ACT) from the link in the email you received.
   Note You can also locate the Action Item from the Action Items tab of the protocol’s workspace.
2. Use the following activities as needed:
   Note The activities available depend on the state of the Action Item and the role of the user (PI/Lab Personnel or ACUO RCA).
   • Add Comments for RCAs or Lab Personnel: to communicate back and forth with the RCAs, other PI/Lab Personnel, and email the comments.
     Note Comments can be added even when the request is canceled or closed. 
   • Add Documents: to upload related documents.
   • Complete USDA Information Request to respond with the information requested by the RCAs. 
     Note After completing this activity, the information is sent to the RCA, and the Action Item goes to the Complete state. 
   • Cancel USDA Information Request*: Cancels the request if it was created accidentally. The Action Item goes to the Cancelled state.
     *Can be executed by RCA only.