Optimize Vivarium Operations and Compliance
As a research facility director or manager, balancing daily program demands with finding the time required to accurately assess and implement improvements is exceptionally challenging. Utilizing internal teams in the review process can lead to unintended blind spots. We help organizations gain a fresh, detailed perspective on operational workflows, safety protocols, and compliance improvements.
Comprehensive Vivarium Operations Support
Whether you need to update SOPs, rework research workflows, or want support preparing for program audits or accreditation, our vivarium operations team can provide expert guidance and facilitate execution. Start with a targeted area or comprehensive site assessment for a roadmap on cost, operational efficiencies, or audit readiness. Then use our team to fully execute or partner with you to implement recommendations and train team members on new process efficiencies.
If you're preparing to build, expand, or renovate your vivarium, use our design and build team for modernization designs, specialized vendors, and efficiency workflows to reduce build costs and delays.
How to Leverage Our Vivarium Consultants
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Regulatory & Compliance Support
Retaining compliance, preparing for site evaluations, or applying for new certifications can be lengthy and document-intensive. Having participated in more than 50 successful AAALAC accreditations and hundreds of IACUC committee reviews, our regulatory and consulting services help research organizations avoid potential compliance risks, preserve grant receipt status, and ensure your programs maintain operational excellence with guidance on accreditation. We aim to help your facility retain a gold-standard position to attract top research talent and partners to your university’s program.
We Can
- Prepare facilities and programs for AAALAC accreditation
- Review and guide compliance policies and procedures
- Manage IACUC process
- Audit biosecurity and provide evaluation reports
- Facilitate regulatory change management
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Regulatory Guidance and Accreditation Support
Optimizing facility workflows, quality controls, and research-support functions within a facility is critical to keeping programs advancing smoothly. We can assess each layer of your operational workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs), from animal care to cage wash mechanics. Work with our vivarium experts for operational, design, and QA/QC assessments and detailed recommendations to streamline operations, reduce risk, maximize efficiency, and reduce costs for your research facility and programs.
We Can
- Perform complete or targeted site assessments and deliver cost analyses to inform decision-making
- Evaluate and implement operational efficiencies adaptable to any budget
- Use SOP library resources to guide and enhance your safety and operational procedures
- Review scientific programs and QA/QC measures with subject matter experts to ensure rigor and reliability
- Conduct quality assurance audits to verify compliance with internal, regulatory, and industry standards
- Prepare and manage program protocols to maintain consistency and operational excellence
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Vivarium Expansion & Risk Mitigation
We Can
- Offer design, plan, and build guidance of new or remodeled vivarium while maintaining continuity in current research programs
- Provide strategic insights on technology and equipment to support informed purchasing decisions
- Deliver transition and crisis management resources to ensure operational stability and resilience
Benefits of Working with Our Vivarium Consultants
| Cost Savings | Our detailed recommendations will streamline operational inefficiencies, saving your facility time and cost waste, while helping avoid costly missteps. |
| Reduced Risk | Guidance on where and how to mitigate points of failure reduces the risk of research delays or mistakes due to operational inefficiencies. |
| Specialized Guidance | We cultivate only the most qualified talent with a wide range of experience in in vivo research and lab operations to provide actionable enhancement recommendations. |
| Boosted Productivity | Teams that see leaders invested in creating smoother and safer working environments show boosted morale and productivity, increasing the success of the facility. |
| Increased Efficiency | Our research, operations, and regulatory experts can advise on current and future strategic efficiencies to achieve speed and compliance in your programs. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vivarium Operations Consulting
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What type of research facility assessments do you offer?
Our vivarium operations assessments can cover one or more areas to review workflows, traffic patterns, staffing levels, SOPs, quality control measures, and cost analysis.
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How long does it take to conduct a research facility assessment?
Our vivarium operations assessments can last half a day, a full day, or up to three days, depending on the type and number of areas being assessed within the facility. We work closely with stakeholders to understand the goals and metrics to be evaluated and review findings thoroughly upon completion.
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Can your vivarium operations consultants help with AAALAC accreditation?
Yes, our team has specialized expertise with AAALAC accreditation and has completed over 50 AAALAC accreditation approvals within academic and commercial programs. Whether you need support preparing for a renewal audit or setting up accreditation for the first time, we can help.
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How have others implemented your staffing, training, or regulatory support services?
Our Insourcing Solutions team has helped research organizations resolve chronic turnover, expand research despite a hiring freeze, and avoid loss of funding through leveraging our vivarium staffing, training, and regulatory guidance services.
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Our team needs training on day-to-day animal care. Is this something you can help with?
We offer virtual and in-person training options for various topics, including animal care. Some of our other topics include:
- Accreditation-ready training programs
- Environmental health and safety
- Animal welfare and risk assessment
- In vitro and in vivo laboratory training
- Regulatory compliance
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Biomethodology of the mouse and rat
- Leadership and management development
- Technical skill training
- Train-the-trainer programs