​About the AMD National Bioinformatics Platform

The emergence of pathogen genomics in public health has emphasized the need for a centralized platform to support complex laboratory and epidemiological workflows. Public health laboratories have faced numerous challenges with the implementation of genomics including limited bioinformatics experts in public health and the lack of a harmonized approach to sharing and processing next generation sequencing (NGS) data to support rapid outbreak response and public health action. To address these challenges, CDC’s Office of Advanced Molecular Detection (OAMD) is developing the Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) Platform to bridge the gap between pathogen genomics and genomic epidemiology by developing a cloud-based computational platform for sharing, analyzing, and storing NGS data and related metadata in a way that protects privacy and allows for more informed decision making when responding to emerging threats. 

About the Communities of Practice

AMD Platform Communities of Practice (CoPs) were established to engage and exchange information amongst public health laboratory professionals to discuss and document key IT informatics concerns and requirements for AMD Platform. The CoPs include five domains:
  1. Applied Genomic Epidemiology: Identify and document requirements for processes and methods for using genomic data to guide epidemiologic decision and intervention strategies that can be implemented in AMD Platform.
  2. AMD Data Modernization: Identify and document requirements for processes and methods, to be implemented in AMD Platform, for the exchange, processing, storage, management, and stewardship of NGS data and metadata.
  3. Agile Architecture, Pipeline Development and Automation: Identify and document requirements for processes and methods, to be implemented in AMD Platform, for the design development, and implementation of a modular and flexible cloud-based platform for scientific computing and bioinformatics.
  4. Quality and Standards: Identify and document best practice approaches and SOPs for NGS and bioinformatics that can be implemented in AMD Platform, including version control, archive processes, results validation, and proficiency testing.
  5. IT Security and Privacy: Identify and document security standards and best practices, to be implemented in AMD Platform, to ensure the protection and integrity of data.
The CoPs were established in August 2022 and have expanded membership to all 64 ELC funded jurisdictions in August 2023. These public health practitioners possess subject matter expertise on areas such as NGS wet lab protocols, bioinformatics, informatics, epidemiology and information technology. Their expertise and knowledge have been leveraged to help inform requirements and identify potential components for AMD Platform.  

If you are not currently participating in the CoPs and are interested in joining, please complete this form to sign up. Participation in the Communities of Practice is limited to Public Health Laboratory and Heath Department staff. Industry partners are not eligible to participate.


Communities of Practice Guidance Documents and Resources

The CoPs have developed various resources which include guidance documents, templates, working papers, and more, to aid in the development, adoption, and integration of the AMD Platform. These resources have been developed by the AMD Platform Communities of Practice and reflect their expertise and experiences. Any content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. They do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Association of Public Health Laboratories or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reader is responsible for adhering to all relevant policies and procedures within their jurisdiction when utilizing the developed resources.