inc.
GSA Schedule Number

Services Provided

Information Management Services, Inc. (IMS) has over 30 years of information technology and clinical trials experience. We currently employ a team of 200 computer and biomedical professionals dedicated to providing clients with quality customer support. We offer premium services at competitive prices. IMS is a GSA IT Schedule 70 contractor. You can view our GSA schedule on GSA Advantage.

We are located in the Washington Metropolitan Area with offices in Rockville and Silver Spring, Maryland. Our long-term clients include: the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and other biomedical research organizations.

Our company specializes in:

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Analytic Services and Data Management

IMS provides a variety of statistical programming and IT support services for biomedical research. Our employees are organized into small teams that work directly with epidemiologists and biostatisticians to manage and analyze population based and study based data. This team based approach enables IMS to respond quickly and efficiently to the specific requirements of our clients.

IMS implements programs in SAS and other statistical languages to analyze biomedical research data for surveys and clinical research data. Examples of the types of data IMS has analyzed include data from prevention studies, utilization rates for cancer screening, cancer prevalence rates, and genomic research data.

IMS has 30 years of experience in applying commercially available software tools in addition to IMS’s own proprietary software in support of hundreds of clinical research studies and statistical research projects. This experience enables our staff to either conduct analyses with only general guidance from the client or alternatively to provide useful input to the client into the needs and issues that arise in biomedical research studies. IMS also develops state-of-the-art methods and software for the analysis of cancer statistics. Examples include:

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Application Development

IMS develops applications that range from small systems to complex n-tiered, mission critical systems in a validated environment. In the design and development of new systems, IMS utilizes both emerging and established technologies to provide efficient solutions to complex problems. IMS emphasizes understanding the user’s requirements. We explore and refine these requirements through an iterative and collaborative process. IMS applications are designed with intuitive user interfaces in order to minimize the need for training and support.

In the creation of new software, IMS draws on existing open source and commercial software to leverage industry knowledge and avoid re-implementation of existing solutions. When existing software is inadequate to meet customers needs, IMS’s staff will design, develop, and deploy the appropriate solution.

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Testing, Training, and Tech Support

IMS employs specialized staff to test software applications, develop support materials and provide technical support. They work directly with our application developers, from the early stages of systems design through software deployment. Because of their end-to-end involvement they become expert in the effective use of applications. This allows them to prepare effective help systems, user manuals, training materials and test scripts. After deployment they provide end-user technical support and testing for new releases.

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Web Services

IMS has developed and currently maintains a variety of Web sites and Web-based applications. These sites range from a single page to highly complex information systems. Examples of Web sites implemented by IMS include:

IMS staff possess a thorough understanding of Web site design and implementation. We assist the client in establishing goals and requirements. We can advise the client on applicable regulations and design constraints such as patient confidentiality and Section 508 compliance. Once design has been completed and documented, IMS provides full implementation. We have an experienced staff of Web designers, creative graphic artists and Web implementers. The IMS secure computer facility with over 30 servers offers complete service at cost competitive prices. Our computer facility has an up time record above 99.5%.

The IMS Web team develops Web applications utilizing a variety of tools which include JavaScript, PHP, XML, Postgres, and Oracle. We also integrate open-source and commercial products into our Web sites. Examples include Zope and Plone for content management, Corda for interactive charts and graphs, and Arcinfo for geographic information systems.

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Clinical Trial Support

IMS provides a full range of services to support biomedical research ideas from inception through implementation and into publication. The IMS team approach provides flexibility and rapid deployment for full study management or for specific tasks.

Clinical trials and biomedical research projects are diverse. Our staff has successfully supported numerous project types. Examples are:

IMS biomedical research staff and statisticians work closely with investigators and site staff to develop study protocols, manuals and data collection instruments. Assistance in regulatory compliance is provided. Our biomedical editors review and code clinical and other research data. They interact with site research staff frequently to confirm patient eligibility, provide randomized treatment assignments and answer questions on protocol procedures. They ensure data of the highest quality through query and error resolution. IMS staff may travel to the research centers to provide training or to monitor study progress.

IMS provides assistance in data analysis and preparation of data displays for publication. We collaborate with manuscript authors in the writing and submission of papers. IMS staff have co-authored hundreds of scientific publications.

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caBIG® Support Service Provider

As a caBIG® support service provider, IMS will adapt and enhance existing caBIG® compatible software systems under the caBIG® initiative conducted by the National Cancer Institute Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (NCI CBIIT). The caBIG® development methodology and tools associated with the caCORE Software Development Kit, SDK, will be utilized to extend existing caBIG® compatible software products. As necessary, new object models and common data elements may need to be developed utilizing CBIIT’s repository, the Cancer Data Standards Repository (caDSR). The Common Security Model (CSM) and caAdapter will also be utilized as required by the particular application or tool. In addition, de novo development of caBIG® compatible software will be provided. Contact us at caBIGSupportServices@imsweb.com for further information.

Within the caBIG® community, Information Management Services, Inc. (IMS) has contributed to the following areas thru their participation in the caBIG® working groups: Data Standards, Systems and Tools, Clinical Trials, Tissue Banks & Pathology Tools, Translational Informatics, Architecture, Security Strategies, and Analytic Services. IMS has experience in each of these fields related to our support to NCI and other biomedical research organizations in cancer surveillance, cancer prevention, cancer control, clinical studies, epidemiology and biostatistics, and cohort studies. Our experience gained from participating in the majority of the caBIG® Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and workspaces provides IMS staff with the knowledge to apply caBIG® concepts and tools to cancer research community activities.

A priority for the NCI is the dissemination of knowledge gained from cancer surveillance, genetic, epidemiologic, behavioral, and social research. This includes not only the publication of analyses, but also the sharing of data with other researchers. Advancements in technology and the evolution of the Internet have provided a timely, cost-effective means of spreading information quickly and accurately. IMS has effectively utilized these technologies in support of the NCI and other U.S. government projects. The IMS depth of experience in the cancer research field and information technology allows IMS to be a valuable member of the caBIG® Enterprise Support Network (ESN).