As part of its technical assistance to Iraq, CLDP, in close coordination with USDOC's National Technical Information Service (NTIS), is assisting Iraq’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) with the development of a national repository of Iraqi science and technology information.

From May 21 through May 25, 2012, CLDP organized a series of work sessions with high-ranking delegates from MoST and representatives from NTIS and NTIS’ Private/Public Partner Information International Associates (IIA). The working sessions took place in Washington DC and were designed to outline project goals, communication and project management structures, and next steps in the project development process. The working sessions also included meetings with related science and technology agencies and a tour of NTIS facilities.

Through the intensive five day work sessions, the participants achieved a deeper understanding of the project mission and working relationships, agreed on the specifications of the online platform memorialized in a final requirements document, and outlined evaluation opportunities for long-term project expansion.