VANGARD was launched Nov 1, 2012 to help investigators design experiments and analyze and interpret data generated by VANTAGE. The mission of the core is to consolidate the genomics data pipeline across the university and allow investigators to leverage the opportunities provided by next-generation sequencing and other genomics technologies. VANGARD operates in conjunction with VANTAGE, providing experimental design, quality assessment of data, analysis and results interpretation, and data storage to investigators, while VANTAGE provides technical services with a focus on next-generation sequencing including DNA-seq and RNA-seq. VANGARD also provides biostatistical and bioinformatics support for all genomic experiments that utilize BioVU specimens. For small-scale projects, VANGARD uses a fee-for-service model which includes basic experimental design and quantitative analysis for genomic data generated by VANTAGE as well as data storage and backup. Large-scale projects and those that require more complex and detailed analysis may be handled collaboratively.