Biological and Chemical Weapons  >>  Biosecurity and Biodefense Resource  
U.S. Government Agencies

Departments, agencies, advisory groups, and elected officials within the US federal government play a variety of roles in preventing bioterrorism and preparing for public health emergencies. Some of these bodies focus on biodefense research, while others provide funding for research; still others are charged with creating legislation necessary for effective biosecurity. These pages link to information provided by different groups within the federal government working on these issues.


Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Agricultural Select Agent Program

4700 River Road, Unit 2
Riverdale, MD 20737
Telephone: (301) 734-5960

"The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-188; June 12, 2002) requires that the United States improve its ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies that could threaten either public health and safety or American Agriculture. It necessitates that individuals possessing, using, or transferring agents or toxins deemed a severe threat to public, animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products notify either the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). In accordance with the Act, implementing regulations detailing the requirements for possession, use, and transfer for select agents and toxins were published by HHS (42 CFR part 73) and by USDA (9 CFR part 121 and 7 CFR part 331)."


Biosecurity Engagement Program
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
Telephone: (202) 647-2601

"The Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP) is committed to developing cooperative international programs that promote the safe, secure and responsible use of biological materials that are at risk of accidental release or intentional misuse. Fundamental BEP objectives include: assisting partner countries in maintaining a balance between developing sustainable public and agricultural health infrastructure, and ensuring safe and secure pathogen collections; training in biosafety and pathogen security to promote sound laboratory management practices; and training in infectious disease surveillance and molecular diagnostics, and laboratory capacity building activities."


Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Telephone: (202) 647-6575

"The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), headed by Acting Assistant Secretary Stephen G. Rademaker is responsible for managing a broad range of nonproliferation, counterproliferation and arms control functions. ISN leads U.S. efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons) and their delivery systems."


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Emergency Preparedness and Response Program

Public Inquiry c/o BPRP
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Planning
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mailstop C-18
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
Telephone: (800) CDC-INFO

The mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is "to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. CDC seeks to accomplish its mission by working with partners throughout the nation and the world to: monitor health; detect and investigate health problems; conduct research to enhance prevention; develop and advocate sound public health policies; implement prevention strategies; promote healthy behaviors; foster safe and healthful environments; [and,] provide leadership and training."


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Select Agent Program

Select Agent Program
1600 Clifton Road NE, MS E-79
Atlanta, GA 30333
Telephone: (404) 498-2255

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulates the possession, use, and transfer of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. The CDC Select Agent Program oversees these activities and registers all laboratories and other entities in the United States of America that possess, use, or transfer a select agent or toxin."


Chemical and Biological Defense Information Analysis Center Logo Chemical and Biological Defense Information Analysis Center
Aberdeen Proving Ground - Edgewood Area
P.O. Box 196
Gunpowder, MD 21010-0196
Telephone: (410) 676-9030

"The CBIAC generates, acquires, processes, analyzes, and disseminates CB Science and Technology Information (STI) in support of the Combatant Commanders, warfighters, the Reserve Components, the CB Defense Research, Development, and Acquisition community, and other federal, state, and local government agencies. The CBIAC helps the DoD and these other agencies meet their demanding technological needs and implement high-priority Research and Development (R&D) initiatives through the prompt and expert application of existing scientific and technical information by...anticipating requirements for CB STI and identifying and reaching out to emerging CB defense organizations."


Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
3701 North Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203-1714
Telephone: (703) 526-6630

"DARPA's mission is to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. military and prevent technological surprise from harming our national security by sponsoring revolutionary, high-payoff research that bridges the gap between fundamental discoveries and their military use." One of the agency's "Technology Thrusts" is in the biological sciences.


Defense Threat Reduction Agency
8725 John J Kingman Rd, Stop 6201
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201
Telephone: (703) 767-5870

"Defense Threat Reduction Agency safeguards America and its allies from Weapons of Mass Destruction (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high explosives) by providing capabilities to reduce, eliminate, and counter the threat, and mitigate its effects." The Agency's "Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate provides direct Science and Technology (S & T) support to the Joint Program Executive Office for chemical and biological defense through its many S & T programs and initiatives to improve our defensive capabilities against Chemical and Biological Weapons."


Department of Homeland Security
Science and Technology Directorate

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528
Telephone: (202) 282-8000

"Homeland Security harnesses our nation's scientific and technological resources to provide Federal, state, and local officials with the technology and capabilities to protect the homeland. One area of focus for the Department is catastrophic terrorism-threats to the security of our homeland that could result in large-scale loss of life and major economic impact. Research is designed to counter threats to the homeland, both by evolutionary improvements to current capabilities and development of revolutionary, new capabilities."


Department of Veteran Affairs
Biosafety and Biosecurity Program

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20420
Telephone: (202) 254-0277

"The VA Office of Research and Development (ORD) has developed its Biosafety and Biosecurity Program to ensure the safety of individuals involved with research at Veterans Health Administration research laboratories and to protect the environment. The program strives to ensure the security and safety of all individuals, resources, information, biological agents, chemical agents and radiation materials/sources found within research laboratories. ORD's biosafety and biosecurity program functions in coordination with similar programs at individual medical centers. Activities at VA Central Office ORD involve developing Veterans Health Administration policy, issuing guidance, communicating training requirements and initiating training programs as well as working closely and coordinating with other Federal entities regarding biosafety, biosecurity and homeland defense."


Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center
AMSRD-ECB-AP-B/Michel E3330
5183 Black Hawk RD
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5424
Telephone: (410) 436-3610

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) "is the nation's principal research and development center for non-medical chemical and biological defense. ECBC develops technology in the areas of detection, protection, and decontamination and provides support over the entire lifecycle - from basic research through technology development, engineering design, equipment evaluation, product support, sustainment, field operations and disposal."


Federal Bureau of Investigation
Counterterrorism Division

Federal Bureau of Investigation
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535-0001
Telephone: (202) 324-3000

"Today, the FBI is part of a vast national and international campaign dedicated to defeating terrorism. Working hand-in-hand with partners in law enforcement, intelligence, the military, and diplomatic circles, [the FBI's] job is to neutralize terrorist cells and operatives here in the U.S. and to help dismantle terrorist networks worldwide."


House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Health

2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Telephone: (202) 225-2927

Within the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Subcommittee on Health is responsible for: "public health and quarantine; hospital construction; mental health and research; biomedical programs and health protection in general, including Medicaid and national health insurance; food and drugs; drug abuse; and, homeland security-related aspects of the foregoing."


House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform
Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs

2157 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Telephone: (202) 225-5074

"Focusing primarily on terrorism, the Subcommittee [on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations] has looked extensively at domestic preparedness, response capabilities and military force protection - holding over 20 hearings prior to the attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as Department of Defense weapon acquisition programs, internal Department of State reforms, and Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities."


House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security
202 Adams Library of Congress Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Telephone: (202) 226-8417

"The House Committee on Homeland Security has "primary jurisdiction over the nation's third largest cabinet agency, the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, the committee has responsibility for government-wide homeland security policy and the most significant responsibility for homeland security policy of any House or Senate committee."


Joint Program Executive Office for
Chemical and Biological Defense

5203 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041-3203

"The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD) is the principal advocate and single point of contact for all chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological detection, and vaccine and medical diagnostic acquisition efforts within the scope of the JPEO-CBD charter. The JPEO-CBD vision is to eliminate the biological warfare (BW) threat by protecting the warfighter and other users. The JPEO-CBD provides biological warfare protection by rapidly developing, acquiring, and fielding the most effective biological detection, and BD vaccines and medical diagnostic equipment within cost, schedule, performance and logistical parameters."


Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Chemistry, Materials, and Life Sciences Directorate

7000 East Avenue
Livermore, CA 94550

"The Chemistry, Materials, and Life Sciences (CMLS) Directorate supports the Laboratory's science, technological, and programmatic missions in life sciences. The directorate contributes to the rapidly expanding science of biology in areas relevant to important challenges in national security, environmental sustainability, and human health. Integrating bioscience and biotechnology, we perform research in the areas of genome biology, computational biology, molecular toxicology, host-pathogen biology, biochemical structures, assays, genetics and microbial systems, and the intersection of these areas with advances in nanotechnology, and imaging and measurement science."


Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and International Security Directorate

7000 East Avenue
Livermore, CA 94550

"The Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and International Security (NAI) Directorate enhances national and international security by providing technology, analysis, expertise, and operational capabilities to assist the U.S. government and in preventing and responding to the proliferation, terrorist acquisition, or use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)."


MedlinePlus Logo MedlinePlus Biodefense and Bioterrorism Information
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20894

"MedlinePlus has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 700 diseases and conditions. There are also lists of hospitals and physicians, a medical encyclopedia and a medical dictionary, health information in Spanish, extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, health information from the media, and links to thousands of clinical trials."


Military Vaccine Agency
1-877-GET-VACC

The website for the Military Vaccine Agency "provides access to current immunization program information for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Military Services. Since DoD immunization programs are built on the foundation of national standards of immunization practice, the site provides links to other governmental and non-governmental sites dedicated to vaccines, immunization practices, and vaccine safety."


National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Biodefense Research

NIAID Office of Communications and Public Liaison
6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
Bethesda, MD 20892-6612
Telephone: (301) 496-5717

"The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports much of the research aimed at developing new and improved medical tools against potential bioterrorism agents. Since 2001, NIAID has greatly accelerated its biodefense research program, launching several new initiatives to catalyze development of vaccines, therapies, and diagnostic tests."


National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity Logo National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity
Office of Biotechnology Activities
National Institutes of Health
6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20892-7985
Telephone: (301) 496-9838

"The NSABB will advise the Secretary of HHS, the Director of NIH, and the heads of all federal departments and agencies that conduct or support life science research. The NSABB will advise on and recommend specific strategies for the efficient and effective oversight of federally conducted or supported dual-use biological research, taking into consideration both national security concerns and the needs of the research community."


National Select Agent Registry

"The National Select Agent Registry Program oversees the activities of possession of biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public, animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products.

The National Select Agent Registry Program currently requires registration of facilities including government agencies, universities, research institutions, and commercial entities that possess, use or transfer biological agents and toxins that pose a significant threat to public, animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products."


Nonproliferation and Arms Control Technology Working Group

"The purpose of the Nonproliferation and Arms Control Technology Working Group (NPAC-TWG) is to ensure effective coordination of research and development in the areas of arms control and nonproliferation and to guard against redundant arms control- and nonproliferation-related R&D and technology programs within and among departments and agencies."
A component of NPAC-TWG, "the Biological Weapons Detection Focus Group objectives are to identify national BW-related needs and requirements, to identify technologies and programs currently being developed or applied, to identify technology areas and programs that could support national BW defense related needs, to identify gaps and overlaps among programs, and to provide information and recommendations to the senior decision makers."


Office of Science and Technology Policy
Executive Office of the President
Washington, DC 20502
Telephone: (202) 456-7116

"Congress established OSTP in 1976 with a broad mandate to advise the President and others within the Executive Office of the President on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The 1976 Act also authorizes OSTP to lead an interagency effort to develop and to implement sound science and technology policies and budgets and to work with the private sector, state and local governments, the science and higher education communities, and other nations toward this end."


Office of the Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for
Counterproliferation and Chemical and Biological Defense

3050 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-3050

"The mission of the Chemical and Biological Defense Program is to ensure that the U.S. military has the capability to operate effectively and decisively in the face of nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare threats at home or abroad."


Plum Island Animal Disease Center
P.O. Box 848
Greenport, LI
Orient Point, NY 11944

"The Plum Island Animal Disease Center is responsible for research and diagnosis to protect United States animal industries and exports against catastrophic economic losses caused by foreign animal disease (FAD) agents accidentally or deliberately introduced into the U.S. These missions are accomplished by basic and applied research directed toward: more sensitive and accurate methods of disease agent detection and identification; development of new strategies to control disease epidemics, including rDNA vaccines, antiviral drugs, and transgenic, disease-resistant animals; [and,] diagnostic investigations of suspect cases of FAD outbreaks in U.S. livestock."


Sandia International Biological Threat Reduction Program
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, NM 87185
Telephone: (505) 844-8971

"Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), a multidisciplinary science and technology laboratory owned by the US Department of Energy (DOE), initiated its International Biological Threat Reduction Program in 1999. The objective of the program is to advance United States and international biological threat reduction and counter-terrorism goals by working to develop and implement systems and practices that promote the safe, secure, and responsible use and management of high-risk biological agents across the globe."


Sandia National Laboratories Chem/Bio Program
Sandia National Laboratories
7011 East Avenue
Livermore, CA 94550
Telephone: (925) 294-3306

"Building on its systems integration strengths, Sandia National Laboratories has developed a comprehensive Chem/Bio program to meet objectives in national homeland security and defense. Specifically, the program develops, demonstrates, and delivers technologies to mitigate the impact of chemical or biological attacks."


Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
508 Dirksen Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Telephone: (202) 224-1251

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has jurisdiction over science, engineering, and technology research and development and policy, among other subjects. Its Subcommittee on Science and Space and Subcommittee on Technology, Innovation, and Competitiveness facilitate that oversight.


Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
428 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-6300
Telephone: (202) 224-5375

The jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions includes subjects related to biomedical research and development and public health. The Subcommittee on Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness also operates within this committee.


Technical Support Working Group

"The Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) is the U.S. national forum that identifies, prioritizes, and coordinates interagency and international research and development (R&D) requirements for combating terrorism. The TSWG rapidly develops technologies and equipment to meet the high priority needs of the combating terrorism community, and addresses joint international operational requirements through cooperative R&D with major allies."


United States Air Force Counterproliferation Center
Air War College
325 Chennault Circle
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

"The Counterproliferation Center will undertake and direct counterproliferation research and education. This involves assessing nuclear, biological, chemical, and missile (NBC/M) proliferation threats and the means of addressing those threats. This also includes research and education on such topics as appropriate military and diplomatic strategy when confronting NBC/M opponents, active defenses, counterforce capabilities, passive defenses, international nonproliferation diplomacy, nonproliferation and arms control treaty regimes, NBC/M export controls, US and allied force protection measures against weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats, counter-terrorist activities, deterrence of conflicts, and deterrence of escalation of conflicts involving WMD opponents."


United States Army Dugway Proving Ground
West Desert Test Center

U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground
Dugway, Utah 84022-5000

"West Desert Test Center provides quality testing today that will help keep our nation's defense strong for tomorrow. [The Center's] test experts are qualified and eager to support your test needs, from initial planning and test conduct through test evaluation and reporting...The Department of Defense has designated U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) as a major range and testing facility, and the primary chemical and biological defense testing center under the Reliance Program. Testers [at DPG] determine the reliability and survivability of all types of military equipment in a chemical or biological environment."


United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases
Commander
USAMRIID
Attn: MCMR-UIZ-R
1425 Porter Street
Frederick, MD 21702-5011

"The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), located at Fort Detrick, Maryland, conducts basic and applied research on biological threats resulting in medical solutions to protect military service members. USAMRIID, an organization of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command, is the lead medical research laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program. The Institute plays a key role as the only laboratory in the Department of Defense equipped to safely study highly hazardous infectious agents requiring maximum containment at Biosafety Level 4."


United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
Commander
U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense
3100 Ricketts Point Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5400
Telephone: (410) 436-3277

The mission of the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is "to discover and develop medical countermeasures to chemical warfare agents and to train and educate personnel in the medical management of chemical casualties." The goals of USAMRICD include "execut[ing] comprehensive, basic scientific research and use established and emerging technologies that support the transition of products to advanced development" and "develop[ing] education and training capabilities for military, interagency, domestic, and international personnel in the medical management of chemical casualties."

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Contact:  Michael Stebbins (mstebbins@fas.org)
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