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.

"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)."

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

"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."

"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."

U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 | Telephone: (202) 647-6575

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."

"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."

Select Agent Program 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS E-79 Atlanta, GA 30333 | Telephone: 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

"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."

Aberdeen Proving Ground - Edgewood Area P.O. Box 196 Gunpowder, MD 21010-0196 | Telephone: (410) 676-9030

"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.

3701 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203-1714 | Telephone: (703) 526-6630

"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."

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

"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."

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

"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."

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

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."

5183 Black Hawk RD Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5424 | Telephone: (410) 436-3610

"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."

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

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."

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

"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."

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

"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."

202 Adams Library of Congress Building Washington, D.C. 20515 | Telephone: (202) 226-8417

"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."

"The Physical and Life Sciences Directorate delivers science that ensures the success of the LLNL's national security programs, anticipates their future needs, and provides innovative solutions to the hardest scientific problems facing the nation.
[The Biosciences and Biotechnology Division] performs research in genome biology, computational biology, molecular toxicology, biochemical structures, assays, genetics, microbial systems, and medical technology. The division works at the intersection of these areas using advances in nanotechnology, imaging, and measurement science."

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 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."

8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20894

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."

"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."

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

"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."

Office of Biotechnology Activities National Institutes of Health 6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 750 Bethesda, MD 20892-7985 | Telephone: (301) 496-9838

"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."

"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."

"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."

Executive Office of the President Washington, DC 20502 | Telephone: (202) 456-7116

"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."

"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."

P.O. Box 848 Greenport, LI Orient Point, NY 11944

"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."

"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."

Sandia National Laboratories 7011 East Avenue Livermore, CA 94550 | Telephone: (925) 294-3306

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.

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.

428 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510-6300 | Telephone: (202) 224-5375

"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."

"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."

Air War College 325 Chennault Circle Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

"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."

"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."

1425 Porter Street Frederick, MD 21702-5011

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."

3100 Ricketts Point Road Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5400 | Telephone: (410) 436-3277