About National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center

National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center » About the Facility

The gross space, or entire footprint of the facility, is expected to be about 160,000 square feet. This includes administrative areas, BSL- 2, 3, and 4 laboratory space, air-handling equipment space, security controls, and other supporting features. NBACC expects to employ 120 researchers and support staff.

NBACC Interim Capability

An interim capability for the NBFAC has been established in partnership with the FBI and the U.S. Army at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). The BTCC supports risk assessment and threat characterization research in other established government and nongovernmental laboratories, including USAMRIID.

The permanent NBACC facility will be located at Fort Detrick, Maryland once construction is completed in 2008.

Safety Measures

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center will employ state-of-the-art biosafety procedures and equipment to prevent biological material from escaping into the environment. Rigorous safeguards protect those who work in the laboratory and the surrounding community.

Once construction is complete, the NBACC facility will feature proven safeguards, applying time-tested rigorous design standards, special safety equipment, and exacting operating procedures to govern all research.

These standards, equipment, and procedures have been demonstrated to provide the highest level of safety in existing laboratories elsewhere at Fort Detrick and throughout the United States.

The security of the NBACC facility will be safeguarded through strict control access at all times for those working in the laboratory facility. To gain access to select agents, individuals must complete an in-depth background investigation and demonstrate competency in safety and security equipment and procedures, in accordance with both Department of Homeland Security regulations and federal law.

By locating the NBACC facility at Fort Detrick, the Department leverages the security provided by the U.S. Army military garrison with biocontainment-specific capabilities to create a controlled, secure environment.