Biosecurity Resources

United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences DURC: The United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern. addresses institutional oversight of DURC, which includes policies, practices, and procedures to ensure DURC is identified and risk mitigation measures are implemented, where applicable. Institutional oversight of DURC is the critical component of a comprehensive oversight system because institutions are most familiar with the life sciences research conducted in their facilities and are in the best position to promote and strengthen the responsible conduct and communication of DURC. More information on DURC.

United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences DURC: In February 2013, HHS developed a Framework for Guiding Funding Decisions about Research Proposals with the Potential for Generating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Viruses that are Transmissible among Mammals by Respiratory Droplets to guide funding decisions on proposals for research anticipated to generate HPAI H5N1 viruses that are transmissible by respiratory droplets among mammals. The new Framework outlines a robust review process that takes into account the scientific and public health benefits, the biosafety and biosecurity risks, and the appropriate risk mitigation measures pertinent to the proposed research.

White House National Strategy for Countering Biological Threats: Advances within the life sciences hold extraordinary potential for beneficial progress, but they also can empower those who would use biological agents or toxins for ill purposes. Addressing these unique challenges requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes the importance of reducing threats from outbreaks of infectious diseases whether natural, accidental, or deliberate in nature. This Strategy articulates a vision of shared commitment wherein the United States Government works with domestic and international partners to advance the health security of all people. It recognizes that the life sciences require tailored approaches to mitigate the potential for misuse with minimal impacts on beneficial use and establishes a series of mutually reinforcing activities to address specific threats as they arise.

CDC Laboratory Risk Management Training: This training describes key principles for securing biological agents and toxins in research laboratories and biomedical facilities where loss, theft, release, or intentional misuse of the agent or toxin might have significant public health or economic consequences. This training defines the term biosecurity, delineates differences and similarities between biosafety and biosecurity, and describes components of a laboratory biosecurity program. Successful biosecurity programs should have full support from all levels of management, be site-specific, and be based on an understanding of facility assets and needs. Identifying which agents and infrastructure that need to be protected is an individual organization’s management decision. Biosecurity programs should apply corresponding security measures by using a graded approach to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Department of Defense Biological Safety and Security Program: The Defense Science Board Task Force on the Department of Defense Biological Safety and Security Program issued a report in May 2009 examining the biological safety, security, and personnel reliability programs of DoD’s biological labs in comparison to similar operations in academia, industry, and the federal government. The task force found that the safety and security of the DoD facilities assessed were as good or better than comparably sized government, industry, and academic facilities. However, the task force did make recommendations to further improve security and safety, as the single overarching finding was that a determined adversary cannot be prevented from obtaining very dangerous biological materials intended for nefarious purposes, whether from a DoD laboratory or from another source.

U.S. Department of Defense Manual 6055.18-M: Safety Standards for Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories: This Manual prescribes the technical safety requirements and the requirement of a biological safety plan for all BSL-2 and higher DoD biomedical and biological research settings, microbiology teaching laboratories, veterinary reference laboratories, and nonclinical facilities that use, handle, transport, transfer, store, or dispose of infectious agents and toxins. Enclosure 4 describes in detail the biological safety program that must be in place at DoD laboratories, based on the biosafety level. Enclosure 4 also includes commissioning criteria and laboratory safety inspection checklists. Other enclosures include key biosafety practices, safety equipment, and PPE requirements.