National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC)
Website
http://www.dhs.gov/files/labs/gc_1166211221830.shtmSummary
The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) provides the nation with essential biocontainment laboratory space for biological threat characterization and bioforensic research. The NBACC facility is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology directorate (DHS S&T) and is located within the National Interagency Biodefense Campus at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Construction of the facility has been completed; however accreditation of various elements within the organization is still in progress.
NBACC is comprised of the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), and the Biological Threat Characterization Center (BTCC). NBFAC is the lead federal facility to conduct technical forensic analysis and interpretation of materials recovered following a biological attack in support of the appropriate lead federal agency. BTCC will conduct studies and laboratory experiments to better understand current and future biological threats, assess vulnerabilities, conduct risk assessments, and determine potential impacts in order to guide the development of countermeasures such as detectors, drugs, vaccines, and decontamination technologies to protect the U.S. against these threats.
NBACC is part of a nationwide group of institutions that collectively are referred to as the Homeland Security Biodefense Complex. The Complex includes the Plum Island Animal Disease Control Center, the Biodefense Knowledge Center, the national laboratories, and the university-based Homeland Security Centers of Excellence.
NBACC is operated by the Batelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC.