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Countering Biological
Threats

 

 

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Contact
biothreats@sandia.gov

CBT Factsheet (pdf)


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Revolutionary advances in the biological sciences are fundamentally altering our ability to affect a wide variety of life systems – from disease to energy to food supplies. The same advances in recent years that have produced new therapeutics and improved the health of communities around the world have also increased the threat of accidental and malicious use of life sciences to harm people, livestock, and other critical resources.

With the release of the National Strategy for Countering Biological Threats, the principles used by U.S. government agencies to confront biological threats have expanded from an emphasis on preparing to respond to a crisis to embracing efforts to reduce the chance that a crisis could ever occur.

Aligned with the national strategy, our Countering Biological Threats programs provide the science, technology, and technical policy solutions for confronting on a global scale the entire lifecycle of a biological threat – from awareness to prevention, preparedness to detection, and response to recovery. Our combination of worldwide partnerships, industry leadership, research capabilities, and proven methodologies supports a range of national security initiatives to protect and prepare communities that are facing an increasingly complex biological threat environment.

Capabilities:

Our multidisciplinary approach expands and deepens the knowledge base, solution set, and strategic vision for confronting the broad spectrum of biological threats, including emerging and reemerging disease; accidental discovery, manipulation, and release of disease; and criminal and terrorist use of biological agents. Our comprehensive and integrated set of capabilities and programs confront biological threats at every stage of the threat lifecycle.

Awareness and Prevention

Systems Analysis
Building and using analytical models and simulation tools to develop operational and response plans, assess and analyze risk and vulnerabilities, and anticipate future threats and needs.

Global Engagement
Engaging scientific communities globally to promote responsible use and handling of biological materials, technologies, and expertise, as well as advance beneficial life sciences pursuits.

Preparedness and Detection

Environmental Sensors and Systems
Designing next-generation screening tools, human diagnostics, and support systems and methods that help authorities identify biological threats.

Biological Countermeasures
Probing pathogen behavior and producing presymptomatic diagnostic profiles that could trigger the earlier deployment of resources, therapeutics, and protective measures to communities affected by disease.

Response and Recovery

Forensics
Combining state-of-the-art imaging technologies, biological research, and national security insights to help law enforcement and public health responders understand the biological threat spectrum.

Consequence Management
Developing operational models and supportive environments so government planners, protective forces, and emergency response personnel can use new technologies when responding to threat scenarios.

RecoveryDecontamination and Restoration
Integrating science-based solutions and operational plans and processes to minimize casualties and speed the cleanup and recovery of communities in the wake of a major disease-driven event.

Web site contact: biothreats@sandia.gov