Location: Research Programs
Project Number: 3022-32000-018-066-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2026
End Date: Jul 31, 2027
Objective:
The overall objective of this cooperative agreement is to support the safe, efficient, and sustainable standup of high and maximum containment operations at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) by leveraging the extensive operational experience of the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston National Laboratory (UTMB/GNL). Establishing safe operating procedures, effective training systems, and strong operational governance is essential to bringing NBAF fully online and ensuring that USDA can conduct high-consequence research in a manner that protects personnel, agriculture, public health, and national security.
Objective 1: Strengthen NBAF operational readiness through expert review of policies, SOPs, and laboratory management practices.
UTMB/GNL will provide subject matter expertise to support USDA review of selected laboratory policies, SOPs, training materials, and management practices relevant to high and maximum containment operations. Reviews will focus on identifying opportunities to improve biosafety, biosecurity, operational efficiency, emergency preparedness, workforce competency, infrastructure sustainment, and laboratory governance. Recommendations will be developed to support continuous improvement and help ensure that NBAF procedures are practical, safe, and aligned with accepted best practices across mature containment laboratories.
Objective 2: Support development of a strong training and competency framework for high-consequence containment work.
UTMB/GNL will advise USDA on approaches for training, mentoring, competency assessment, and operational qualification of personnel working in high and maximum containment environments. This may include review of training pathways, proficiency expectations, documentation practices, emergency response training, and mechanisms for sustaining a culture of safety. Emphasis will be placed on helping NBAF build systems that support both initial standup and long-term workforce development.
Objective 3: Establish a collaborative forum for high and maximum containment laboratory leaders.
UTMB/GNL will work with USDA to establish and facilitate a High and Maximum Containment Laboratory Directors Working Group composed of laboratory directors and senior operational leaders from participating institutions. The group will meet regularly to discuss operational challenges, safety culture, workforce development, regulatory and compliance issues, facility sustainment, emergency preparedness, lessons learned, and emerging threats. UTMB/GNL will assist with meeting structure, agenda development, facilitation, and documentation of key outcomes and action items.
Objective 4: Identify shared operational challenges and best practices across the containment laboratory community.UTMB/GNL will design and conduct a survey of high and maximum containment laboratories to assess common operational practices, needs, and challenges. Topics may include organizational structure, staffing and retention, training and competency programs, biosafety and biosecurity practices, facility maintenance, regulatory compliance, emergency response, and infrastructure recapitalization.
Approach:
This project will be implemented through a collaborative, phased approach.
First, USDA and UTMB/GNL will identify priority areas where expert review or operational input would provide the greatest value to NBAF standup, including selected SOPs, policies, training materials, and management practices. UTMB/GNL subject matter experts will review these materials and provide practical recommendations based on experience operating complex high-containment research and response facilities.
Second, UTMB/GNL will support development of a broader training and competency framework by sharing lessons learned from GNL operations, including approaches for onboarding, qualification, refresher training, emergency drills, documentation, and sustaining safe work practices over time. These activities will help NBAF develop durable systems for workforce readiness and operational excellence.
Third, UTMB/GNL and USDA will establish the BSL4 laboratory directors working group and initiate regular virtual meetings, with in-person engagement when feasible. This forum will promote communication, transparency, and peer-to-peer exchange among institutions facing similar operational challenges.
Finally, UTMB/GNL will conduct and analyze a containment laboratory survey and provide USDA with summary findings and executive-level recommendations. The expected outcome is a stronger operational foundation for NBAF, improved access to experienced containment laboratory leadership, and a sustainable community of practice that supports the safe and secure operation of laboratories responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture, public health, and national security.