The $250 million contract award includes a 5-year. period of performance, with the potential for five subsequent 1-year extensions, bringing the projected award cost to $500 million.
"Scientific research is fundamental to reducing the high consequences of a biological attack," said Jay M. Cohen, under secretary for Science and Technology. "Our threat picture is ever-changing, and this state-of-the-art center will provide an enduring biodefense capability against the biological threats we face."
The department's Science and Technology (S&T) directorate will oversee the management of the NBACC, a federally funded research and development center. Upon completion in 2008, the NBACC will offer a safe and secure bio-containment laboratory space for biological threat characterizations and bio-forensics analyses.
The facility will comprise roughly 160,000 gross sq. ft. with a staff of approximately 120.
S&T serves as the primary research and development arm of the Department of Homeland Security, focusing America's scientific and technological resources to provide federal, state and local officials with enhanced technologies and capabilities to assist them in protecting and preparing the United States.