The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate released a request for information seeking capabilities for scientific support for the S&T Food, Agriculture and Veterinary Defense Program, including laboratory and vivarium space, IT infrastructure, as well as subject matter expertise. DHS recently established the Office of Health Security to refocus department efforts on human and agriculture security.

"DHS is invested in the agro-defense mission's success. S&T's Plum Island Animal Disease Center will continue to support the science necessary to stay ahead of the curve and address transboundary animal diseases to protect U.S. agriculture," said Tod Companion, executive advisor to the S&T FAV-D program. "We will continue to coordinate our efforts in human and agricultural security as the PIADC transitions to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility."

PIADC, located in Orient Point, New York, is currently the primary resource for DHS in executing research, development, testing and evaluation on transboundary animal diseases. That facility will cease operations once its function transitions to the NBAF in Manhattan, Kansas, which will be owned and operated by the USDA.

S&T Office of National Laboratories is seeking organizations capable of providing expertise and laboratory RDT&E capabilities to leverage against current or emerging transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases, high consequence plant/crop diseases, agricultural pests or technologies which may harm the U.S. agriculture industry. This RFI is issued solely for market research, information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a request for proposal or any commitment or intent to issue a contract or further solicitations.

Interested parties should describe capabilities relevant to program areas involving current, new, emerging or transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases, plant diseases, pathogens or pests and highlight:

For more information on the RFI, which closes at 4 p.m. on Sept 9, visit the website.

Source: Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.