Replacing Plum Island

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken the next step in the process of planning for a new facility to replace the animal disease research laboratory on Plum Island, N.Y. On Wednesday, DHS published a Notice of Request for Expression of Interest for Potential Sites for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).

The DHS will ultimately compile a short list of sites for analysis as reasonable alternatives to be considered for the construction and operation of the new NBAF. The proposed facility size is approximately 500,000 sq. feet and its site will require a minimum of 30 acres.

DHS is charged with the responsibility of preventing and deterring terrorist attacks, and protecting against and responding to threats and hazards within the United States. These responsibilities, as applied to the defense of human health and animal agriculture are shared with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The NBAF will provide the required new research and development infrastructure to meet the interdependent mission needs of DHS, HHS, and USDA.

Additional information about the NBAF program and opportunities for involvement can be found on the web site at www.dhs.gov/nbaf.