## Department Of Defense Instruction

NUMBER 6440.03 NUMBER 6440.03
June 10, 2011 June 10, 2011

USD(P&R) USD(P&R) SUBJECT: DoD Laboratory Network (DLN) SUBJECT: DoD Laboratory Network (DLN)
References: See Enclosure 1 References: See Enclosure 1 1.  PURPOSE
1.  PURPOSE.  This Instruction:
a.  Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, provides instructions, and introduces a forum that allows DoD laboratories, programs, and activities with analytic or response capabilities to coordinate execution, develop consensus, and make recommendations governing the detection; identification, characterization, and diagnosis; and reporting of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents; infectious diseases; and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance in support of the DoD's global and homeland defense missions in accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5111.1 (Reference (a)), DoDD 5124.02 (Reference (b)), and DoDD 5134.01 (Reference (c)), and DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5025.01 (Reference (d)).

b.  Implements the DLN charter at Enclosure 2.

2.  APPLICABILITY.  This Instruction applies to OSD, the Military Departments (including the Coast Guard at all times, including when it is a Service in the Department of Homeland Security by agreement with that Department), the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the DoD, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (hereafter referred to collectively as "the DoD Components"). 3.  POLICY.  It is DoD policy that:
a.  A coordinated and operational system of DoD laboratories, programs, and activities possessing analytic or response capabilities shall be established and maintained to provide timely, high-quality, actionable results for early detection, confirmation, response, and effective consequence management of acts of terrorism or warfare involving CBRN agents; infectious disease outbreaks; and other all-hazards agent events requiring a DoD integrated incident response.  The system of laboratories, programs, and activities shall ensure, via the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process, as specified in Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 3170.01G (Reference (e)), and doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF)
analyses, a clear delineation of current and needed capabilities; improve data collection and query or interrogation, analysis and interpretation, fusion, and information sharing; harmonize, validate, and enhance quality assurance and quality control of laboratory protocols, methods, and materials; standardize the data elements used, by test methodology, for reporting results and result notification schemes; and provide a unified DoD position on related issues external to the DoD.

b.  The DLN shall function as an active member network of the Federal interagency Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks (ICLN) and its Network Coordinating Group (NCG) in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement (Reference (f)) and the Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks Charge and Charter (Reference (g)).  Individual DLN
member laboratories may also serve as members of any of the individual laboratory networks comprising the ICLN.  DoD laboratories or activities with analytic or response capabilities regarding CBRN agents, infectious diseases, and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance shall provide Defense Support of Civil Authorities on a fully reimbursable basis, when resources are available and approved by the Secretary of Defense, in accordance with DoDD 3025.1 (Reference (h)); as depicted for the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) in DoDI 6200.03 (Reference (i)); future interagency agreements; section 5121-5206 of title 42, United States Code (U.S.C.) (also known as "The Stafford Act," as amended) (Reference (j)); or section 1535 of title 31, U.S.C. (also known as "The Economy Act") (Reference (k)).

c.  The report standardization and data tagging, sharing, searching, retrieving, and networking aspects of the DLN shall be developed in accordance with DoDD 8320.02 (Reference (l)) and DoD 8320.02G (Reference (m)).  The information technology systems and services that will support the operation of the DLN shall be developed, tested, and certified in accordance with DoDD 4630.05 (Reference (n)) and DoDI 4630.8 (Reference (o)).

4.  RESPONSIBILITIES.  See Enclosure 3. 5.  RELEASABILITY.  UNLIMITED.  This Instruction is approved for public release and is available on the Internet from the DoD Issuances Website at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.


6.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Instruction is effective upon its publication to the DoD Issuances Website. Enclosures
1.  References


2.  DLN Charter

3.  Responsibilities
Glossary

## Enclosure 1 References

 (a) DoD Directive 5111.1, "Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)),"
December 8, 1999

(b) DoD Directive 5124.02, "Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
USD(P&R))," June 23, 2008
(c) DoD Directive 5134.01, "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and
Logistics (USD(AT&L))," December 9, 2005
(d) DoD Instruction 5025.01, "DoD Directives Program," October 28, 2007 (e) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction 3170.01G, "Joint Capabilities Integration
and Development System," March 1, 2009
(f)
Interagency Memorandum of Agreement for an Integrated Consortium of Laboratory
Networks (ICLN), June 6, 20051
(g) Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks Charge and Charter, January 9, 20092
(h) DoD Directive 3025.1, "Military Support to Civil Authorities (MSCA)," January 15, 1993 (i)
DoD Instruction 6200.03, "Public Health Emergency Management Within the Department
of Defense," March 5, 2010
(j)
Section 5121-5206 of title 42, United States Code (also known as "The Stafford Act," as
amended)
(k) Section 1535 of title 31, United States Code (also known as "The Economy Act") (l)
DoD Directive 8320.02, "Data Sharing in a Net-Centric Department of Defense,"
December 2, 2004
(m) DoD 8320.02-G, "Guidance for Implementing Net-Centric Data Sharing," April 12, 2006 (n) DoD Directive 4630.05, "Interoperability and Supportability of Information Technology
(IT) and National Security Systems (NSS)," May 5, 2004
(o) DoD Instruction 4630.8, "Procedures for Interoperability and Supportability of Information
Technology (IT) and National Security Systems (NSS)," June 30, 2004



## Enclosure 2 Dln Charter



1.  PROPONENTS
a.  The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA)).

b.  The Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs (ATSD(NCB)).

c.  The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs
(ASD(HD&ASA)).

2.  PURPOSE.  This charter establishes the forum wherein member DoD laboratories, programs, and activities with analytic or response capabilities will coordinate policy, develop consensus, and make recommendations governing the detection; identification, characterization, and diagnosis; and reporting of CBRN agents; infectious diseases; and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance in support of the DoD's global and homeland defense missions. The DLN shall ensure, via the JCIDS process and DOTMLPF analyses, a clear delineation of current and needed capabilities; improve data collection and query or interrogation, analysis and interpretation, fusion, and information sharing; harmonize, validate, and enhance quality assurance and quality control of laboratory protocols, methods, and materials; standardize the data elements used, by test methodology, for reporting results and result notification schemes;
and provide a unified DoD position on related issues external to the Department.  The DLN shall function as an active member network of the ICLN and its NCG.

3.  BACKGROUND


a.  Program, Project, or Service Description.  The DoD has a substantial detection, diagnostic, analysis, and reporting capability for CBRN agents; infectious diseases; and other allhazards agents of military or national significance.  For certain agents, the DoD constitutes the only national resource to accomplish these tasks.  In addition, the DoD has a substantial detection, diagnostic, analysis, and reporting capability for emerging infectious diseases.  These DoD capabilities will benefit from the coordination and integration provided by the DLN. Establishment of the DLN will provide the mechanism for enhancing intra- and inter-agency collaboration.

b.  Organizational Interfaces.  The DoD is a signatory of Reference (f) and the DLN will participate as a member network of the ICLN.  Participation in the DLN does not supersede the relationships, roles, responsibilities, and obligations of DoD laboratories that are members of any of the individual laboratory networks comprising the ICLN.  The ATSD(NCB) or designee serves as the DoD representative to the ICLN's Joint Leadership Council (JLC).  The ATSD(NCB) and ASD(HA) or designee(s) represent the DoD on the ICLN's NCG.  All DoD
Components may participate in other ICLN working groups.

c.  DLN Funding

(1)  Administrative Costs.  Costs for organizational and administrative support will be provided by the proponents.


(2)  Network Member Funding.  Funding for laboratories, programs, and activities will continue through each participant's established line of funding.  Additional funding for new obligations or taskings placed on the members will be provided, as appropriate or available.

4.  MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION.  Each DoD Component that has laboratories, programs, and activities listed in the Appendix to this enclosure shall designate a representative to serve on the DLN.  Representatives from the Office of the ASD(HA) and the Office of the ATSD(NCB)
will co-chair the DLN and provide oversight of the network.  The DLN shall ascertain all DoD laboratories, programs, and activities that will constitute the DLN.  The charter proponents will be the final approving and certifying authorities for changes to the DLN membership.  The charter proponents may update the Appendix to this enclosure as needed by mutual agreement, without formally amending this charter, subject to the requirements of Reference (d).

5.  DLN MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES.  The DLN shall consist of the co-chairs and members identified in the Appendix to this enclosure.  Each member shall be empowered to represent his or her respective constituency and subcomponent with respect to policies, programs, and funding.  Sub-committees may be established as needed.  Member representatives shall be at the commander or commanding officer, director, or senior action officer level.  The charter proponent(s) shall establish a full-time equivalent U.S. Government (USG) position to serve as the network Executive Secretary.  The Executive Secretary shall oversee administration and management of the DLN; attend all ICLN-related meetings; and serve as the DoD Liaison (Gatekeeper) for the LRN. 6.  MEETINGS.  At a minimum, meetings will occur quarterly and minutes will be prepared by the Executive Secretary and approved by the DLN membership.  The approved minutes will be distributed within 2 business weeks from the date of the meeting to all DLN members and representatives.  In the event that a member representative is unable to attend, an alternate may be identified in order to attend, or a proxy identified.  Meeting agendas shall be developed by the co-chairs with input from the members.  Attendance by non-DoD USG employees at meetings may be permitted by the co-chairs.

7.  MEMBERSHIP EMPOWERMENT BOUNDARIES PRINCIPLES
a.  All members of the DLN must be part of the DoD.  All member laboratories, programs, and activities shall adhere to established policies of safety, security, and surety (as applicable)
and shall use quality-controlled, standardized and validated or equivalent protocols and assays, test kits, and reagents.

b.  All member laboratories, programs, and activities shall comply with DLN reporting processes, and shall:

(1)  Ensure secure communications are available for protected information (e.g., personally identifiable information, protected health information, sensitive but unclassified information, classified or operational information).


(2)  Promote integrated data management.



(3)  Abide by the guidelines set forth in this charter.

c.  Member laboratories, programs, or activities must achieve and maintain appropriate certification or accreditation as directed by their DoD Component.  As directed by these certification or accreditation agencies and organizations (or the DoD Component when certification or accreditation is not available or appropriate), the member shall demonstrate required capabilities and capacities and meet established quality and performance standards before being approved for membership in the DLN.  Laboratory, program, or activity participation in the DLN is not automatic.  Laboratories, programs, or activities not listed in the Appendix to this enclosure, but desiring to become a network member, must submit a memorandum requesting membership to the Executive Secretary.  The memorandum shall list the requestor's analytic or response capabilities and any additional information that would attest to the requestor's suitability for network membership.  The DLN Executive Secretary will submit the request to the network members for their consideration and concur or non-concur recommendations.  The Executive Secretary will provide a summary of the concur and nonconcur responses received from the network members to the DLN co-chairs or their designees. Acceptance or rejection of the request for membership will be decided in accordance with this charter and the DLN's self-governance rules.  The charter proponents are the final approving and certifying authorities for DLN membership; self-designation as a member of, or representative to, the DLN is not allowed.

d.  Representation of any matters pertaining to the DLN shall be conducted by the DLN cochairs or their designees.

8.  DLN DELIVERABLES AND GOALS.  The DLN shall:
a.  Recommend to the charter proponents a mechanism for self-governance and consensus building.


b.  Generate a comprehensive inventory of the DoD's detection; testing; analysis;
identification, characterization, and diagnosis; and result reporting capabilities for CBRN agents;
infectious diseases; and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance.


c.  Review and identify priority issues on an ongoing basis to the charter proponents, with recommendation of solutions requiring policy review and resourcing.  Development of new CBRN detection and identification capabilities will be coordinated with the Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JRO-CBRN Defense), J-8, Joint Staff, and will be processed in accordance with Reference (e).

d.  Provide data, reports, and consultation to DoD officials and, as appropriate, other Federal officials regarding laboratory detection; testing; analysis; identification, characterization, and diagnosis; and result reporting prior to, during, and after CBRN and all-hazards incidents of national and military significance.

e.  Generate an annual report and briefing to be used as a guide for DoD program and budget officials that will assist them in prioritizing resources and initiatives.

f.  Serve as the advocate for the DoD and its components within the ICLN and its member networks.

g.  Ensure continued participation in the ICLN and its NCG and working groups.

9.  DURATION OF THE CHARTER.  This charter and its appendix may be revised and reissued as determined by the proponents based upon the recommendation of the DLN membership.

## Appendix To Enclosure 2 Dln Members

(in alphabetical order under major organizational headings)
1.  OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
a.  Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.  Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs (Co-Chair).

b.  Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.  Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (Co-Chair).


(1)  Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute



(2)  DoD Center for Clinical Laboratory Medicine


(3)  Tri-Service Laboratory Sub-Group of the Joint Environmental Surveillance Working Group c.  Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

(1)  Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Security Affairs (ASD(GSA))

(2)  Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas'
Security Affairs
2.  CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF AND JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF


a.  JRO-CBRN Defense, J-8


b.  Health Services Support Division, J-4
3.  COMBATANT COMMANDS
a.  United States Africa Command


b.  United States Central Command
c.  United States European Command
d.  United States Northern Command
e.  United States Pacific Command
f.  United States Southern Command


g.  United States Special Operations Command
h.  United States Strategic Command
i.  United States Transportation Command

## 4.  Military Departments - Services A.  Air Force



(1)  Air Force Research Laboratory.  Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine.

(2)  Air Force Surgeon General.  Represented by:


(a)  Air Force Medical Operations Agency


(b)  Air Force Medical Support Agency/Homeland Medical Plans Division


(c)  Chief Consultant for Medical Laboratory to the Air Force Surgeon General

(3)  Air Force Technical Applications Center

(4)  Air Force LRN Gatekeeper
b.  Army

(1)  Army Surgeon General.  Represented by:


(a)  Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center


(b)  DoD Veterinary Services Activity


(c)  Clinical Laboratory Sciences/Microbiology/Biochemistry and Physiology Consultants to the Army Surgeon General


(d)  United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command



1.  United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases


2.  United States Army Research Institute of Chemical Defense, U.S. Army
Center for Environmental Health Research


3.  Walter Reed Army Institute of Research


(e)  United States Army Public Health Command (Provisional)


1.  Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance


2.  Directorate of Laboratory Sciences

(2)  Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense

(3)  National Guard Bureau, Civil Support Team Program Office

(4)  Army LRN Gatekeeper

(5)  United States Army Forces Command


(a)  44th Medical Brigade, 1st or 9th Area Medical Laboratory (as designated by the Commander, 44th Medical Brigade)


(b)  20th Support Command, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Highyield Explosives Analytical and Remediation Activity

(6)  United States Army Research, Development and Engineering Command



(a)  Army Research Laboratory


(b)  Edgewood Chemical Biological Center


(c)  Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center

c.  Coast Guard.  Representative of the Coast Guard Director, Health, Safety, and Work-Life.



d.  Navy

(1)  Fleet Forces Command


(2)  Naval Sea Systems Command

(3)  Navy Surgeon General.  Represented by:


(a)  Specialty Leaders for Navy Medical Technology/Microbiology/Biochemistry to
the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery


(b)  Navy Medicine Support Command


1.  Naval Medical Research Center


2.  Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit-2, -5, or -6 (as designated by the Commander, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center)

(4)  Office of Naval Research.  Naval Research Laboratory.



(5)  Navy LRN Gatekeeper
e.  Marine Corps

(1)  II Marine Expeditionary Forces - Chemical Biological Incident Response Force

(2)  CBRN Branch Head, Force Protection Integration Division, Marine Corps Combat
Development Command 5.  DEFENSE AGENCIES
a.  Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
b.  Defense Intelligence Agency
c.  Defense Threat Reduction Agency
d.  Pentagon Force Protection Agency


## Enclosure 3 Responsibilities

1.  ASD(HA).  The ASD(HA), under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall:
a.  Represent the DoD on the ICLN's NCG.

b.  Serve as co-chair for the DLN as described in Enclosure 2.

c.  Ensure appropriate collaboration and coordination among DoD Components for support of the ICLN.

d.  Provide DoD medical and public health guidance and expertise relating to DoD
laboratories, programs, and activities.

e.  Ensure input regarding the capabilities-based assessments conducted by the Secretaries of the Military Departments or the Joint Staff relating to medical CBRN defense strategies, infectious diseases, and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance is provided, as requested.

2.  ATSD(NCB).  The ATSD(NCB), under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, shall:
a.  Serve as the DoD representative to the ICLN's JLC.


b.  Represent the DoD on the ICLN's NCG.

c.  Serve as co-chair for the DLN as described in Enclosure 2.

d.  Ensure appropriate collaboration and coordination among DoD Components for support of the ICLN.

e.  Ensure input regarding the capabilities-based assessments conducted by the Secretaries of the Military Departments or the Joint Staff relating to medical CBRN defense strategies, infectious diseases, and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance is provided, as requested.

f.  Provide acquisition, technology, and logistics expertise on CBRN matters relating to DoD
laboratories, programs, and activities.

3.  ASD(HD&ASA).  The ASD(HD&ASA), under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shall:
a.  Ensure appropriate collaboration and coordination among DoD Components for support of the ICLN.

b.  Provide guidance and expertise to DoD laboratories, programs, and activities regarding DoD missions relating to homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

c.  Obtain Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy coordination and input to ICLN policies and standard operating procedures from the ASD(GSA) and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities.



4.  ASD(GSA).  The ASD(GSA), under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shall:
a.  Ensure the alignment of laboratory activities with DoD and other applicable Federal policies for all-hazards agents of military or national significance, including CBRN.

b.  Provide DoD global security guidance and expertise relating to DoD laboratories, programs, and activities.

5.  SECRETARIES OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.  The Secretaries of the Military Departments shall:
a.  Provide representatives to the DLN as described in Enclosure 2.

b.  Coordinate establishment, sustainment, and deployment of laboratories, programs, and analytic capabilities.

c.  Conduct appropriate capabilities-based assessments of laboratories, programs, or activities within the DoD with analytic or response capabilities related to CBRN agents, infectious diseases, and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance, as needed.

d.  Identify all individual laboratories, programs, or activities (including deployable or mobile laboratories) with analytic or response capabilities related to CBRN agents, infectious diseases, and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance within the respective Military Department and provide a listing of these laboratories, programs, or activities to the DLN.

e.  Ensure that the development of new CBRN detection and identification capabilities are coordinated with the JRO-CBRN Defense and processed in accordance with Reference (e).


6.  CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF.  The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall:

a.  Provide representatives to the DLN as described in Enclosure 2.

b.  Ensure operational input is provided regarding integration of DLN laboratories, programs, or activities, as needed.

c.  Conduct appropriate capabilities-based assessments of laboratories, programs, or activities
(including deployable or mobile laboratories) within the DoD with analytic or response capabilities related to CBRN agents, infectious diseases, and other all-hazards agents of military or national significance, as needed.


d.  Ensure that the development of new CBRN detection and identification capabilities are coordinated and processed in accordance with Reference (e).

7.  COMMANDERS OF THE COMBATANT COMMANDS.  The Commanders of the Combatant Commands, through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as appropriate, shall:
a.  Provide representatives to the DLN as described in Enclosure 2.

b.  Provide JCIDS-validated operational requirements for DoD laboratories, programs, and activities.

c.  Ensure laboratories, programs, or activities (including deployable or mobile laboratories)
with analytic or response capabilities related to CBRN agents, infectious diseases, and other allhazards agents of military or national significance are incorporated into operational plans.

d.  Ensure that the development of new CBRN detection and identification capabilities are coordinated with the JRO-CBRN Defense and processed in accordance with Reference (e).

## Glossary Part I.  Abbreviations And Acronyms

| ASD(GSA)                                                                      | Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Security Affairs            |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ASD(HA)                                                                       | Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs                     |
| ASD(HD&ASA) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' |                                                                       |
| Security Affairs                                                              |                                                                       |
| ATSD(NCB)                                                                     | Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and    |
| Biological Defense Programs                                                   |                                                                       |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |
| CBRN                                                                          | chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear                       |
| CJCSI                                                                         | Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction                     |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |
| DLN                                                                           | Department of Defense Laboratory Network                              |
| DoDD                                                                          | DoD Directive                                                         |
| DoDI                                                                          | DoD Instruction                                                       |
| DOTMLPF                                                                       | doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, |
| personnel, and facilities                                                     |                                                                       |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |
| ICLN                                                                          | Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks                          |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |
| JCIDS                                                                         | Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System                 |
| JLC                                                                           | Joint Leadership Council                                              |
| JRO                                                                           | Joint Requirements Office                                             |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |
| LRN                                                                           | Laboratory Response Network                                           |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |
| NCG                                                                           | Network Coordinating Group                                            |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |
| USG                                                                           | U.S. Government                                                       |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |
|                                                                               |                                                                       |

## Part Ii.  Definitions


These terms and their definitions are for the purposes of this Instruction.


infectious diseases.  Naturally occurring - well characterized or emerging.


ICLN  A coordinated and operational system of Federal department or agency-sponsored laboratory networks that provide timely, high quality, and interpretable results for early detection and effective consequence management of acts of terrorism and other events requiring an integrated laboratory response.

ICLN JLC.  A group composed of one senior policy member from each Federal department or agency participating in the ICLN.  The JLC provides advice to senior Federal government officials with the objective of ensuring that the appropriate strategy and funding are in place for effective laboratory testing for detection and response to health and national security emergencies.  The JLC, per memorandum of agreement, is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security representative to the JLC and is supported by the Executive Secretariat.


ICLN NCG.  The NCG is under the direction of the JLC and is a group composed of senior technical and program representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, DoD, Department of Justice, Department of State, and each network represented in the ICLN.  The NCG develops and proposes policies and procedures and helps carry out the operations of the ICLN through a close and formal working relationship among the operational leadership of the individual networks and other involved parties.  The NCG, per memorandum of agreement, is chaired by a Department of Homeland Security representative.  The NCG is supported by the Executive Secretariat and receives input from technical working groups.

LRN.  A diverse national and international laboratory network of local, State, and Federal public health, hospital-based, food testing, veterinary and environmental testing laboratories that provide rapid detection assays and laboratory diagnostics and the capacity to respond to biological and chemical terrorism and other public health emergencies.  The LRN is a reciprocal multi-agency collaboration and partnership involving key stakeholders in the preparation and response to biological and chemical terrorism.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the DoD, and the Association of Public Health Laboratories are its founding partners.  The mission of the LRN and its partners is to maintain an integrated national and international network of laboratories that are fully equipped to respond quickly to acts of chemical or biological terrorism, emerging infectious diseases, and other public health threats and emergencies.