United States Government Accountability Office

Washington, DC 20548 

February 22, 2007 

The Honorable Bart Gordon 

Chairman 

Committee on Science and Technology 

House of Representatives 

Subject: Biological Research Laboratories: Issues Associated with the Expansion of 

Laboratories Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Dear Mr. Chairman: 

The fall 2001 anthrax attacks revealed gaps in the nation’s preparedness for public health 

emergencies resulting from bioterrorism. Among the tools needed for responding to such 

emergencies are vaccines to prevent the spread of disease; tests for rapid diagnosis; and 

therapeutics, including drugs, for treatment. Because the pathogens that could be used in 

bioterrorist attacks carry the risk of significant morbidity or are potentially lethal, biological 

research aimed at providing the tools needed to combat these agents is required to be

conducted in facilities known as biocontainment laboratories. These facilities are to be 

designed, constructed, and operated in a manner to prevent accidental release of infectious 

or hazardous agents within the laboratory and to protect laboratory workers and the 

environment external to the laboratory, including the community, from exposure to these 

research materials. 

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is the primary institute at 

the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) National Institutes of Health (NIH) 

that is responsible for research on pathogens that could be used in a bioterrorist attack and 

for research on emerging infectious disease pathogens.1

 The Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) is also responsible for research on such pathogens. Following the anthrax 

attacks, NIAID expanded its research program to emphasize biodefense research. In 

February 2002, it issued the NIAID Strategic Plan for Biodefense Research, which outlined a 

need for research aimed at the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics and 

construction of additional biocontainment laboratories in which to conduct the research.2

According to NIH, a shortage of high-level biocontainment laboratories exists. 

 1

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases conducts research to develop

vaccines and diagnostics to protect servicemembers from biological threats.

2

Other biocontainment laboratories already exist in the United States. These laboratories are located at 

federal facilities and universities and in the private sector and are used to conduct biomedical

research. 

GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
In response to the Strategic Plan, NIAID established the National Biocontainment Laboratory 

(NBL) and Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) construction programs. The overall 

objective of the NBL construction program is to provide funding to design and construct 

state-of-the-art biosafety level (BSL) 4, 3, and 2 laboratories, including associated research 

and administrative support space, and the objective of the RBL construction program is to 

provide similar facilities containing BSL-3 and -2 laboratories.3 HHS’s guidelines, entitled

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL),

4

 specify four BSLs, 

which consist of combinations of laboratory practices and techniques, safety equipment, and 

facilities that are recommended for laboratories that conduct research on potentially 

dangerous pathogens and toxins, with BSL-4 being the highest level.5

 In fiscal year 2003,

NIAID awarded funding to two universities to construct NBLs and to nine universities to 

construct RBLs, and in fiscal year 2005, NIAID awarded funding to four more universities to 

construct RBLs. As of January 2007, the NBLs and RBLs are at various stages of design and 

construction and are not yet operational.6

Because the deliberate or accidental release of biological pathogens from a biocontainment 

laboratory could have disastrous consequences, concerns exist about the oversight of these 

laboratories. This report responds to your November 30, 2005, request that we provide 

information associated with the construction of NBLs and RBLs funded by NIAID in fiscal 

years 2003 and 2005. Your questions covered requirements and guidance for these 

laboratories, funding award factors, communication with the public, and research agendas. 

Enclosure I provides background information for these questions and our answers to the 

questions, enclosure II provides lists of infectious agents with the potential to be used in

bioterrorism, and enclosure III provides examples of regulations and guidelines applicable to 

NBL and RBL operations and security procedures. 

To address these issues, we reviewed federal laws, regulations, and guidelines for these 

facilities. However, we could not examine laboratory operational activities, such as facility 

inspections, employee investigations, and research oversight because none of the NBLs and 

RBLs are operational. We also reviewed certain related state and local requirements. We 

interviewed NIH, NIAID, and CDC officials and local government representatives of some of 

the localities where the NBLs and RBLs are being built about the planned oversight of the 

new laboratories. We conducted site visits at the two universities where the NBLs are being 

built and at four universities where RBLs are being built and conducted a telephone 

conference with officials from a fifth university where an RBL is being built. We also

interviewed NIAID officials regarding the NBL and RBL award process. We conducted our 

 3

NIAID awarded funding for up to 75 percent of the cost of the project. 

4

Department of Health and Human Services, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical 

Laboratories, 4th ed. (Washington, D.C.: May 1999). 

5

According to the BMBL guidelines, BSL-1 laboratories house pathogens and toxins that do not 

consistently cause disease in healthy adult humans. BSL-2 laboratories are capable of housing 

pathogens and toxins that are spread through puncture, absorption through mucous membranes, or

ingestion of infectious materials. BSL-3 laboratories are capable of housing pathogens and toxins that 

have a potential for aerosol transmission and that may cause serious and potentially lethal infection. 

BSL-4 laboratories are capable of housing pathogens and toxins that pose a high individual risk of lifethreatening disease, which may be aerosol transmitted and for which there is no available vaccine or

therapy. 

6

Construction is complete on only one of the RBLs. 

2 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
review from December 2005 through January 2007 in accordance with generally accepted 

government auditing standards. We provided a draft of this report to HHS for comment. The 

department provided technical comments, which we incorporated as appropriate. 

- - - - - 

We are sending copies of this report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other 

interested parties. We will also make copies available to others on request. In addition, the 

report will be available at no charge on GAO’s Web site at http://www.gao.gov. 

If you or your staff have any questions about this report, please contact me at (202) 512-7101 

or bascettac@gao.gov. Contact points for our Offices of Congressional Relations and Public 

Affairs may be found on the last page of this report. Other key contributors to this report 

were Michael T. Blair, Jr., Assistant Director; Lesia Mandzia; Roseanne Price; and Shannon 

Slawter. 

Sincerely yours, 

Cynthia A. Bascetta 

Director, Health Care 

3 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

Background and Response to the Request Letter Questions 

Background 

The administration and the Congress responded to the 2001 terrorist attacks by increasing 

funding for biodefense preparedness and research. The National Institute of Allergy and 

Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has allocated its increased biodefense research funding to 

developing vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics against a range of bioterrorist threats. 

NIAID identified certain pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, that could be used in a 

bioterrorist attack and placed them into three categories—A, B, and C—depending on how 

easily they could be spread and the severity of illness or extent of death they could cause.7

NIAID’s categorization is used for setting research priorities. In February 2002, the National 

Institutes of Health (NIH) convened the Blue Ribbon Panel on Bioterrorism and Its 

Implications for Biomedical Research. Incorporating advice from the Blue Ribbon Panel, 

NIAID developed three key documents to guide its biodefense research program: 

• The NIAID Strategic Plan for Biodefense Research outlines plans for addressing research 

needs in the broad area of bioterrorism and emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and 

for constructing appropriate biocontainment laboratories in which to do the research. 

• The NIAID Biodefense Research Agenda for CDC Category A Agents provides priorities and 

goals for research on Category A agents, also known as Category A priority pathogens, which 

cause diseases that include anthrax, smallpox, plague, botulism, tularemia, and viral

hemorrhagic fevers. Category A agents are easily transmitted and would cause high mortality 

and social disruption, require special public health preparedness, and present the greatest 

bioterrorism danger. 

• The NIAID Biodefense Research Agenda for Category B and C Priority Pathogens provides 

priorities and goals for research on Category B and C priority pathogens, also known as 

Category B and C agents. Category B agents, such as hepatitis A virus and salmonella, are 

easily transmitted, but they would result in lower mortality than Category A agents, and 

present the second greatest danger to the public. Category C agents, such as Crimean-Congo 

hemorrhagic fever virus and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, are emerging pathogens that in 

the future might present a danger of potentially high rates of morbidity if they become readily

available and easy to produce. 

According to NIH, although many U.S. institutions and companies with infectious disease 

research programs have the biosafety level (BSL) 3 laboratories needed to perform their 

research, most such laboratories are small, dedicated to particular uses, or in need of

modernization. In addition, NIH reported that as of May 2006 there were only four 

operational BSL-4 laboratories in the United States. One component of NIAID’s Strategic 

Plan is to provide increased capacity through the construction of biocontainment facilities in 

which to conduct research on potentially dangerous pathogens safely and securely. As table 1 

shows, in fiscal year 2003, NIAID awarded funding to two universities to construct National 

Biocontainment Laboratories (NBL) that will provide additional capacity for research at 

BSL-4, -3, and -2, and nine universities to construct Regional Biocontainment Laboratories 

(RBL) that will provide additional capacity for research at BSL-3 and -2. In addition, in fiscal 

7

NIAID’s Category A, B, and C Priority Pathogens list is based on the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention Biological Diseases/Agents List that identifies agents that could have a significant public

health impact on the U.S. population.

4 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories 
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

year 2005, NIAID awarded funding to four more universities to construct RBLs that will 

include BSL-3 and -2 laboratories. 

Table 1: Summary of NIAID’s NBL and RBL Awards and Projected Completion Dates 

Number of awards by

fiscal year Projected construction completion datesa

Type of 

award

Total number 

of awards 

Fiscal 

year 2003

Fiscal 

year 2005

Calendar 

year 2007

Calendar 

year 2008 

Calendar 

year 2009

Calendar 

year 2010

NBL 2 2 0 0 2 0 0

RBL 13 9 4 3 6 2 1

Total 15 11 4 3 8 2 1

Source: NIAID. 

Note: NBL and RBL awards were not provided in fiscal years 2004 or 2006. NIAID does not intend to make any additional NBL 

or RBL awards. 

a

Construction was completed at one RBL in 2006.

The NBLs and RBLs were funded to support NIAID’s biodefense research agendas for 

Category A, B, and C priority pathogens. A number of the Category A, B, and C priority 

pathogens have also been designated by the Department of Health and Human Services’ 

(HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of 

Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) as select agents. 

(Enc. II contains a list of NIAID’s Category A, B, and C priority pathogens and indicates 

whether they have been designated as select agents.) Like Category A, B, and C priority 

pathogens, select agents are pathogens and toxins that are capable of causing substantial 

harm to public health and safety. While NIAID’s list is for setting research priorities, the HHS 

and USDA list is for controlling and monitoring access to select agents. NBLs and RBLs that 

intend to possess, use, or transfer select agents are required to register with CDC or APHIS. 

CDC is responsible for the registration and oversight of laboratories that possess, use, or 

transfer select agents that could pose a threat to human health. APHIS is responsible for the 

registration and oversight of laboratories that possess, use, or transfer select agents that 

could pose a threat to animal or plant health or animal or plant products. Some select agents, 

such as anthrax, pose a threat to both human and animal health and are regulated by both 

agencies. 

Response to Request Letter Questions 

1. What federal requirements and guidelines apply to NBL and RBL laboratory 

operations and security procedures? 

The NBLs and RBLs are subject to a number of federal requirements and guidelines for 

laboratory operations and security procedures. (See enc. III for a list of some of these 

requirements and guidelines.) As a condition of the award, each NBL and RBL must attest 

that it will comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. As of January 2007, 

the NBLs and RBLs are at various stages of design and construction and are not yet 

operational.8

 The NBLs and RBLs must be designed and constructed in compliance with 

federal regulations and guidelines—a process that is being monitored by NIAID—and once 

 8

Construction is complete on only one of the RBLs. 

5 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

operational, they will be subject to federal regulations intended to ensure a safe and secure 

environment in which to conduct research on dangerous biological pathogens and toxins. 

According to NIAID officials, during design and construction, the NBL and RBL awardees 

work with NIAID staff and NIAID’s Construction Quality Management contractor to ensure 

that their facility design is in compliance with NIH policy, which reflects federal standards. In 

addition, NIAID staff must review and approve the design and cost estimates before bids and 

proposals can be solicited by the awardees for construction activities. NIAID officials also 

told us that NIAID monitors the awardees through monthly meetings, frequent site visits, and 

teleconferences. During the design and construction phase, the NBLs and RBLs must comply 

with the following: 

• The NIH Design Policy & Guidelines, which establishes policy, design standards, and 

technical criteria for use in designing and constructing biomedical research laboratories and 

animal research facilities. This document includes a section on research laboratories and 

addresses biological safety of BSL-3 and -4 laboratories, including the restricted access of 

laboratories; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; and the use of biological 

safety cabinets. 

• Physical Security Design Guidelines for Projects Using NIH Construction Grants, which 

provides grantees, institute-designated officials, and grantees’ architects and engineers with 

assistance in meeting the desired levels of protection of NIH-funded facilities and outlines 

requirements pertaining to perimeter barriers, controlled entrance access points, the storage 

of select agents, and additional security requirements for BSL-3 and -4 laboratories, such as 

closed-circuit television coverage of internal laboratory spaces. 

• The NIH Model Commissioning Guide, which describes the means to ensure that (1) all 

building systems are installed and perform interactively according to the design intent, 

(2) the systems are efficient and cost effective and meet the user’s operational needs, (3) the 

installation is adequately documented, and (4) the operators are adequately trained.

• The National Environmental Policy Act of 19699 (NEPA), which, according to the 

Environmental Protection Agency, requires the preparation of detailed statements involving 

an assessment of the impact of major federal actions significantly affecting the environment. 

The statements include a description of the purpose and need for the project, the alternatives 

to the proposed project, and a description of the affected environment and environmental 

consequences of the project.10

9

Pub. L. No. 91-190, 83 Stat. 852 (1970) (codified at 42 U.S.C. ch. 55, as amended).

10After the award and prior to authorizing the use of any construction funding, NIH required the NBL 

awardees to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the RBL awardees to prepare an

Environmental Assessment (EA). Two public meetings are required for an EIS. The first meeting 

provides the public with an opportunity to comment on what they would like to see in the EIS, and the 

second provides an opportunity to comment on the draft report and suggest changes. Public meetings

are not required for an EA; however, anyone can comment on an EA once it is complete. NIH’s Office

of Research Facilities oversees this process, and each EIS and EA becomes an NIH document once

complete. 

6 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

Once operational, the NBLs and RBLs will be subject to additional guidelines and regulations. 

For example, the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)

describes the combinations of standards, special practices, and safety equipment for BSL-1 

through -4 facilities.11 BMBL states that biosafety procedures must be incorporated into the 

laboratory’s standard operating procedures or biosafety manual, personnel must be advised 

of special hazards and are required to read and follow instructions on practices and 

procedures, and personnel must receive training on the potential hazards associated with the 

work involved and the necessary precautions to prevent exposures. In addition, BMBL 

contains guidelines for laboratory security and emergency response, such as controlling 

access to areas where select agents are used or stored. It also states that a plan must be in 

place for informing police, fire, and other emergency responders as to the type of biological 

materials in use in the laboratory areas. 

Furthermore, each NBL and RBL will be required to submit to NIAID an annual progress 

report that describes its activities and accomplishments during the prior funding period. The 

research activities of the NBLs and RBLs, once operational, will dictate which other 

regulations and guidelines apply to the NBLs and RBLs. For example: 

• NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules12 (NIH rDNA 

Guidelines) applies to research involving recombinant DNA (rDNA).13 These guidelines set 

the standards and procedures for research involving rDNA that institutions must follow when 

they receive NIH funding for this type of research. This includes the requirement to establish 

an institutional biosafety committee (IBC). The IBC is responsible for reviewing rDNA 

research conducted at or sponsored by the institution for compliance with the NIH rDNA 

Guidelines and for approving those research projects that are found to conform with the NIH 

rDNA Guidelines. IBCs also periodically review ongoing rDNA research to ensure continued 

compliance with the NIH rDNA Guidelines. 

• For facilities registered with CDC and APHIS that possess, use, or transfer select agents, the 

Select Agent Regulations14 require 

• a Federal Bureau of Investigation security risk assessment for a number of individuals, 

including each person who is authorized to have access to select agents and toxins, 

• written biosafety and incident response plans, 

• training of individuals with access to select agents and of individuals who will work in or 

visit areas where select agents or toxins are handled and stored, 

11The awardees were also required by the Notice of Grant Award to design and construct the NBLs and 

RBLs to be fully compliant with the design and construction guidance established in BMBL. 

1266 Fed. Reg. 57970 (Nov. 19, 2001). 

13DNA is the molecule that encodes genetic information in the nucleus of cells. It determines the 

structure, function, and behavior of the cell. In the context of the NIH rDNA Guidelines, rDNA 

molecules are defined as molecules that are constructed outside living cells by joining natural or 

synthetic DNA segments to DNA molecules that can replicate in a living cell. The definition also 

includes those molecules that result from the replication of those described above. 

1442 C.F.R. pt. 73 (2006), 7 C.F.R. pt. 331 (2006), and 9 C.F.R. pt. 121 (2006). 

7 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

• a security plan sufficient to safeguard the select agent or toxin against unauthorized 

access, theft, loss, or release, designed according to a site-specific risk assessment, and 

that provides protection in accordance with the risk of the agent or toxin,

• possible inspection by CDC or APHIS of the facility and its records prior to issuance of

the certificate of registration,15 

• records relating to the activities covered by the Select Agent Regulations, and 

• facility registration with CDC or APHIS that indicates 

• each select agent the entity intends to possess, use, or transfer; 

• the building where it will be used and stored and the laboratory safety level; 

• a list of people authorized to have access to the select agents; 

• the objectives of the work for each select agent, including a description of the 

methodologies or laboratory procedures to be used; 

• a description of the physical security and biosafety plans; and 

• assurance of security and biosafety training for individuals who have access to areas 

where select agents are handled and stored. 

• Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals applies if 

research involves animals and is supported by the Public Health Service. This policy requires 

the creation of an institutional animal care and use committee to oversee and evaluate all 

aspects of the institution’s animal care and use program. 

2. What are the requirements for the IBCs, including their role and responsibilities 

in reviewing research projects at the NBLs and RBLs? 

The IBC is responsible for reviewing rDNA research conducted at the institution to ensure 

that it is in compliance with the NIH rDNA Guidelines. If an institution receives any NIH 

funding for rDNA research, it must observe the NIH rDNA Guidelines for all research 

involving rDNA molecules.16 Thus, even if an institution has only one NIH-funded project 

subject to the NIH rDNA Guidelines, all rDNA research projects conducted at that institution 

must also adhere to the NIH rDNA Guidelines. The guidelines describe the institutional 

review, biosafety and containment, and oversight practices that must be observed by an

15According to CDC officials, prior to possessing select agents, an entity must be issued a certificate of

registration from either the CDC or the APHIS Select Agent Program. Additionally, the CDC Select 

Agent Program currently inspects all entities prior to the initial issuance of the certificate of 

registration to ensure that these entities are compliant with the Select Agent Regulations. As part of an

entity’s renewal process that occurs every 3 years, the CDC Select Agent Program reinspects the 

entity. 

16Research not involving rDNA is not subject to the NIH rDNA Guidelines. Also, the NIH rDNA 

Guidelines describe particular experiments involving rDNA that are exempt, generally because

experience with these experiments has shown that they pose negligible risk to health or the 

environment. 

8 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

institution receiving NIH funding for rDNA research and should be implemented by the 

institution to ensure that proper biosafety and containment practices are employed. NIH’s 

Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA) oversees rDNA research and develops and 

implements the NIH rDNA Guidelines. 

To comply with the NIH rDNA Guidelines an institution must 

• establish an IBC having a minimum of five members, at least two of whom are not 

affiliated with the institution and “represent the interest of the surrounding community 

with respect to health and protection of the environment”; 

• register the IBC with NIH’s OBA; 

• submit an annual report to OBA that includes a roster and description of each of the IBC 

committee members; 

• upon request, provide to the public the IBC meeting minutes, committee rosters, and 

biographical sketches of members; and 

• appoint a biological safety officer (BSO) if the institution conducts rDNA research at 

BSL-3 or -4 or engages in large-scale research.17 The BSO’s duties include conducting 

periodic inspections to ensure that standards are followed, developing emergency plans, 

investigating accidents, and reporting any violations to the IBC. 

The principal investigator

18 is responsible for submitting the initial research protocol and any 

subsequent changes to the IBC for review. The IBC’s review should include the following: an 

assessment of the BSL required for the research; an assessment of the facilities, procedures, 

practices, and training and expertise of personnel involved in the research; and a review of 

the emergency plans for handling accidental spills and personnel contamination. IBCs should 

capture the proceedings of their reviews in minutes. OBA guidance states that minutes 

should “offer sufficient detail to serve as a record of major points of discussion and the 

committee’s rationale for particular decisions.”19

All of the NBL and RBL awardees have an IBC currently registered with OBA. Because the 

NIH rDNA Guidelines apply only to research involving rDNA, the NBLs and RBLs are not 

required by the NIH rDNA Guidelines to submit all research projects to an IBC for review; 

however, officials at each of the seven universities we interviewed use an IBC or another 

institutional body to review all research involving pathogens and toxins. Five of the seven 

universities use an IBC to review all research involving biological pathogens and toxins. The 

17The NIH rDNA Guidelines describe large-scale research as involving more than 10 liters of culture.

18The principal investigator is the person who is designated by an applicant institution to direct a

research project, oversee the scientific and technical aspects of the award, and oversee the day-to-day

management of the research. 

19NIH does not prescribe the level of detail for the IBC meeting minutes but provides expectations with 

respect to the preparation of minutes. OBA suggests that the minutes should include the date and 

place of the meeting, names of attendees, indication of whether the meeting was open or closed, and

all motions and points of order. There is no requirement that IBCs routinely submit their meeting 

minutes to OBA. 

9 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

remaining two universities review all research involving biological pathogens and toxins but 

use different organizational bodies to conduct the research review. The first university uses 

the IBC to review research with rDNA or select agents and uses the university’s occupational 

and environmental safety office to review all other research involving hazardous biological 

pathogens and toxins. The second uses the IBC to review all research involving biological 

pathogens and uses a chemical safety committee to review all research involving biological 

toxins. 

3. What guidance and oversight was provided by NIH to the NBLs and RBLs 

regarding adherence to our treaty obligations under the 1972 Biological and 

Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC)? 

NIH did not provide specific guidance to the NBL or RBL awardees regarding adherence to 

the 1972 BWC.20 Article 1 of the 1972 BWC prohibits the development, production, 

stockpiling, acquisition, or retention of biological pathogens and toxins that are not used to 

develop or produce a protective medicine or for other peaceful purposes, and weapons or 

other equipment that could be used to deliver biological pathogens and toxins for hostile 

purposes or in armed conflict. The BWC was implemented in federal law through the 

Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989.21

According to NIH officials, NIH has programs and policies governing compliance with all 

pertinent federal, state, and local laws, including provisions of the BWC. The NIH Grants 

Policy Statement mandates that applicants for and recipients of NIH awards adhere to all 

applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and policies. All 

recipients of NIH awards agree, as a term of award, that they will comply with all relevant 

federal, state, and local laws and regulations. While the BWC is not specifically highlighted, 

NIH officials stated that it falls within the scope of federal laws that must be followed. In the 

case of the NBLs and RBLs, NIH is funding the construction of the laboratories; should NIH 

fund research at these laboratories once they are operational, the same term of award will be 

applied. Additionally, the Notice of Grant Award for the NBLs and RBLs requires the 

awardees to use the space in support of the NIAID Biodefense Agenda or other NIAIDapproved biomedical research activities. NIAID has clearly stated that bioweapons research 

is not part of that agenda. 

Furthermore, NIH uses the peer review process to ensure that research funded by the agency

facilitates the exchange of equipment, materials, and scientific and technological information 

for the use of biological agents and toxins for peaceful purposes, which is a requirement 

under the BWC. The NIH peer review process provides assurances to NIH and HHS that 

agency funds are being used to support research for “prophylactic, protective or other 

peaceful purposes” in compliance with the BWC. NIH officials stated that ultimately, it is the 

awardee’s responsibility to ensure proper use of NIH-awarded funds and ensure their 

compliance with the terms and conditions of the award. It is the responsibility of the awardee 

to ensure that its employees are not conducting illegal activities on its property or in its 

buildings, whether the facilities are federally or nonfederally supported. 

20Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological 

(Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction, April 10, 1972, 1015 U. N. T. S. 163. 

21Pub. L. No. 101-298, 104 Stat. 201 (codified at 18 U.S.C. §§ 175 et seq.). 

10 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

4. Are the NBLs and RBLs barred from doing classified research, or can individual 

researchers obtain funding from other sources to do classified research at the 

facility? If classified work is permitted, who would oversee that work? What 

obligations, if any, would the facility have to inform local authorities or the local 

community that classified work was being done at the facility? 

NIAID officials stated that the NBLs and RBLs would not be barred from conducting 

classified research with non-NIAID monies. They further stated that NIAID would not require 

each of the NBLs and RBLs to develop a policy for conducting such research. However, the 

officials said that NIAID did not fund classified research and that it had no plans to do so.22

Representatives of the two NBLs stated that while neither institution had policies prohibiting 

classified research, it would not be conducted at their laboratories. Of the five RBLs whose 

officials we interviewed, three have institutional policies prohibiting classified research. 

Representatives at the two remaining RBLs stated that their institutions did not prohibit 

classified research and that they would consider it. 

According to NIAID, if the NBLs and RBLs were to conduct classified research, they would 

have to comply with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the oversight of 

classified research. Pursuant to executive order,23 an agency head or senior agency official 

must establish controls to prevent access by unauthorized persons to classified information. 

There are no federal requirements that local authorities or the local community must be 

informed that classified work is being done at the facility. 

5. What factors did NIAID consider when awarding funding for construction of the 

NBLs and RBLs? Did the award factors include consideration of the capability of 

the local public health authority to respond in the event of an accident, the 

relationship between the laboratory and the surrounding community, and the

demographic and geographic environment of the laboratory that might affect 

risks to the laboratory or the community? 

The following factors, which were required as part of the application, were considered by 

NIAID during the review and selection process for NBL and RBL awardees: 

• association with the Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging 

Infectious Diseases Research (RCE); 24

• ability to support the desired scope of work; 

• pertinent experience of the principal investigator and team; 

22NIAID-funded research will not include research on bioweapons. 

23Exec. Order No. 13292—Further Amendment to Executive Order 12958, as amended 68 Fed. Reg. 

15315 (Mar. 28, 2003). 

24There are 10 RCEs. The purpose of the RCE program is to create a network of institutions with staff 

and facilities dedicated to developing therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics for NIAID’s Category A, 

B, and C priority pathogens. 

11 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

• community relations plan, which describes how they propose to establish and maintain a 

strong community relations effort throughout the planning, design, construction, and 

operation of the facility; 

• the ability to serve the purposes of the NIAID biodefense research agendas and to conduct 

research identified by NIAID as important to program goals; 

• the ability to document the availability of matching funds; and 

• geographic distribution of the facilities. 

In addition, to comply with NEPA, prior to submitting the application for consideration, 

applicants were required to make a public disclosure to announce the construction project25

and to analyze the probable environmental impact of proposed projects. Each of the 

awardees conducted this assessment using a checklist provided by NIH called the 

Environmental Analysis Form.26 This form asked applicants to answer yes or no to a series of 

specific questions regarding the potential impact of the NBL or RBL construction projects. 

The analysis was intended to convey available environmental information with the initial 

award application. For example, see the following questions:

• Will the project 

• include the use of wetlands (swamps, marshes, etc.)? 

• decrease the volume of water in a lake, river table, reservoir, etc.? 

• not comply with the local and state land use planning? 

• increase identifiable ambient air pollution levels from a new emission source or from 

existing sources? 

• generate solid wastes that cannot be properly disposed of by existing facilities? 

• Could the proposed project disrupt 

• food supplies, water supplies, or electrical power for 48 hours? 

• existing health services’ response in case of a disaster? 

25NEPA, § 102, as implemented by Exec. Order No. 11514, 35 Fed. Reg. 4247 (Mar. 5, 1970). 

26A group of plaintiffs has filed a motion in Federal District Court, seeking an injunction on federal 

funding for one of the awardees. The Court has deferred ruling on the motion for preliminary 

injunction in this case until after conclusion of the supplemental environmental analysis, to be

completed in 2007. This analysis will include an assessment of the public health consequences of the 

accidental release of communicable Category A pathogens and an analysis to determine whether siting

of the facility in a less populated area would result in different public health consequences in the event 

of a release. The university has also committed to developing a community relations plan to improve 

community input and involvement, and to discussing DNA research protocols and limitations. 

12 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

• Will the proposed project encroach upon any historical, architectural, or archeological 

cultural property? 

Applicants were required to provide a brief description of the impact if the answer to any 

question was yes. 

The NBL and RBL Request for Proposals and Applications did not require applicants to 

address the following factors in their applications: the capability of the local public health 

authority to respond in the event of an accident, the relationship between the laboratory and 

the surrounding community, and the demographic and geographic environment of the 

laboratory that might affect the risks to the laboratory or the community. Therefore, if 

applicants did not address these factors, they were not penalized. However, if the information 

was submitted as part of the application, it may have been considered by peer reviewers 

because peer reviewers are instructed to evaluate the application as a whole. 

6. In the event that containment of an NBL or RBL has been breached in some 

manner, what are the obligations of the facility to inform NIH, CDC, and the 

local public health authorities? 

The containment of pathogens, including select agents, can be breached through theft, loss, 

or release.27 According to NIAID, it does not have requirements that pertain to instances of 

the theft, loss, or release of Category A, B, and C priority pathogens.28 However, laboratories 

must report such instances as required by the NIH rDNA Guidelines and the Select Agent 

Regulations and may be required to report such instances under state or local laws. 

The NIH rDNA Guidelines specify reporting requirements for significant problems, violations 

of the NIH rDNA Guidelines, or any significant research-related accidents and illnesses. In 

general, all such events should be reported to NIH’s OBA within 30 days of their occurrence, 

unless they fit the description of events that must be reported on a more expedited basis. 

Spills or accidents in the BSL-2 laboratories resulting in an overt exposure must be 

immediately reported to the IBC and NIH’s OBA.29 Spills or accidents occurring in BSL-3 or 

BSL-4 laboratories resulting in an overt or potential exposure must be immediately reported 

to the IBC, BSO, and NIH’s OBA. 

The Select Agent Regulations require that upon discovery of the theft or loss of a select 

agent, an individual or entity must immediately notify CDC or APHIS and appropriate federal, 

27HHS and USDA define theft as the unauthorized removal of a select agent, loss as the failure to

account for a select agent, and release as occupational exposure or release of a select agent outside of

the primary barriers of the biocontainment area. (See APHIS/CDC Form 3.) 

28A number of NIAID’s pathogens are select agents. Enc. II contains a list of NIAID’s Category A, B, and

C priority pathogens and indicates whether they are select agents. 

29Institutions working at a maximum containment level of BSL-2 are not required to have BSOs, and 

thus the NIH rDNA Guidelines are silent on reporting these events to the BSO, though OBA highly

recommends reporting to the BSO as well, when one is on staff. 

13 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

state, or local law enforcement agencies.30 While NIAID does not have requirements for 

reporting theft or loss, CDC and APHIS regulations require that theft or loss of a select agent 

must be reported even if the select agent is subsequently recovered or the responsible parties 

are identified. 

Upon discovery of a release of a select agent causing occupational exposure or release of a 

select agent outside the primary barriers of the biocontainment area, an entity or individual 

must immediately notify CDC or APHIS. After the initial reporting of a theft, loss, or release 

the entity must submit within 7 calendar days a completed Report of Theft, Loss, or Release 

of Select Agents and Toxins form.31 The guidance document for completing this form also 

states that in the event of theft, loss, or release of select agents or toxins, entities should 

notify the appropriate local, state, and federal health agencies. Additionally, the Public Health 

Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 200232 states that if the 

Secretary of HHS determines, in the case of a release of a select agent, that the release poses 

a threat to public health or safety, the Secretary must take appropriate action to notify 

relevant state and local public health authorities, other federal authorities, and if necessary, 

the public. 

State and local health departments in some of the NBL and RBL locations at which we 

conducted interviews have certain reporting requirements related to select agents. For 

example, one state requires that every laboratory possessing HHS select agents and 

conducting business in the state submit an annual report to the state’s department of health. 

In the event of a suspected theft, loss, or release of any select agent, the laboratory’s 

responsible official is required to report to the state’s department of health within 24 hours. A 

local public health authority in a different state requires that an entity immediately report to 

the local public health department any of the following circumstances that involve specified 

biological agents, including select agents: 

• any spill or accident that results in an exposure and 

• any illness among persons caused or potentially caused by the specified biological agents 

or an attenuated strain33 of the specified biological agents. 

A 2004 incident involving the release of a select agent at a university resulted in that 

awardee’s deciding to develop procedures to prevent this situation in the future. The awardee 

experienced an inadvertent release of the select agent Francisella tularensis in one of its 

existing laboratories. While CDC and the local public health department had concerns that 

gaps may have existed in the university’s biosafety program that led to the exposure, after 

reviewing the events, CDC concluded that the university complied with the Select Agent 

Regulations notification requirements and took adequate actions after the exposure to

3042 C.F.R. § 73.19 (2006), 7 C.F.R. § 331.19 (2006), and 9 C.F.R. § 121.19 (2006). 

31APHIS/CDC Form 3. 

32Pub. L. No. 107-188, § 201, 116 Stat. 594, 637, 645.

33An attenuated strain is a strain of a microorganism that has been altered to diminish its virulence. 

14 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

 

prevent similar events from occurring.34 As a result of this incident, the university developed a 

policy for strain verification prior to a researcher’s beginning any work.35

7. What degree of transparency and communication with the community is required 

of NBLs or RBLs with respect to their individual research projects? 

NIAID does not have regulations that address transparency and communication with the 

community regarding individual research projects at NBLs and RBLs, but it supports a policy 

of encouraging publication and dissemination of research findings. Public information on 

federally funded biomedical research projects can be accessed through an Internet-based 

database called the Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (CRISP). CRISP 

is maintained by NIH and contains information on biomedical research projects funded by a 

number of HHS agencies, including NIH and CDC. As part of the application for the award, 

NIAID asked the awardees to develop plans that describe their approach to developing

community relations. Further, NIAID employs a community relations consultant, who is 

available to assist and advise the awardees on their ongoing community relations plans and 

practices. NIAID also holds annual community relations workshops for the NBLs and RBLs, 

where they can learn from each other and from NIAID how best to maintain positive relations 

with their communities and the general public. For example, one university representative at 

the community relations workshop held in April 2006 described the membership application 

process and guidelines for a community liaison committee the university was in the process 

of establishing. 

A recent example of a local requirement that promotes transparency and communication 

with the community is a new regulation promulgated by a local health department in one 

location where an NBL is being constructed. This regulation applies to BSL-3 and -4

laboratories that operate within the health department’s jurisdiction and will apply to any 

NBLs or RBLs that will operate in the jurisdiction. One of the regulation’s requirements is 

that each entity hold an IBC meeting that is open to the public at least once per calendar 

year.36 The regulation stipulates that during this meeting the IBC should review the type and 

nature of the biological research at BSL-3 and -4 that is conducted by the entity. 

In another community, one awardee is working to promote transparency by forming a 

committee that consists entirely of individuals from the community who are not affiliated 

with the university. This university would like this committee to help the university better 

understand the interests and concerns of the community, enhance the dissemination of 

34Researchers at the laboratory where this release occurred believed they had been working with a

nonvirulent form of tularemia that was not a select agent and not subject to the Select Agent 

Regulations. The researchers became ill, and testing conducted by CDC revealed that the researchers 

had actually been working with a virulent form of the organism that was known to cause severe illness 

in humans. According to the local public health department, laboratory practices and safety measures 

used in the BSL-2 laboratory were inadequate to prevent exposure.

35The Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted an inspection of the facility, but it did 

not issue a citation for the exposure. 

36The NIH rDNA Guidelines, which apply to any institution that receives any NIH funding for rDNA 

research, states the following: “when possible and consistent with protection of privacy and

proprietary interests, the institution is encouraged to open its Institutional Biosafety Committee 

meetings to the public.” 

15 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure I Enclosure I 

information to the community about both the risks and the safety measures undertaken, and 

help the university develop an incident communication plan.

8. Who is responsible for setting the research agenda and establishing the research 

protocols for NBLs and RBLs—individual scientists or the manager of the 

facility? 

While the NBLs and RBLs that NIAID funded are intended to conduct research on NIAID’s 

Category A, B, and C priority pathogens in support of the NIAID biodefense agendas or other 

NIAID-approved biomedical research activities for 20 years, NIAID left it to the discretion of 

each awardee to establish the research agenda and the research protocols. The NBLs, RBLs, 

and RCEs are partners in the NIAID Biodefense Network, which helps define the direction 

and scope of biodefense and emerging infectious disease research activities within the NBLs, 

RBLs, and RCEs and ensures that the programs are meeting the goals of the NIAID 

Biodefense Strategic Plan and Research Agendas. The NIAID Biodefense Network meets at 

least annually, or as needed in the event of a biodefense emergency or an emerging infectious 

disease emergency. The purpose of these meetings is to share scientific information, assess 

scientific progress, identify new research and development and collaboration opportunities, 

and establish research priorities. Additionally, the facilities must be available and prepared to 

assist national, state, and local public health efforts in the event of a bioterrorist emergency. 

In addition, NIAID staff will be able to monitor the research conducted at each NBL and RBL 

by conducting periodic site visits to the facilities and reviewing the annual progress report 

that awardees are required to submit, which is supposed to describe the activities and 

accomplishments during the prior year. 

16 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure II Enclosure II 

NIAID Category A, B, and C Priority Pathogens and Those Designated as Select 

Agents 

NIAID category

NIAID Category A, B, or C 

priority pathogena

A B C

Select 

agent Notes

Antimicrobial resistance, 

excluding research on 

sexually transmitted 

organisms 

■ While not a specific pathogen, antimicrobial 

resistance is on the NIAID list. Antimicrobial 

resistance is the result of microbes changing in 

ways that reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of 

drugs, chemicals, or other agents to cure or 

prevent infections. 

Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) ■ ■

Brucella species 

(brucellosis) 

■ Three Brucella species—Brucella abortus, 

Brucella melitensis, and Brucella suis—are select 

agents. 

Burkholderia mallei 

(glanders) 

■ ■

Burkholderia pseudomallei ■ ■

Caliciviruses ■

California encephalitis ■

Campylobacter jejuni ■

Clostridium botulinum

[Botulinum neurotoxin 

producing species of 

Clostridium] 

■ ■

Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) ■ ■

Crimean-Congo 

hemorrhagic fever virus 

■ ■

Cryptosporidium parvum ■

Cyclospora cayatanensis ■

Dengue ■

Diarrheagenic E. coli ■

Ebola ■ ■

EEE [eastern equine 

encephalitis virus] 

■ ■

Entamoeba histolytica ■

Epsilon toxin of Clostridium 

perfringens 

■ ■

Francisella tularensis

(tularemia) 

■ ■

Giardia lamblia ■

Guanarito virus [South 

American hemorrhagic 

fever: Guanaritob

] 

■ ■

Hantaviruses ■

Hepatitis A ■

17 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories 
Enclosure II Enclosure II 

NIAID category

NIAID Category A, B, or C 

priority pathogena

A B C

Select 

agent Notes

Influenza ■ Two influenza strains—Avian influenza virus 

(highly pathogenic) and reconstructed 1918

influenza virus—are select agents. 

Japanese encephalitis 

virus 

■ ■

Junin virus [South 

American hemorrhagic 

fever: Junin] 

■ ■

Kyasanur Forest virus 

[Tick-borne encephalitis 

complex (flavi) virus: 

Kyasanur Forest disease] 

■ ■

LaCrosse ■

Lassa fever ■ ■

LCM (Lymphocytic 

choriomeningitis virus) 

■

Listeria monocytogenes ■

Machupo virus [South 

American hemorrhagic 

fever: Machupo] 

■ ■

Marburg ■ ■

Microsporidia ■

Multidrug-resistant TB ■

Nipah virus ■ ■

Other Rickettsias ■ One Rickettsia species, Rickettsia rickettsii, is a 

select agent and is a NIAID Category B pathogen. 

Pathogenic vibrios ■

Rabies ■

Ricin toxin (from Ricinus 

communis) 

■ ■

Rift Valley fever virus ■ ■

Salmonella ■

Severe acute respiratory 

syndrome-associated

coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 

■

Shigella species ■ The bacterial Shigella species are not select 

agents. Some bacterial Shigella species express a 

potent toxin called shiga toxins (shigatoxin) or

shiga-like ribosome-inactivating proteins. Above a 

certain threshold amount listed at 43 C.F.R. § 

73.3, shigatoxin and shiga-like ribosome 

inactivating proteins are select agents. 

Staphylococcus enterotoxin

B [staphylococcal 

enterotoxins] 

■ ■ Only staphylococcus enterotoxin B is a NIAID 

Category B pathogen; however, all staphylococcal 

enterotoxins are select agents.

Tick-borne encephalitis 

viruses 

■ Five species of tick-borne encephalitis viruses are 

also select agents: central European tick-borne 

encephalitis, Far Eastern tick-borne encephalitis, 

Omsk hemorrhagic fever, and Russian spring and 

summer encephalitis. 

18 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure II Enclosure II 

NIAID category

NIAID Category A, B, or C 

priority pathogena

A B C

Select 

agent Notes

Toxoplasma ■

Typhus fever (Rickettsia 

prowazekii) 

■ ■

Variola major (smallpox) 

and other pox viruses 

■ ■ In addition to Variola major, camel pox virus, goat 

pox virus, sheep pox virus, monkey pox virus, and 

Variola minor virus (Alastrim) are select agents 

and NIAID Category A pathogens. 

VEE [Venezuelan equine 

encephalitis virus] 

■ ■

WEE (Western equine 

encephalitis virus) 

■

West Nile virus ■

Yellow fever ■

Yersinia enterocolitica ■

Yersinia pestis ■ ■

Source: GAO.

a

Taxonomic names of pathogens are given in italics. If the name of the pathogen as designated by HHS or USDA differs from 

the NIAID designation, the select agent designation is given in brackets. 

b

There are six South American hemorrhagic fevers that are NIAID Category A pathogens and also select agents; however, only 

four are listed above—Guanarito, Junin, Lassa fever, and Machupo. The other two are Flexal and Sabia. 

19 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
Enclosure III Enclosure III 

 

Examples of Regulations and Guidelines Applicable to the NBLs and RBLs 

All NBLs and RBLs are required to comply with all federal, state, and local regulations and to 

sign assurances that they will comply with all regulations. In addition to the regulations and 

guidelines described in enclosure I, listed below are other federal regulations and guidelines 

that could affect NBL and RBL operations and security procedures. 

Regulations 

• 15 C.F.R. pts. 738, 742, 745, and 774 (2006)—Implementation of Unilateral 

Chemical/Biological Controls on Certain Biological Agents and Toxins—expands export and 

reexport controls on certain biological agents and toxins (referred to as select agents and 

toxins) that have been determined by CDC (HHS) and APHIS (USDA) to have the potential to 

pose a severe threat to human, animal, and plant life, as well as certain sectors of the U.S. 

economy (e.g., agriculture). 

• 29 C.F.R. pt. 1910.1200 (2006)—Hazard Communication—requires that the hazards of all 

chemicals produced or imported are evaluated and that information concerning the hazards 

is transmitted to employers and employees. This transmittal of information is to be 

accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to 

include container labeling and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets, and 

employee training. 

• 29 C.F.R. pt. 1910.1201 (2006)—Retention of DOT Markings, Placards and Labels—requires 

that an employer that receives a package of hazardous material which is required to be

marked or labeled in accordance with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Hazardous 

Materials Regulations shall retain the markings, placards, and labels on the package until the 

packaging is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential 

hazards. 

• 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030 (2006)—Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens—provides a 

standard on working safely with human blood and body fluids. This standard outlines the 

requirements for employers, including research laboratories, that are working with human 

body fluids, tissues, and potential bloodborne pathogens. The standard provides information 

concerning facility requirements, safe work practices, medical surveillance, personal 

protection, first-aid procedures, and worker training. 

• 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1450 (2006)—Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in 

Laboratories—requires that employers develop and carry out the provisions of a written 

chemical hygiene plan (CHP). The purpose of a CHP is to provide the necessary work 

practices, procedures, and policies to ensure that laboratory employees are protected from 

exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals in use in their work areas and that employees 

are trained in the plan. 

• 42 C.F.R. pt. 72 (2006)—Interstate Shipment of Etiologic Agents—specifies packaging and 

labeling requirements and procedures for notification of successful delivery or failure of 

delivery of etiologic agents. CDC has proposed rescinding this regulation to alleviate 

confusion with existing regulations.37

3772 Fed. Reg. 92 (Jan. 3, 2007). 

20 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories 
Enclosure III Enclosure III 

 

• 45 C.F.R. pt. 46 (2006)—Protection of Human Subjects—stipulates substantive and 

procedural requirements for investigators and institutions engaged in federally supported or 

federally conducted research with humans. 

• 49 C.F.R. pts. 171-178 (2006)—Transportation of Hazardous Materials—provides regulations 

for the safe transportation of both biological and clinical specimens. 

Guidelines 

• Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals assists institutions in caring for and 

using animals in ways judged to be scientifically, technically, and humanely appropriate, and 

is also intended to assist investigators in fulfilling their obligation to plan and conduct animal 

experiments in accord with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles. 

• “Laboratory Security and Emergency Response Guidance for Laboratories Working with 

Select Agents,” MMWR, December 6, 2002, is intended for laboratories working with select 

agents under BSL-2, -3, or -4 conditions as described in sections II and III of BMBL, and 

includes recommendations for conducting facility risk assessments and developing

comprehensive security plans to minimize the probability of misuse of select agents. 

• NIH Grants Policy Statement is intended to make available to NIH awardees, in a single 

document, the policy requirements that serve as the general terms and conditions of NIH 

awards. This document also is designed to provide information about NIH—its organization, 

its staff, and its grant process. 

• Good Laboratory Practice for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies applies if a laboratory 

conducts studies that support or are intended to support applications for research or 

marketing permits for products regulated by HHS’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).38

Under these regulations, the facility and its records are subject to inspection by FDA. 

(290516) 

38The awardees are also required in the Notice of Grant Award to design the NBLs and RBLs in

accordance with the Good Laboratory Practice guidelines. 

21 GAO-07-333R Biological Research Laboratories
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