ECBC

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

SINCE 1917
Who We Are

ECBC is a world leader in applying state-of-the-art science, technology,

and engineering to CB defense problems. Traditionally strong in

chemical warfare defense, ECBC also has impressive capabilities in

biology, biotechnology, and bio-safety.

Our Heritage

Since the first broad use of chemical weapons in World War I, scientists

at what is now known as ECBC actively researched the potential uses of

chemical agents as weapons and technologies to protect U.S. soldiers

from such weapons. 

Application of technologies developed at ECBC (from masks to CB agent

detectors, to sampling kits, to smoke screen technologies) has protected

U.S. soldiers for the last 85 years during every major war or conflict, in

which the United States was involved. Our experts are routinely

dispersed throughout the world to assist in CB-defense related

matters. 

Where We Are

We are located at the Edgewood Area of

Aberdeen Proving Ground, which is in

Harford County, Maryland. ECBC is

situated on a 20-mile peninsula stretching

between the Bush and Gunpowder Rivers

into the Chesapeake Bay, approximately 90

miles north of Washington, DC, near the

Delaware and Pennsylvania state lines. 

Edgewood Chemical

Biological Center

(ECBC): A “Hands On” Organization

Since 1917, the Edgewood

Area of Aberdeen Proving

Ground, MD, has steadily built

an exemplary program in

chemical and biological (CB)

defense research. While

many agencies and

organizations today are

engaged in matters

related to CB

defense, we are

the “hands on”

research,

development, and

applications leader. 
Research and Technology 

The Research and Technology (R&T) Directorate is the source of

chemistry, biology, toxicology, and aerosol physics expertise for CB

solutions. R&T couples basic science with engineering to identify

technologies for future development. Technologies include CB agent

detectors and warning systems, decontamination technologies, and

protective masks. In R&T, employees perform a wide range of

studies including the effects of CB agents on soldiers

and the environment. In addition, R&T personnel

operate a number of unique laboratories capable

of working with chemical and biological

agents, including a Biosafety Level 3

laboratory and the Department of

Defense’s only pilot scale

biomanufacturing facility.

Engineering

While R&T scientists specialize in

developing CB technologies, the

Engineering Directorate helps to mature

these technologies into actual products.

Engineering Directorate personnel take

transitioned technologies and develop and test

them resulting in the production of end items that are

ultimately fielded. State-of-the-art engineering capabilities such

as computer-aided engineering and design and toxic/environmental test

chambers are used to facilitate development and production activities.

The Engineering Directorate also leads ECBC’s efforts in Homeland

Defense by training first responders across the country, enhancing

nuclear, biological and chemical preparedness nationwide. 

How We Are Organized

A snapshot of ECBC

today shows our

employees organized

into four

directorates. ECBC

has personnel

matrixed to other

Army organizations to

support their missions.

ECBC also has several

state-of-the-art

facilities that support

each directorate and

their personnel.
CB Services

One of the strongest “hands on” elements at ECBC is the CB Services

Directorate, which provides a full range of chemical surety and biological

materiel management services. The directorate applies its CB agent

handling experience and chemical weapons expertise to address

munitions and demilitarization problems, assess and reduce risk posture,

support CB agent operations, and develop risk management standards.

CB Services is ECBC’s focal point for United Nations’ (UN) support in

chemical and biological related matters. It provides chemical and

biological specific training, advice, and planning to the UN Monitoring

and Verification Inspection Center. CB Services' employees also

work closely with other federal agencies such as the National

Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to develop respiratory

standards for CB equipment. 

Advanced Planning and Initiatives

The Advanced Planning and Initiatives Directorate (AP&I) pulls

together the mission of the center and leverages the capabilities that

ECBC possesses. AP&I is also responsible for strategic planning for the

entire center as well as technical outreach. AP&I ensures that ECBC's

technological breakthroughs and scientific expertise are transitioned to

non-Department of Defense organizations, including other government

agencies, industry, and U.S. allies throughout the world. AP&I also

manages an extensive program of international scientific and technical

collaboration in CB defense on behalf of the Joint Services. One of the strongest “hands on”

elements at ECBC is the CB

Services Directorate, which

provides a full range of

chemical surety and biological

materiel management services.
ECBC has some of the most advanced chemical

and biological research facilities in the United

States as well as the latest in computer-aided

design and engineering.

PM/PEO Matrix Support

More than 300 ECBC scientists,

engineers, and support personnel

employees are matrixed to various

Army Program Managers (PMs)

and Program Executive Offices

(PEOs), such as the Program

Manager for Chemical

Demilitarization and Project

Manager for Nuclear, Biological,

and Chemical Defense Systems. 

Infrastructure

ECBC has some of the most

advanced chemical and biological

research facilities in the United

States as well as the latest in

computer-aided design and

engineering. These facilities and

the experts who work in them keep

the Center at the forefront of CB

defense research. ECBC operates

more than 25 facilities, including a

Biosafety Level 3 laboratory and

a Critical Reagent Repository,

which stores and validates all

immunological and DNA-based

biodetection reagents for the

Department of Defense. ECBC's

facilities provide more than

1,500,000 square feet of space,

approximately 57% of which is

laboratory space.
Capabilities

ECBC’s background and expertise make it a popular source for

technology solutions. ECBC technologies help protect critical sites across

the country, and many businesses and government agencies approach

the Center to request equipment testing, field training, and support from

ECBC personnel. With this extensive “hands on” capability, ECBC is

helping to protect both U.S. warfighters and our homeland. There are

several examples of ECBC”s extensive and diverse capabilities that

include:

Homeland Defense: ECBC has trained over 28,000 first responders in

105 communities across the country under Congress’ Domestic

Preparedness Program (DP Program), enhancing nuclear, biological and

chemical preparedness nationwide. ECBC continues to support the DP

Program and offers several training courses for the first responder

community.

Testing: Through formal agreements, ECBC tests technologies and

equipment at its facilities for other government agencies and private

industry. Although ECBC cannot endorse any commercially available

products, we can provide valuable unbiased test data so that our

customers can make informed decisions. 

Sampling and Analysis: ECBC developed mobile or

“flyaway” laboratories to support the international

chemical weapons treaties. ECBC designs these

laboratories today for a variety of organizations,

including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In

addition, ECBC personnel can go on-site and

collect samples and bring them back to ECBC

laboratories for analysis. 

Building Protection: ECBC provides technical

advice and consultative services to a number of

federal, state, and local agencies. ECBC personnel

can assess the adequacy of existing building

protection and the vulnerability of buildings. 

ECBC’s Uniqueness

ECBC is one of a few of the

Army’s and Department of

Defense’s total lifecycle

research, development and

engineering centers. ECBC

possesses a full spectrum of

capabilities ranging from

basic and applied

research,

technology

development,

engineering,

system

acquisition to

fielding and

ultimately

demilitarization. 
Many scientific advancements occur at federally-owned laboratories.

These advancements are not only valuable to the government, but they

are also valuable to private businesses doing similar research and

development. ECBC is an active participant in the federal

technology transfer program. We also make available our

various research facilities to perform a variety of tests and

evaluations on CB equipment. 

Types of Agreements

There are several ways in which commercial industry

and non-Department of Defense organizations can

partner with ECBC. These include:

· Patent Licensing Agreements (PLA)

· Cooperative Research and Development 

Agreements (CRADA)

· Test Services Agreements (TSA) 

· Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) 

· Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

· Support Agreement (Interagency Agreement) 

For more information, visit our Web site

http://www.sbccom.apgea.army.mil/RDA/orta/techtrans.htm 

or E-mail technical.outreach@sbccom.apgea.army.mil

Customers

ECBC’s commitment to excellence has resulted in work with a variety of

organizations and businesses that are making incredible advances in

technology. ECBC counts among its customers nearly every federal

agency including intelligence agencies, the Department of Justice, and

the Department of State. ECBC also has a rapidly growing number of

non-government partners, including businesses and universities. 

Partnering with ECBC

ECBC’s commitment

to excellence has

resulted in work with a

variety of organizations

and businesses that are

making incredible

advances in technology.
Protecting the warfighter

and U.S. Interests through

the application of science, 

technology, and engineering

in chemical and biological

defense since 1917

For more information about 

Edgewood Chemcial Biological Center

check out our Web site at: 

http://www.sbccom.army.mil

or email to 

technical.outreach@sbccom.apgea.army.mil