The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has successfully constructed and commissioned the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas, marking a significant milestone in protecting the United States against animal diseases that pose threats to the food supply, agricultural economy, and public health. NBAF, the first biosafety level-4 containment laboratory in the country capable of housing large livestock animals, is set to become a vital national security asset.
Managed by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) with support from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), the project was completed under a $1.25 billion budget over a span of 17 years. NBAF replaces the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a biosafety level-3 facility in New York, which has been operational for over 65 years.
Ownership of the NBAF site will soon be transferred from DHS to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a phased transition that began in April 2021, with full mission transfer expected to take a couple of years. While DHS's responsibility for NBAF ends with the completion of construction, the strategic partnership between DHS and USDA will continue to ensure the protection of the nation's food supply, agriculture economy, and public health.
Recognized for its commitment to sustainable development, NBAF has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The facility's design encompasses cutting-edge features that exceed sustainability expectations, making it the first large-scale federal biocontainment laboratory in the United States to achieve LEED Gold certification or better.
The completion of NBAF's construction and commissioning, delivered within budget and with exceptional federal oversight, is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the DHS team. To celebrate this joint agency achievement, a ribbon-cutting event was held on May 24 at the NBAF site in Manhattan, Kansas, hosted by USDA.
As NBAF transitions into full operation under USDA, the facility will play a crucial role in defending the nation's food, agriculture, and veterinary systems against both intentional and naturally occurring high-consequence events. The collaboration between DHS, USDA, and various stakeholders across federal and state governments, academia, and the private sector will ensure the enhancement of research and development efforts to strengthen the security and resilience of the food and agriculture sector.
Photo Credit: GettyImage-JamesBrey
Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy