Biodefense: DHS Exploring New Methods to Replace BioWatch and Could Benefit from Additional Guidance

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1174785 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Early detection of a biological attack can help reduce illness and loss of life, but DHS has faced challenges in acquiring biodetection capabilities to replace BioWatch, the current system used to detect aerosolized biological attacks. According to DHS, it is exploring the use of a new anomaly detection capability that, if developed successfully, could reduce the time to detection. GAO was asked to examine the BD21 acquisition and assess technical maturity. This report (1) describes BD21 and the extent to which the program has followed DHS's acquisition policy, and (2) examines potential technical challenges to successful BD21 development, and actions to mitigate acquisition risks. GAO analyzed program acquisition documents against DHS acquisition policy and analyzed DHS's TRA guide against GAO's TRA best practices guide. GAO also interviewed DHS and DOD officials familiar with the BD21 acquisition effort for additional context.

Author(s):
Howard, Karen L. ; Currie, Chris P.
Author Organization(s):
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
Funding Organization(s):
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE, WASHINGTON , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Congressional Report
Publication Date:
2021 May 01
Pagination:
71

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
GAO-21-292
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Biotechnology
Communities of Interest:
Biomedical
Descriptor(s):
systems engineering, test and evaluation, detection, detectors, united states government, weapons of mass destruction, biosensors, department of homeland security, infectious diseases, public health, biological detection, department of defense, homeland security, manufacturing, medical personnel, synthetic biology, terrorists
Keyword(s):
biodefense
Subject Categories:
Military Sciences; Navigation, Detection and Countermeasures
Creation Date:
2022 Jul 21
Update Date:
2022 Sep 12