GAO identifies challenges for dealing with biological threats

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently reviewed reports issued from December 2009 through March 2019 on various biological threats and biodefense efforts.

The agency concluded many challenges remain.

GAO concluded in 2011 that there was no broad, integrated national strategy and recommended the development of a national biodefense strategy.

In response, the Trump Administration issued the National Biodefense Strategy and other plans in September 2018.

“However, because implementation of the strategy is in early stages, it remains to be seen how or to what extent the agencies responsible for implementation will institutionalize mechanisms to help the nation make the best use of limited biodefense resources. GAO is currently reviewing the strategy and will report out later this year.”

Remaining challenges include establishing methods to leverage threat awareness information to direct resources and set budgetary priorities, integrate data across the federal government to enhance detection and situational awareness of biological events, and taking actions to avoid safety and security lapses at laboratories.

GAO recommended in 2015 the Department of Homeland Security not pursue upgrades until it takes steps to establish BioWatch’s technical capabilities, but upgrades continue.

GAO has issued numerous agency recommendations and is monitoring ongoing efforts. Multiple agencies have taken steps to address challenges as of June, the GAO said.