Chemical and Biological Defense Program

The Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) under Program Element (PE) 0605384BP is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative focused on research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) management support to enable DoD missions in chemical and biological environments. The program's overarching goal is to provide integrated, layered capabilities for combat operations and domestic incident prevention and response. FY 2026 funding emphasizes accelerating the characterization and situational awareness of emerging biothreats, as well as improving protection and mitigation strategies, including the rapid repurposing of therapeutics and development of new vaccines.

LS6: Laboratory Support (Mgmt Support) is a key line item within the CBDP, providing operating support for the sustainment and modernization of surety laboratory infrastructure. This project ensures the DoD maintains and enhances its infrastructure to counter expanding threats, exploit technological advances, and develop and transition chemical and biological defense equipment and countermeasures to the warfighter. Specific objectives include the modernization of laboratory infrastructure at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Chemical Biological Center (CBC) and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC). The project also includes the development of the Agent Mannikin Integrated Ensemble Examination (AMIEE) capability for advanced protective ensemble testing.

The Laboratory Infrastructure (LABINF) - DEVCOM CBC component focuses on sustaining and modernizing CBRNE test infrastructure, supporting safe operations in biological and chemical surety laboratories, and validating materials for individual and collective protection filters. DEVCOM CBC also provides live testing for respirator equipment, supporting the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) CBRN respirator certification program, which benefits both military and domestic first responders. The modernization efforts are designed to ensure continuity of operations and environmental compliance.

Laboratory Infrastructure (LABINF) - MRDC supports critical CB defense activities at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defense (USAMRICD). The objectives include laboratory operations, facilities sustainment, maintenance, repair, security, and regulatory compliance. These efforts are essential for countering an expanding threat space and transitioning CB defense equipment and countermeasures to operational use.

The Agent Mannikin Integrated Ensemble Examination (AMIEE) project aims to develop a U.S.-based full ensemble mannikin test capability using a modernized humanoid robot. This capability enables comprehensive permeation testing of individual protective ensembles, accelerating the test and evaluation of new protective equipment for chemical and biological threats. The project received Congressional approval as a new start in FY 2025, with continued funding in FY 2026 for further development and setup.

MS6: Management Support (Mgmt Support) provides programmatic oversight and integration for the CBDP, managed by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs and Policy (ODASD(ND-CBD)) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for CBRN Defense (DASD(CBRND)). This line item encompasses a range of management activities, including biosafety research support, biodefense logistics situational awareness, executive agent secretariat management, acquisition knowledge systems, joint concepts and requirements analysis, test infrastructure coordination, financial management, program analysis, and workforce biosafety enhancements. Each sub-project is designed to ensure regulatory compliance, improve readiness, streamline acquisition and oversight processes, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the chemical and biological defense enterprise.