Department of Homeland Security Awards NBAF Contract to Merrick

Merrick & Company will support the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate in the development of operational planning, IT infrastructure, biorepository transfer, and acquisition of future contracts for stand-up and operation of the new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) now under construction in Manhattan, Kansas. The Operational Planning and Technology Integration Contract (OPTIC) creates an operational framework to support an overarching culture of safety throughout all elements of the NBAF program while providing a solid foundation for NBAF to maintain safe, secure, and effective operations well into its operational life. Under OPTIC, the Merrick team provides subject matter expertise and support to the NBAF federal management team to transition from construction activities, ongoing since March 2013, to the establishment of the primary operations contract in fall 2018, and continuing through the stand-up process to full operating capability by the end of 2022. OPTIC also lays the foundation for the future operations support contract by defining the required capabilities, resources, systems, and performance requirements. Once steady-state operations are achieved, Merrick will provide the NBAF federal management team with quality assurance services. Merrick is the prime on the OPTIC contract and is supported by other sub-contractors including small businesses.

Slated for completion in spring of 2021, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility will be a state-of-the-art biocontainment facility for the study of foreign animal, emerging, and zoonotic diseases that threaten U.S. animal agriculture and public health. With the award of OPTIC, operational plans are well underway to confidently deliver the full capabilities of the joint DHS/USDA NBAF mission. The OPTIC contract, which will be delivered by Merrick’s Life Sciences unit, has a value of $32 million over ten years.