National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Opens in Kansas

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) opened in May of 2023 in Manhattan, Kan. Enabling the rapid detection and mitigation of animal and human pathogens, the $1.25 billion complex provides state-of-the-art biocontainment labs supported by robust ventilation and decontamination systems. Sited on 48 acres adjacent to Kansas State University, the 708,000-sf development provides enhanced diagnostic and research capabilities to protect the country from emerging, zoonotic, and foreign animal diseases. The main laboratory spans 574,000 gsf and offers BSL-2, ACL-2, BSL-3, ACL-3, BSL-3Ag, and BSL-4 environments, including the first BSL-4 large animal suite in the United States. Housing approximately 400 personnel, NBAF also includes offices, support spaces, animal holding, and a pilot-scale production plant for the creation of vaccines and other countermeasures.

The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate managed the design and construction of the facility, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Perkins&Will led the NBAF Design Partnership which included Flad Architects, Merrick & Company, Affiliated Engineers, and WSP. Delivered by a joint venture of Mortenson and McCarthy Building Companies, the project was built to withstand a tornado and still maintain static containment, with redundant infrastructure ensuring continued operations in adverse conditions. Ground was broken in May of 2015 on the complex, which will replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center.