Appendix
Statement of Work
The DOD Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD) commissions the National Research Council to evaluate the requirement for whole-system live agent testing (WSLAT) for biological point-detection systems in general, and the efficacy of its WSLAT proposal. Resolution of this issue impacts fielding to support battlefield missions as well as homeland defense missions. The National Research Council will:
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Review current biological point-detection system testing protocols and integrated evaluation methodologies, as well as potential near-future development and operational testing protocols, and assess the feasibility and benefits of the DOT&E requirement for a system-level, active agent testing capability. In particular, the review will consider use of (1) active agent testing up through the system component level, (2) inactivated agents (including nonpathogenic and gamma-irradiated), and (3) simulants. In evaluating the use of simulants, it will consider the nature and robustness of agent-simulant correlations (including correlation between various challenge scenarios, including both ambient breeze tunnel and field trials.) The review should consider the additional knowledge and confidence gained at each level of testing. The study will also identify risks associated with executing whole-system live agent testing for biological point detectors.
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Review the WSLAT proposal provided under a study from the West Desert Test Center, Dugway Proving Ground. This review will consider the scientific, technological, and regulatory aspects of the WSLAT pro-
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posal to support test and evaluation of current and near-future biological point-detection systems. In particular, the review shall independently ascertain the ability of the WSLAT proposal to support an evaluation of biological point-detection system technical and operational requirements, including risk associated with design, development, and verification/ validation of the WSLAT proposal. This review will include consideration of the procedures needed to operate a large bio-level 3 facility, and the disposal and decontamination of tested items.
