U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP)
Cooperative Threat Reduction Integrating Contract (CTRIC) III

• Provided CTRIC III Prime Contractor support for BS&S laboratory upgrades at the National Veterinary Laboratory facilities in Douala and Garoua, Cameroon. Led baseline facility assessments, identified equipment and supplies, developed comprehensive SOPs for priority pathogens, and delivered training, including simulation exercises. Strengthened BS&S frameworks and culture to prevent sale, theft, diversion, or accidental release of biological materials, technology, and expertise.

DTRA BTRP CTRIC III – Cameroon

• Provided IATA certification training for facility personnel and bolstered regulatory shipping processes for international specimen transport. Managed customs agreements, hand carry documents, and courier coordination.

DTRA BTRP CTRIC III

• Provided CTRIC III Prime Contractor support to enhance BS&S standards at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) in Thiès, Senegal in accordance with World Health Organization International Health Regulations and World Organization for Animal Health guidelines. Contributed to baseline and gap assessments, developed SOPs and diagnostic algorithms for priority pathogens, and administered comprehensive biorisk management mentorship preparing NPHL staff for International Federation of Biosafety Association’s Professional Certification in Biorisk Management.

DTRA BTRP
Biological Threat Reduction Integrating Contract (BTRIC)

• In support of BTRIC Prime Contractor, developed 50+ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Collaborative Biological Research projects in accordance with WHO International Health Regulations and the Global Biorisk Management Curriculum. SOPs addressed reagent procurement and storage, biorisk management, sample receipt/handling/packaging/transport, laboratory diagnostics, sample storage and disposal, inventory management, and reporting/communications, including sample referral protocols.

U.S. Department of State

• Strengthened DRC’s National Laboratory, The Institut National de la Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), biobank material control and accountability through the introduction of a Personnel Reliability Program in support of Prime Contractor. Enhanced physical security measures at INRB’s high-containment laboratory to secure vulnerable highly consequential pathogens, including Ebola samples. Introduced systems ensuring continuous chain of custody and access controls for dangerous biological materials.

U.S. Department of State

• In support of Prime Contractor, developed and delivered a virtual training program for public and private life science and biotechnology researchers from academia, laboratories, and research institutes across multiple countries in Eastern Europe and the Baltics. Trained 122 professionals on recognizing and mitigating risks associated with dual-use research, including understanding dual-use concerns, know-your-collaborator/customer protocols, potential misuse of toxins in pharmaceutical research, risk assessment and identification, best practices for risk reduction, and strategies for regional collaboration to counter exploitation by adversarial states.

U.S. Department of State

• Assisted Prime Contractor with the identification and engagement of researchers at public and private pharmaceutical and drug discovery facilities across five Southeast Asian countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia) for participation in training on protecting sensitive biological research from exploitation by states with malign intent. Mapped research facilities, established points of contact, and identified 300+ candidates for online coursework on recognizing exploitation risks and developing institutional mitigation measures.

U.S. Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP)

• Supported laboratory BS&S capacity building across military health facilities in Sierra Leone, DRC, Republic of Congo, and Niger. Implemented quality systems, proficiency testing panels, and safe specimen handling procedures aligned with national and international standards for HIV, TB, and STI diagnostics.