What is the NBAF project?
The National Bio and Agro-defense Facility -- or NBAF -- is a $451 million national defense laboratory being proposed by the Department of Homeland Security.
Homeland Security proposed the lab because there is a gap in the nation’s strategy against bioterrorism -- namely in the nation’s ability to stave off and quash agricultural disease. Scientists at the facility will research biological threats and develop vaccines and other countermeasures to prevent and combat these diseases. NBAF will be America’s first line of defense in the war against animal and agricultural disease.
Why Manhattan?
Manhattan is home to Kansas State University -- where a large pool of widely recognized experts in livestock medicine, food science and infectious diseases exists. The university's National Agricultural Biosecurity Center and the newly built Biosecurity Research Institute (the nation's most modern BSL-3 agricultural facility of its kind) are testament to K-State’s investment in the biosciences. If the Manhattan site is chosen, the Institute can become a temporary home to federal research while lab is being built.
Manhattan is also literally at the heart of agriculture. Nearly half of the nation's fed cattle, 40 percent of the U.S. hog population, and 20 percent of the U.S. beef cows and calves are within a 350-mile radius of Kansas. As the west end of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, private assets, research facilities, specialists, collaborative organizations, and several institutions of higher education surround Manhattan.
This facility will also have an important economic impact, as it’s anticipated to generate an economic return of $3.5 billion over the next 20 years. Because it will attract private biotechnology companies and a professional workforce, the federal lab will help support the state’s infrastructure, attract more businesses to the area, and create even more collaborative opportunities.
Where would the NBAF be located?
The Manhattan site is on the north end of K-State’s campus, on the hill between the Biosecurity Research Institute and K-State’s Research Park. The site has excellent highway access and is close to an international transportation network.
What is the lab's function and what kind of research will be conducted at the NBAF?
The National Bio and Agro-defense Facility will bolster the nation's ability to protect its agricultural resources and the public from biological threats. Diseases up for study at the facility include Foot and Mouth Disease, Classical and African swine fevers, Rift Valley Fever, Nipah and Hendra viruses, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis virus. Federal scientists will be charged with developing vaccines and other countermeasures to prevent and combat these diseases.
A majority of the lab space at the facility will fall into the Biosafety Level 3 categories. Between 10 and 20 percent of the lab space will also be dedicated to organisms in the Biosafety Level 4 category. There are four levels of biosafety and the higher the number, the more precautions required to work in those areas. (CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VARIOUS BIOSAFETY LEVELS AND WHAT THEY MEAN.)
What are zoonotic diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Examples are rabies, tuberculosis, and lyme disease.
How safe is the lab? Couldn’t some of these diseases get out into the community?
Such labs are exceptionally safe and secure. Employees in similar facilities are strictly supervised by scientists who are trained and experienced in the latest techniques used in bioscience. Laboratory access is strictly controlled and the structure of the facility has layers upon layers of redundancy built in. Such facilities are engineered for self-containment, security, and safety. For example, the Biosecurity Research Institute contains several air handling systems and has a backup power generator capable of keeping the facility going for hours. Lab employees are also required to wear specially designed protective clothing and follow strict protocol when entering and exiting the labs.
For more answers about how safe the NBAF is click here.
Would NBAF impact K-State faculty and students?
Yes. The location of a high-level laboratory on a campus will provide a multitude of collaborative opportunities. That means good things for faculty and student research. Student internships on the cutting-edge of bioscience are also a strong possibility. Such a lab will also keep more of K-State’s graduates from moving out of the area, because they’ll be in high demand right here.
Who is overseeing the NBAF for Kansas project?
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has established a special Task Force to help Kansas secure the bid for this extraordinary opportunity. The Task Force is comprised of Manhattanites, as well as leading scientists, industry leaders, and those who represent civic, academic, agricultural interests. The Governor has announced that landing NBAF in Kansas is a top bioscience priority for the state.
Have more questions about NBAF or want to suggest additional questions?
E-mail media@k-state.edu