The past two years saw notable advances in biotechnology and other disruptive technologies that are expanding the scope and diversity of biothreats across the globe, including Russian and Chinese activities that U.S. national security leaders are watching closely. To help government customers address the myriad challenges, the NSRI chemical and biological defense team focused on research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) of next-generation chemical and biological threat sensors and decontamination systems; rapid prototyping of novel collection; exploitation and detection systems on robotic platforms; and assessment and analysis of emerging threats, risks, capabilities and vulnerabilities.
The team significantly expanded NSRI’s advanced sequencing capabilities, capacity and access to NU campuses. Among many achievements, the institute was awarded a new $16 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. Additionally, the team expanded the NSRI Space Coast Field Office located in Melbourne, Florida, to include an advanced sequencing and sample exploitation laboratory. All of this positions NSRI as a responsive support to government sponsors as they pivot to address emerging man-made and naturally occurring threats.
Significant growth in chemical defense projects inspired a 15,000-square-foot expansion of the NSRI Conference Center and Laboratory in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. The team delivered advanced sensing systems to accomplish hard target surveillance and reconnaissance and unmanned system-based CWMD capabilities with associated enabling technologies. A newly developed hazardous chemical extraction system was created to safely extract, transport and store hazardous chemicals from field munitions and storage containers.
Looking forward, NSRI seeks to expand RDT&E efforts by enhancing sequencing capabilities, leaning into its experience and expertise in early warning and networking sensors, including robotic platforms, and incorporating broader applications of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, modeling and bioinformatics.
