Combating Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

As discussed in Chapter 3, collaborative research with the private sector should beencouraged, particularly in the area of vaccine development and possibly protectionagainst viruses. Challenges in doing this include protection of intellectual property,indemnification, and the public relations aspects of being involved in defense related work.New legislation may be required on procedures for approving new means of medicalprotection and treatment to reduce industry risks, with the caveat that careful oversight isin place and reasonable steps are taken.Strong interagency coordination mechanisms to better integrate research anddevelopment activities of HHS and USDA with other major technology producers, such asthe Departments of Defense and Energy, particularly in the areas of developing andfielding biosensors, need to be established. In Chapter 3, the Commission recommendedthe creation of a government-wide technology acquisition plan. Both HHS and USDA mustparticipate in the development of this plan.Finally, owing to significant technical challenges, management must create a workenvironment that sustains enthusiasm for finding solutions regardless how long it takes.Recommendation 5.34: The National Director should ensure that the HHS budgetincludes resources for the Director of the National Institutes of Health to establisha comprehensive program in vaccine development and other means of protectionand treatment that makes use of the huge private sector store of knowledge andtechnology.Recommendation 5.35: USDA and HHS should continue to work closely withUSAMRIID and others in the national security community to ensure that theircooperative efforts with the former Soviet Union do not inadvertently enhance orsustain any offensive biological or chemical weapons capability.93