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Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Statement by Marc S. Hollander, Acting Center Director Plum Island Animal Disease Center

Release Date: 07/31/03 00:00:00

When Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) was transferred to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on June 1, 2003, we began to take a fresh look at all issues relating to the operations of the facility, including the transferred contracts.  

As part of our ongoing assessment, we have concluded that the current terms and scope of the North Fork Services Joint Venture contract are insufficient to operate the facility in accordance with our standards and mission responsibilities.  Therefore, we have chosen not to exercise our option to renew that contract.  We will, however, exercise our right under the current contract to extend the period of performance of services through December 31, 2003, in order to allow for continuation of support services and an orderly transition to a new contractor.

The Department views Plum Island as a critical national asset that provides vital research to combat the threat of agroterrorism against America.  We will continue to review the Island's assets and make adjustments to reflect the scope of our overall mission.

 

This page was last reviewed/modified on 07/31/03 00:00:00.