DTR is comprised of two main branches: the Standards and Policy Branch (SPB) and the Technical Support Branch (TSB).  The DTR conducts ground breaking bioenvironmental research to improve indoor air quality and save energy in biomedical laboratories, animal research and health care facilities.

SPB’s responsibilities are to develop and maintain ORF  policies  and standard operating procedures and develop national and international standards (Facilities Polices and Guidelines) based on best practices and state-of-the-art bioenvironmental research to improve indoor air quality and save energy in biomedical laboratories, animal research and health care facilities conducted at the NIH.

TSB’s responsibilities are to ensure that NIH facilities design and construction conforms to applicable regulations, codes and standards, policies and guidelines; implements new policies and provides oversight and surveillance of NIH intramural and extramural design and construction initiatives.

DTR Major responsibilities are:

1. Conducts ground breaking bio-environmental research, complex technical analysis, comprehensive forecasting models and risk assessments for new methodologies.
2. Leads select nationally and internationally recognized standards and codes committees and is a contributing member in organizations such as ANSI and ASHRAE. Participates in the development of national and international standards for biomedical and health care facilities.
3. Provides consultant services and support to other Federal agencies engaged in both national and international programs to promote the application of  best engineering design and construction practices for biosafety levels 2, 3 and 4, equipment operability, safety and security, indoor air quality, energy conservation, and utility infrastructure for local, national and international facilities.
4. Represents ORF in the technical design and construction oversight of extramural and international biocontainment and health care facility programs.
5. Develop performance management methods to evaluate, improve and enhance delivery of facilities.
6. Provide ORF staff training to ensure effective implementation of policies and procedures.
7. Prepare the facilities section of the NIH Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Plan.