The Office of National Laboratories (ONL) develops and utilizes a coordinated network of DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) laboratories and Department of Energy national laboratories. This extensive network of laboratories:

• Facilitates the delivery of enduring capabilities vital to DHS and the national homeland security mission; and
• Houses some of the most advanced scientific expertise and capabilities in the world.

As a result, the Homeland Security Enterprise is able to leverage, transfer, and apply this wealth of expertise to inform policy, improve operations, and advance research in support of homeland security.

Department of Homeland Security Laboratories
The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological threats, bioterror, and biocrime.

Since 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) has served as the front line of the nation’s defense against diseases that could devastate markets for livestock, meat, and other animal products. PIADC can diagnose foreign animal diseases (FADs) and domestic animal diseases that may resemble them. The center continues to develop diagnostic tools as well as vaccines, antivirals, and other means for preventing or treating FADs, including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). In June 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted a conditional license to the world’s first molecular FMD vaccine for use in cattle. Developed at PIADC, this is the first licensed FMD vaccine that can be manufactured on the U.S. mainland.

The National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF) will be the nation’s only large-livestock BSL-4 biocontainment facility for the study of zoonotic diseases. When completed, NBAF will be a state-of-the-art biocontainment facility where DHS will conduct research; develop diagnostic tools; develop vaccines and other countermeasures; and train veterinarians to recognize and treat foreign animal diseases and emerging and zoonotic diseases that threaten the U.S. animal agriculture, the economy, and public health.

The Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC) provides a scientific basis for confirming a chemical threat and attributing chemical use by a terrorist.

ONL also works with the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL), which is managed by S&T’s Acquisition Support and Operations Analysis group, and the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) which is managed by S&T’s First Responders Group as part of its integrated network of S&T laboratories.