Homeland Security Biowatch Program

The BioWatch program is a federally managed, locally operated early warning system that is designed to detect the intentional release of select aerosolized biological agents. The BioWatch program’s mission is to deploy, sustain, and maintain a 24x7x365 operational ability to detect, and respond to a bioterrorist event in metropolitan areas across the country. The DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) administers the BioWatch program and is currently engaged in advanced development, test, evaluation and operations to improve sampling technologies, collection procedures, sample analysis, and develop and implement a next generation biodetection system. The Biowatch program and PPD-8 share the following elements. • First, in accordance with the National Preparedness Goal, the Biowatch program provides a comprehensive strategy for countering biological terrorism. • Next, following the National Preparedness System and the BioWatch Program is a federally managed, locally operated early warning operational capability designed to enhance national preparedness. The program provides an early warning system that detects the release of a select biological agent that may pose a danger to the public health in select jurisdictions. • Biowatch, in accordance with the National Planning Frameworks and Federal Interagency Operational Plans, acts as an early warning system which enhances the security of jurisdictions by providing the needed time to execute their comprehensive concept of operations plans to counter biological terrorism. In addition, the BioWatch program provides advice and guidance to jurisdictions to develop biological preparedness programs that properly address the needed mitigation plans that reduces the negative impacts to a biological attack. The Biowatch program is a critical part of an ongoing effort to build and sustain preparedness which helps the United States maintain momentum through targeted jurisdictional planning that highlights preventative actions necessary to allow for a proper and timely response and begin the process to recovery from a biological agent release. To provide funding and/or property for the conduct of operations and other related activities intended to identify, counter, or respond to biological and chemical threats.

Generally, State and local governments or as specified by U.S. Appropriation Statute. Specific applicant eligibility will be identified in the funding opportunity announcement and program guidance.

State and local governments.

An application (SF-424, Budget, program or project narrative and assurances) must be submitted that outlines the implementation of the project and expenditure of funds in response to the project identified through the announcement.

Applications or plans are reviewed by DHS program and administrative staff, concerns negotiated with the applicant, and award processed.

The range of approval depends on the type of project to be funded.