MAJOR RANGE AND TEST FACILITY BASE (MRTFB)
Abstract
Project provides the technical and operational capability for testing Department of Defense (DoD) Chemical and Biological (CB) and Non Traditional Agent (NTA) defense materiel, equipment, and systems from concept through production to include associated special operations Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures Development (TTPD) activities at West Desert Test Center (WDTC), and the Biological Test Branch of the Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (BTB-ECBC), both part of the Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) located at Dugway Proving Ground (DPG). Project provides overhead (institutional) funding required to operate WDTC and BTB-ECBC in compliance with Section 232 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY03 (Public Law 107-314 - December 2002). WDTC and BTB-ECBC are the reliance centers for all DoD CB defense testing and provide the United States' only combined range, chamber, toxic chemical lab, and bio-safety level-3 (BSL-3) test facility. Total institutional test operating costs are to be provided by the OSD Chemical and Biological Defense Program IAW Program Budget Decision 250 (1996). WDTC and BTB-ECBC use state-of-the-art chemical and life sciences test facilities and test chambers to perform CB defense testing of protective gear, decontamination systems, detectors, equipment, and non-materiel CB defense solutions while maintaining safety, security, and surety of chemical agents and biological pathogens. WDTC also provides test ranges, to include fully instrumented outdoor ranges, for TTPD activities and testing with simulants that can be correlated to the laboratory testing with live agents to ensure reliable and repeatable data is generated to support acquisition decisions of CB defense equipment. The Secretary of the Army has been directed to conduct additional research addressing existing gaps in scientific knowledge encompassing the Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) Program. The transition of the Bio-Testi Branch (BTB) to Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) will enable the DoD BSAT Biosafety Program to meet end to end enterprise tracking, reporting, and auditability requirements within an approved Governance, Risks, and Compliance framework. The laboratory commanders and directors are best able to identify potential risk through the use of local risk assessments and are responsible to promote cultures of safety and responsibility. Direct liaison with and oversight by the Executive Agent Responsible Officer will ensure laboratory directors or MRTFB commander are empowered and supported in their operational environment. The ultimate responsibility for the safe and secure receipt, storage, handling, shipment and transfer of BSAT resides with the laboratory director or MRTFB commander in accordance with Army, Navy, Air Force, and Federal policies and regulations. The implementation of a structured BSAT Biosafety Program includes clear standards and procedures, policy and regulations, peer review, quality control, accountability and oversight, adequate resources and infrastructure, and continuous process improvement. Through these means employees and members of the public are protected against the hazards associated with BSAT.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- DW6_0605384BP_6_0400_PB_2019
Related Documents
- Root: CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE (RDT&E MGT SUPPORT)
- Child Accomplishment: 1) BTB TEST - Civilian Labor
- Child Accomplishment: 2) BTB TEST - LSTF 24-Hour Support
- Child Accomplishment: 3) BTB TEST - Sustainment
- Child Accomplishment: 4) BTB TEST - Support
- Child Accomplishment: 5) WDTC, MRTFB - Civilian Labor
- Child Accomplishment: 6) WDTC, MRTFB - Sustainment
- Child Accomplishment: 7) WDTC, MRTFB - Support
- Child Accomplishment: 8) WDTC, MRTFB - Contractor Labor, Overhead
- Child Accomplishment: 9) NON-TRADITIONAL AGENT (NTA) TEST