Specific Aims Discipline A: Microbiology Analytical Track 1: Food Defense To ensure Laboratory surge capacity for the analysis of foods and food products related to microbiological contamination, through intentional means, and to enhance the network capacity and readiness of State BSL2+ and BSL3 laboratories. 1. Participate in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-requested exercises, and/or surveillance activities to support and maintain readiness. 2. Participate in national special security event exercises, as available. 3. Maintain preparedness to rapidly respond to a suspected or confirmed intentional contamination event involving human or animal food. This includes ensuring that BSL2+ and/or BSL 3 facilities are certified, if necessary, and fully functional, analysts are trained and have passed competency exercises, equipment is in working order, and reagents and supplies are available. 4. Participate in testing associated with suspected or credible threats to the food supply where a microbiological agent is suspected, as requested by FDA. The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories (NH PHL) will support laboratory surge capacity for the analysis of foods and food products related to intentional microbial contamination. The activities of the NH PHL will enhance the laboratory network capacity and readiness of state BSL2+ and BSL3 laboratories in the integrated food safety system. NH PHL will participate and pass annual proficiency tests, attend the LFFM Face-to-Face meeting and monthly calls, maintain ISO 17025 accreditation, maintain facilities and personnel necessary to complete the work proposed, and provide a detailed quarterly summary of all samples collected and analyzed. The NH PHL will maintain a valid 20.88 agreement with the FDA.